🧰 For BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst)

• Credential

  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

  • Active certification in good standing; no sanction that would impair practice.

• Education

  • Master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited program.

  • BACB-approved coursework aligned with BCBA requirements.

• Experience & fieldwork

  • Completion of required supervised fieldwork hours as dictated by the BACB (typical ranges exist; exact hours depend on current BACB standards).

  • Supervised practice prior to or concurrent with the certification process.

• Certification & maintenance

  • Pass the BCBA certification exam.

  • Maintain certification through ongoing BACB-approved continuing education (CE) activities.

• Scope of practice in HCS

  • Develop, implement, and oversee individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs).

  • Collect, analyze, and use data to monitor resident progress and adjust interventions.

  • Train and supervise direct care staff on behavior support strategies; ensure least restrictive means.

  • Collaborate with medical, nursing, and therapy teams; document interventions and outcomes.

  • Ensure compliance with rights-based, positive behavior support approaches and HHSC rules.

• Supervision & regulatory context

  • In many HCS settings, BCBA provides clinical leadership for behavior services; may supervise BCaBAs or RBTs (if engaged). No Texas state license specifically for BCBAs exists; licensure/credentialing is governed by BACB standards, with TAC requirements applying via program policies.

🧩 For Behavioral Specialist (non-BCBA, or entry-level ABA-focused role)

• Credential options

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in psychology, special education, applied behavior analysis, or a related field.

  • Not required to be BCBA, but preferred to have ABA training or certification (e.g., RBT supervised by a BCBA, or BCaBA if applicable).

• Qualifications that are commonly sought

  • Experience implementing ABA-based strategies or positive behavior support plans.

  • Training in data collection, behavior recording, and basic BFAs/BIPs under supervision.

  • Ability to train and support Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in behavior strategies.

  • Strong collaboration skills with families, residents, and the care team.

• Education & certification pathways

  • If not a BCBA, many programs hire with a bachelor’s or master’s in a related field and require or encourage certification standards (e.g., RBT with BCBA supervision, or BCaBA pathway). Note: RBTs are typically supervised by a BCBA or BCaBA; RBTs themselves do not design or supervise BSPs.

• Role in the HCS setting

  • Assist in identifying behavioral needs, implementing BSPs under supervision, collecting data, and supporting staff training.

  • Coordinate with BCBA for assessment updates, plan revisions, and compliance with regulations.

🧭 Common duties across both roles (in HCS)

• Conduct or support FBAs and BSPs; implement behavior interventions.

• Data collection, analysis, and progress reporting.

• Staff training on behavior support, crisis de-escalation, and positive behavior strategies.

• Ensure interventions are rights-respecting and align with least-restrictive practices.

• Documentation of plans, progress, incidents, and regulatory compliance.

• Collaboration with nursing, therapy, case management, and governance teams.