Kennedy Krieger Institute·Baltimore, Maryland
The Behavior Associate supports classroom and clinical staff by implementing behavioral goals and crisis management strategies for students. They assist in the development and documentation of Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
Overview In accordance with the needs of the ages of the population served by Kennedy Krieger Institute, the Behavior Associate will support Classroom, Behavioral Services, and Mental Health/Clinical Staff.
This includes the training and implementation of crisis management strategies, which reflect knowledge of the range of disabilities treated in the school.
Additionally, the incumbent assists the Behavioral Services Case Managers with the implementation and documentation of behavioral supports, including Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and school-wide positive behavioral supports and interventions in concert with teaching staff and the members of the Mental Health team.
Critical features of this position are described under the headings below, but are subject to change at the discretion of the Institute and its management.
This job description reflects the designation of essential job functions but does not provide an all-inclusive list of duties that may be assigned.
Provide programmatic classroom coverage as needed and assigned by their supervisor. Respond to behavioral crises as part of school-wide crisis management procedures. Implement behavioral goals and objectives for individual students as stated in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Implement appropriate behavior management strategies and protocols for students. Use appropriate documentation materials and maintain appropriate records on students. Assist school staff with proper and accurate documentation including through the school incident reporting system. Provide support and oversight in the school’s resource areas including through behavioral supports, documentation, and ensuring that Kennedy Krieger school program policies and procedures are maintained at all times. Maintain a safe and orderly environment in the resource areas. Assist Behavioral Services Case Managers in classrooms with functional behavioral assessments (FBA), behavior intervention plan (BIP) conception, implementation (including coordinating acquisition or development of materials necessary to implement protocols), and maintenance. Assist Behavioral Services Case Managers with writing reports, graphing data, and providing documentation of FBAs and BIPs. Review the collection of data for evaluation of effective classroom practice. Assist with the collection and review of necessary documentation for Therapeutic Behavioral Aide billing. Provide Behavioral Services Case Managers and Administration with summarized program data as requested. Maintain communication with the clinical department and administrators regarding all issues pertaining to students on caseload. Assist Behavioral Services Case Managers and Supervisors with behavior and crisis management training and in-service training. *The individual will demonstrate the ability to appropriately aid the needs of children and adolescents with or without a developmental disability and their families. The individual will be able to address the needs of certain specific adults with disabilities on a case-by-case basis as determined by the physicians.
Must achieve, possess, and maintain certification in Professional Crisis Management (PCM) within the timeline established by the department. The department will provide a limited amount of certification opportunities. Individuals may obtain and provide documented evidence of required certification from an external provider. Must possess and maintain cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross. Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification preferred.
High school diploma or GED required. Associate’s degree in education, special education, or related area preferred.
Minimum one year of experience working with children with developmental disabilities is required. Minimum pay range Maximum pay range
Candidates must have a high school diploma and at least one year of experience working with children with developmental disabilities. Certification in Professional Crisis Management (PCM) and CPR is required, while RBT certification is preferred.
Market context
In Maryland, Behavior Associate roles are typically sought by schools and programs serving students with developmental disabilities, especially where crisis support and behavior intervention are part of daily care. This role is competitive because employers often want a high school diploma, direct experience with children, and active PCM and CPR credentials, with RBT certification preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certifications and tailor your application to hands-on child support experience.