In Australia, 42.9% of people have experienced a mental health disorder  at some point in their life. A mental health disorder often impacts a person’s cognition, behaviour, and emotion regulation. Sometimes a person’s behaviour can become concerning. For example, when they engage in aggression, self-injury, or even running away from support. This impacts the quality of their life and factors that further impact their mental health.
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a proven approach that can enhance the quality of life for these people and their families. PBS practitioners play a vital role in understanding the reasons behind behaviours of concern and helping to support positive change.
This article will guide you through the world of PBS. We’ll equip you with the knowledge you need to become a positive behaviour support practitioner.
What is Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Â is a framework for understanding and coping with challenging behaviours. It focuses on supporting individuals, not controlling them.Â
One of the key principles of PBS is a person-centred approach. PBS prioritises the person’s unique needs, preferences, and strengths. A keen focus is on improving their quality of life which typically also has a positive effect on behaviours of concern.
PBS promotes prevention and skill-building. This is done by focusing on proactive measures to prevent challenging behaviours in the first place. PBS practitioners rely on proven strategies that are effective in reducing these behaviours, by understanding the function of the behaviour (what the person is trying to communicate, or what they ‘get out of’ the behaviour) and its triggers.
Another key ingredient is a collaborative outlook that includes the individual and their family. Teaming up with support workers and other professionals has proven very successful. PBS is a systems approach because all the people in the client’s support system are included and work as a team.
As a positive behaviour support practitioner, you’ll play a key role in adopting these principles. You’ll work closely with participants and their support networks to identify the causes of challenging behaviours. You’ll then develop personalised intervention plans and track progress over time.
NDIS Positive Behaviour Support in Australia
The mental health disorderNational Disablity Insurance Scheme (NDIS) understands the need for positive behaviour support for people with disabilities. Therefore, NDIS funding allows access to PBS services, which helps people develop positive coping mechanisms and improve their quality of life.Â
Pursuing a career in positive behaviour support (NDIS) can be rewarding and impactful. The focus is on enhancing well-being and promoting positive, long-term changes. It ensures those with disabilities receive the best care and support to achieve their goals, no matter their challenges.
Education and Training
There’s no single path to becoming a PBS practitioner. However, most professionals hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as psychology, social work, education, or disability studies. A strong foundation in human development, behaviour analysis, and social-emotional learning is beneficial. Some have diplomas in relevant fields, or have worked in disability support.
Some may choose to pursue a master’s degree in applied behaviour analysis, special education, or a similar discipline. An advanced degree can enhance your expertise and open up leadership opportunities.
Whatever your educational background, ongoing training and professional development are vital. Exciting new research and strategies are always emerging. Therefore, staying up-to-date ensures you provide the most effective support possible.
Key Skills and Competencies
To thrive as a positive behaviour support practitioner, one must develop certain skills. What do these include?
Building Strong Relationships
You’ll need to build rapport with individuals who may be exhibiting challenging behaviours. This requires strong communication skills that help you to actively listen and empathise. In turn, this skill creates a safe space to connect.
It is also important to work closely with families, educators, and other professionals. This promotes a holistic approach to supporting positive behaviours.
Conducting Effective Assessments and Interventions
A critical skill is the ability to conduct functional behaviour assessments. You will identify the triggers that drive challenging behaviours and examine the maintaining variables that perpetuates the behaviour.
When you understand the “why” behind the behaviour, you can change it. You can then develop targeted interventions that address the root cause and promote positive outcomes.
Thankfully, there are a host of strategies available. Practitioners who make an effort to understand these can select from a range of options. An educated, tailored approach always benefits the individual.
Of course, accurate data collection is critical. Carefully tracking progress and making adjustments allows you to measure success. It will highlight how effective your strategies are and assist in continuous improvement.
Fostering a Collaborative Environment
PBS is a team effort, so strong teamwork and communication skills are essential for success. You’ll work with a mix of people, including families, educators, and other professionals. In the PBS space, this can often prove tricky.
Empathy and kind collaboration mean everyone is on the same page and working towards a common goal.
Career Paths and Job Opportunities
Many who choose a career in PBS enjoy the versatility it offers. You can work in various settings, including:
- Schools and educational settings
- Residential facilities and group homes
- Outpatient clinics and private practices
- Community-based organisations
- In patient hospital settings
- And also in corrective services (prisons)
PBS practitioners can have various job titles, such as behaviour specialist, behaviour analyst, or PBS consultant. Your chosen role will depend on your interests, qualifications, and career goals.
ORS Careers
At ORS Group, we’re committed to attracting talented individuals who share our drive and empathy. We offer a dynamic and supportive work environment. You’ll be able to grow alongside a thriving business that values its people and their ideas.Â
We believe in fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Our strong company values ensure we always deliver exceptional care, which we feel is especially important within mental health careers.Â
Yes, choosing positive behaviour support in Australia is a rewarding career path. It allows you to make a real difference in the lives of people with various difficulties and their families. PBS empowers these people to develop the skills they need to thrive and live fulfilling lives.
Let's Make a Difference
ORS Group is a leading provider of PBS training and support in Australia. Our team of skilled trainers cares deeply about helping people develop their skills and knowledge. We offer a range of PBS training programs designed to meet the needs of both beginners and experienced practitioners.
If you want to learn more about becoming a positive behaviour support practitioner, contact ORS Group today. We’ll help you explore your options and find the right training program. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of behavioural difficulties.
