The demand for professional behaviour support practitioners has grown in recent years, reflecting an increased understanding of how individuals with disabilities can benefit from specialist assessments and strategies. Working in this field requires compassion, strong analytical skills, and a thorough grasp of relevant frameworks.
This article explores the path towards becoming a behaviour support practitioner under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), covering essential qualifications and important guidance from the NDIS Commission.
What is Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred approach to supporting individuals with behavioural challenges to improve their quality of life. PBS aims to understand the reasons behind an individual’s challenging behaviour and develop proactive strategies to prevent these behaviours from occurring in the first place. This approach focuses on building the individual’s skills and strengths, rather than simply trying to reduce or eliminate problematic behaviours.
Read our full article on PBS here
What is a Behaviour Support Practitioner?
A behaviour support practitioner is a professional who develops and implements behaviour support plans for individuals with disabilities who may display behaviours of concern. By conducting assessments and identifying triggers, these practitioners help reduce challenging behaviours and enhance the person’s quality of life. Under the NDIS Commission, a practitioner must be considered suitable before they can undertake behaviour assessments or develop behaviour support plans.
A key requirement is working strictly within one’s knowledge, skills, and experience. Practitioners are either engaged by a registered NDIS provider or can register themselves as providers. Until the NDIS Commission formally considers you suitable, you cannot develop behaviour support plans or complete related assessments, even if you receive supervision.
Overview of the BSP Role
The role of a behaviour support practitioner involves:
- Carrying Out Assessments: Conducting functional behaviour assessments, gathering information about each person’s triggers, environment, and support needs.
- Developing Behaviour Support Plans: Outlining proactive and responsive strategies designed to reduce behaviours of concern, with strict guidelines on any use of restrictive practices.
- Training and Coaching: Guiding family members, carers, and support workers to implement the recommended strategies effectively.
- Monitoring Outcomes: Collecting data and tracking progress to determine whether the interventions are successful, adjusting the plan when needed.
- Ensuring Compliance: Adhering to NDIS and state or territory regulations, and lodging any plan containing regulated restrictive practices with the NDIS Commission.
Read our full article on the Role of the PBS Practitioner here
What Qualifications are needed to become a Behaviour Support Practitioner?
- Relevant Degree or Equivalent Experience: Most professionals in this field have qualifications in allied health, social work, developmental education, or psychology.
- Core Knowledge: Thorough understanding of evidence-based strategies, functional behaviour assessments, and the Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework.
- Suitability Process: Completion of a self-assessment or an alternative assessment pathway is mandatory. During this process, practitioners measure their skills against the Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework, demonstrating how they align with the required standards.
- NDIS Suitability: Once a self-assessment is completed, prospective practitioners need to apply to the NDIS Commission to be considered suitable. You cannot begin working for an NDIS-registered organisation until you have received your suitability approval letter from the NDIS Commission
Read more about suitability with the NDIS Commission here
- Registration: Practitioners must either be part of a registered NDIS provider or independently register once they have the necessary approvals, qualifications, and experience.
Are there any Positive Behaviour Support Courses/Certificates in Australia?
Yes, multiple Universities and Colleges offer courses in Positive Behaviour Support. Here is a list that was originally created by BSPA. Make sure to read the course outline for each one before deciding if one of these is right for you.
- Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education
Flinders University (4-years full-time program in disability studies, including three PBS-specific topics in assessment and implementation, and a PBS practicum) - Graduate Certificate in Positive Behaviour Support
Flinders University (1-year part-time, consisting of topics in disability, theory and practice, behavioural assessment, the development of plan, and a PBS practicum) - Master of Disability Policy and Practice
Flinders University (2-year full-time, provide senior practitioners with knowledge and skills they can apply as developmental educators across a wide range of contexts in disability, and includes two PBS-specific topics in assessment and implementation. - Professional Certificate in Education (Positive Behaviour and Learning)
The University of Melbourne (1 – year part time, consisting of two topics promoting skills specific to learning in the classroom and promoting positive behaviour in the classroom) - Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis
Monash University (2-years full-time [RPL offered]; Orientation to Education, Professional studies in ABA – assessment, design, implementation, evaluation and Professional Inquiry. The course is verified for the course work requirements to sit the Board-Certified Behaviour Analysis Exam). - Graduate Certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis
Griffith University (1-year part-time; introduction to ABA, Assessment, evaluation, design, eligibility to take the Board-Certified Assistant Behaviour Analyst® examination) - Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis
Griffith University (1 to 1.5 years full-time, 2 to 3 years part-time; ABA Foundations, Assessment, evaluation, design, implementation eligibility to take the Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst® examination) - Graduate Certificate in Complex Communication Needs
Curtin University (on-line delivery 1-2 years part-time only; consisting of 4 topics building skills in collaboratively creating and implementing person-centred communication supports with people with complex communication needs) - Graduate Certificate in Positive Behaviour Support
Curtin University (on-line delivery 1 year part-time; consisting of topics focussed on application of positive behaviour support practices including assessment and implementation using a biopsychosocial model)
(Source: BSP Australia)
How Can I Become a Behaviour Support Practitioner?
- Prepare: Familiarise yourself with the Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework, as well as the NDIS Commission’s guidelines. Obtain a relevant qualification or build equivalent professional experience.
- Complete a course: If you are completely new to the industry and have no past experience, a course (above) may be beneficial in obtaining suitability.
- Submit Your Application: Go to the NDIS Applications Portal and follow the instructions. You may apply via the self assessment pathway if you have a comprehensive portfolio of evidence, or the alternative assessment pathway if you have limited evidence.
- Await a Decision: The NDIS Commission reviews your application to determine whether you are considered suitable. If you are successful, you will have access to an outcome letter through the NDIS Providers portal.
- Engage with a Provider or Register Independently: If you are not already working with a registered NDIS provider, you may apply to become a provider yourself.
- Maintain Professional Development: Once you are a recognised practitioner, keep developing your knowledge and skills. The framework emphasises continuous learning to ensure that your practice remains evidence-based and person-centred.
In summary
Becoming a behaviour support practitioner involves more than clinical expertise. Successful applicants must demonstrate person-centred practice, meet strict suitability requirements, and commit to ongoing professional development. As demand for behaviour support continues to grow, this role offers a valuable pathway for those looking to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities through dedicated, ethical, and forward-thinking interventions.
Resources
Read the full PBS Capability Framework
Read the NDIS steps to become a PBS practitioner
Read more of our blog articles here
Want to work with us? Check out our careers page.
Refer to Insight Positive Behaviour Support here.
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Want to discuss or have any questions about Positive Behaviour Support ? Feel free to contact us or request a callback.