The Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework outlines four types of Behaviour Support Practitioners: Core, Proficient, Advanced, and Specialist. These categories represent progressively deeper knowledge, broader experience, and higher-level problem-solving skills.
For a deeper understanding, feel free to read the full Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework here. Otherwise, continue reading our adapted version below:
There are four levels of capabilities described within the PBS Capability Framework. These levels articulate the capabilities of a core practitioner through to recognising the expertise of highly experienced and specialist practitioners. Applicants applying for practitioner suitability and practitioners already deemed suitable under the NDIS Commissioner need to be aware of and work within their scope of practice knowledge, skills, experience, qualifications, and their role to ensure that the supports and services provided are safe, lawful, and effective.
So, what are the four levels, and how does one progress?
Core Practitioner
This level describes the expectations of an entry-level behaviour support practitioner. Anyone that is completely new to the industry, or switching careers from a similar field (ie: Support Work) starts here.
The main responsibilities that a Core practitioner undertakes are:
- Provide evidence-based approaches to reduce behaviours of concern for people with disabilities from early childhood to older adults
- Undertake assessments; including psychological, behavioural, functional and risk to identify causal factors of challenging behaviours to establish suitable strategies and plans that address the behaviour and enhance quality of life for the client
- Develop positive behaviour support plans that address behaviours with the collation of information provided by the stakeholders, assessments conducted by the practitioner, and analysis of findings
- Develop and implement strategies and interventions for clients, as well as working alongside families, carers, support workers and other key stakeholders such as other allied health professionals and general practitioners
- Provide information, training, support, modelling and coaching to key stakeholders and families in the implementation of support strategies and interventions and ensure that relevant parties are competent in the implementation of support strategies and responsibilities
- Implement, capture and use data analysis to monitor the progress and effectiveness of intervention, review challenging behaviour and make changes when required
- Evaluate and review the effectiveness of the intervention, using data analysis and research other effective strategies if changes are required
- Develop a thorough understanding of the client’s disabilities through medical reports, research and observations and review appropriate interventions
- Chair care team meetings with stakeholders and family members to discuss strategies and interventions from an evidence-based, client-focused and behavioural support professional position.
A core practitioner is expected to:
- Recall, understand and apply concepts relating to disability and PBS in general circumstances
- Have a core understanding of other models of practice which are complementary to PBS (e.g., environmental enrichment, person-centred active support)
- Access and actively participate in supervision and supervised practice (a core practitioner works under the supervision of practitioner rated as proficient or above).
Note: Independently recommending restrictive practices is outside of the scope of a core practitioner and should be done under supervision (see the PBS Capability Framework).
Core practitioners can take on most behaviour support files. There are some cases where a file might be too complex, in which it is recommended that a proficient or advanced practitioner takes the file.
Proficient Practitioner
A proficient practitioner is one level above Core, and describes someone that has been in the industry for some time, and has gained a certain level of capability in providing Positive Behaviour Support outcomes.
In addition to meeting the core capabilities, a proficient practitioner is expected to:
• Analyse and evaluate information
• Evaluate the quality of behaviour support plans
• Constructively promote PBS across the organisation
• Access and actively participate in supervision to build on behaviour support knowledge and skills (from an advanced or specialist practitioner)
• Provide and participate in peer supervision with another proficient practitioner (if relevant to their supervision schedule)
• Supervise a core practitioner (if the proficient practitioner has the skills and knowledge base to do so).
It is highly unlikely for someone to become a proficient practitioner without first being a core practitioner.
Moving from Core to Proficient
There is no fixed timeline set out for how long a practitioner must stay at Core level before becoming Proficient, nor is there a specific total length of time that someone remains in each role. Instead, the framework emphasises capability-building, supervision, and ongoing professional development as the main factors that determine a practitioner’s progression.
A Core practitioner may advance to Proficient once they have:
- Demonstrated the required knowledge and practical skills (for example, being able to develop and evaluate behaviour support plans more independently).
- Participated in consistent supervision from a more experienced (Proficient or above) practitioner.
- Shown increased confidence in working with moderately complex needs.
Because it’s about meeting capability criteria rather than hitting a strict time requirement, one practitioner might become Proficient more quickly than another if they’ve had the right level of experience, support, and professional development opportunities.
This can also be organisation-based. Some organisations may have set timelines before a practitioner can have their position description reviewed and then apply to move up to proficient. For some it might be every 12 months, 18 months or 24 months.
Advanced Practitioner
An advanced practitioner has advanced skills across all levels of the PBS Capability Framework. An advanced practitioner is expected to:
- Synthesise and integrate information from a range of sources
- Demonstrate high-level critical thinking and analytical skills to make effective decisions in complex situations
- Demonstrate high-level knowledge of and skills in areas covered by the PBS Capability Framework and in fields that complement the PBS approach
- Shape strategic thinking in PBS
- Achieve results in system change that enhances the rights of persons with disability NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
- Provide practice leadership across settings and interactions with stakeholders
- Use knowledge and practical skills gained through further study and/or extensive practical experience to provide specialist behaviour support as part of an interdisciplinary team working in complex contexts
- Access and participate in supervision as the supervisee (including peer supervision with another advanced practitioner)
- Supervise other practitioners at all levels
- Have the skills to perform in a managerial or practice leadership position
Moving from Proficient to Advanced
Like the transition from Core to Proficient, moving from Proficient to Advanced in the Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework is not about meeting a specific time requirement; it is about demonstrating a higher level of skill, practice leadership, and problem-solving across a broad range of complex situations . Key indicators that a Proficient practitioner is ready to move to Advanced include:
- Handling Complex Cases
- Successfully working with individuals who have multiple or particularly challenging needs.
- Navigating complex team or service environments, coordinating interdisciplinary input, and tailoring solutions to unique contexts.
- Leadership and Mentoring
- Offering guidance and supervision not only to Core but also Proficient colleagues.
- Taking the lead on service improvements or large-scale projects.
- Demonstrating consistent leadership in team settings, such as running case conferences or practice forums.
- Strategic Thinking and System Change
- Proactively shaping strategic approaches within an organisation (e.g., developing new frameworks, contributing to policy or practice development).
- Using advanced analytical skills to interpret data, identify system-wide challenges, and implement solutions.
- Ongoing Professional Development
- Continually expanding knowledge with formal or informal training, peer-reviewed study, or specialised research.
- Maintaining reflective practice and seeking opportunities to grow (e.g., attending conferences, joining research initiatives, collaborating on projects).
- Critical Self-Assessment
- Demonstrating the ability to evaluate one’s own practice critically and make adjustments.
- Engaging in ongoing, high-level supervision with peers or mentors who are at Advanced or Specialist level.
Specialist Practitioner
The Specialist practitioner has all the qualities of an Advanced practitioner, plus a unique area of expertise, such as trauma, forensic work, or mental health. A specialist practitioner is recognised for their area of specialisation in or relevant to PBS, in addition to a level of proficiency. Areas of specialisation may include, but are not limited to:
- A practice speciality (e.g., forensic, trauma-informed practice, augmentative and alternative communication)
- Dual diagnosis (e.g., intellectual disability and mental health)
- A specific population or cultural group
- A specific age group or transition point.
In addition to their area of specialisation, a specialist practitioner is expected to:
- Have the skills and ability to provide supervision and support to other behaviour support practitioners in their area of expertise
- Access and participate in supervision as the supervise (including peer supervision with another specialist practitioner).
Conclusion
No matter which level of Behaviour Support Practitioner you engage, the goal remains the same: to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disability through ethical, person-centred strategies.
Whether you are just starting out as a Core practitioner or further along in your journey as Proficient, Advanced, or Specialist, the focus is on ongoing learning, reflective practice, and meaningful collaboration with all stakeholders. By understanding and respecting these levels of capability and progressing only when you have truly mastered each stage, you not only uphold the values of Positive Behaviour Support, but also help create a more inclusive environment for everyone.
Resources
Read the full PBS Capability Framework
Read more of our blog articles here
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