A primary function of a Behaviour Support Practitioner is to conduct thorough assessments to understand the underlying functions of an individual’s challenging behaviour. This involves:
Gathering Detailed Background Information: Engaging with key supports such as parents, guardians, support workers, and care staff to build a complete picture of the individual’s needs.
Evaluating Behavioural Functions: Identifying the triggers and functions of challenging behaviours, which forms the foundation for an effective BSP.
Based on the assessments, the practitioner develops tailored support plans that are uniquely designed to address the individual’s needs. This process includes:
Collaborative Planning: Working in close consultation with the individual and their support network to ensure the plan is both practical and sustainable.
Customised Strategies: Outlining clear strategies for intervention, detailed behavioural descriptions, and guidance for key supports to implement the plan consistently.
A key aspect of the practitioner’s role is to empower key supports through training and guidance:
Training Sessions: Delivering targeted training to ensure that everyone involved understands their role in implementing the BSP.
Ongoing Support: Offering regular follow-ups and consultations to adjust strategies and ensure that the plan remains effective over time.
The effectiveness of a BSP is built on collaboration:
Building Relationships: Establishing a strong rapport with the individual, their family, and other key supports.
Team Integration: Working as part of a wider trans-disciplinary team to share insights and responsibilities, ultimately preventing staff and carer burnout.
It is important to understand that while practitioners design and guide support strategies, they do not directly provide day-to-day care or manage routine interventions. The implementation of the BSP is carried out by frontline care staff, family members, and other key supports.
Behaviour Support Practitioners are experts in understanding behaviour; however, they are not qualified to diagnose medical or psychiatric conditions. Any such assessments should be conducted by appropriately qualified professionals. The practitioner’s role is to interpret behavioural functions within the context of the overall support plan, not to serve as a clinical diagnostician.
While the strategies outlined in a BSP can help manage challenging behaviour, practitioners are not typically the first point of contact during an acute crisis. Immediate crisis intervention should be managed by specialised crisis teams or emergency services. The focus of a Behaviour Support Practitioner is on long-term, sustainable behavioural management rather than emergency response.
A cornerstone of the Insight PBS approach is collaboration. Practitioners do not impose solutions without first consulting with the individual, their family, and other key supports. The development of a BSP is a joint effort that respects the preferences and insights of all stakeholders involved.
Behaviour Support Practitioners are not intended to replace specialised therapists, educators, or medical professionals. Their expertise lies in behavioural analysis and strategy development, and they work in conjunction with other experts to complement and enhance existing care plans.
Finally, practitioners do not treat a BSP as a ‘set and forget’ solution. Continuous monitoring and adaptation are essential parts of their role. While they lay the foundation with a comprehensive plan, ongoing review and adjustments are necessary to ensure long-term success.
Bridge To Change is a dedicated provider of Positive Behaviour Support and Counselling services across Australia. We empower individuals and families with person-centred, evidence-based support to foster growth, wellbeing, and lasting positive change.