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Behavior Modification Assistant Jobs in Iowa City, IA

Behavior Modification Assistant information

See Iowa City, IA salary details

$15

$17

$18

How much do behavior modification assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavior modification assistant in Iowa City, IA is $17.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $17.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges behavior modification assistants face when supporting clients, and how can they effectively address them?

Behavior Modification Assistants often encounter challenges such as client resistance to change, inconsistent responses from caregivers, and managing emotionally charged situations. To address these, it's important to build strong rapport with clients, use consistent reinforcement strategies, and maintain clear communication with the interdisciplinary team. Regular training, supervision, and open collaboration with behavior analysts and family members also help ensure effective support and positive outcomes.

What is a behavior modification assistant?

Behavior Modification Assistants are professionals who support individuals—often children or adults with behavioral challenges—by implementing strategies designed to improve positive behaviors and reduce problematic ones. They work under the supervision of psychologists, behavior analysts, or therapists, and may assist in schools, clinics, or residential settings. Their duties often include observing behavior, recording data, assisting with interventions, and helping to reinforce behavior plans developed by licensed professionals. They play a vital role in helping clients achieve greater independence and improved quality of life. Training and qualifications can vary, but most positions require specialized training or certification in behavioral interventions.

What is the difference between Behavior Modification Assistant vs Behavior Therapist?

AspectBehavior Modification AssistantBehavior Therapist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationMaster's degree in psychology, counseling, or related field; licensure often required
Work EnvironmentSchools, clinics, or community programs assisting with behavior plansPrivate practice, clinics, or hospitals providing therapy sessions
Employer & IndustryEducational and behavioral health organizationsHealthcare, mental health clinics, or private practices
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles or support positionsCompared for licensed, clinical roles involving therapy

The main difference is that Behavior Modification Assistants typically support behavior plans under supervision and may require less formal education, while Behavior Therapists are licensed professionals providing direct therapy with advanced degrees. Both roles work in behavioral health settings but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a behavior modification assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavior Modification Assistant, you need a background in psychology or behavioral sciences, knowledge of behavior intervention strategies, and often a relevant certification such as Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Familiarity with data collection software, behavior tracking systems, and intervention planning tools is typically required. Patience, strong communication, and empathy are vital soft skills for building rapport and effectively supporting clients. These competencies ensure effective implementation of behavior plans and foster positive client outcomes in therapeutic or educational settings.
What are popular job titles related to Behavior Modification Assistant jobs in Iowa City, IA? For Behavior Modification Assistant jobs in Iowa City, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Behavior Modification Assistant jobs in Iowa City, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Behavior Modification Assistant jobs in Iowa City, IA are:
What cities near Iowa City, IA are hiring for Behavior Modification Assistant jobs? Cities near Iowa City, IA with the most Behavior Modification Assistant job openings:

Intensive Support Professional-IRSH (evenings)

UnityPoint Health

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$19.72/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

265th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview
Join our team today, starting Pay Begins at $19.72/hr!
The Intensive Support Professional is responsible for delivering hands-on intensive rehabilitation services to adults with mental health, behavioral health, intellectual disabilities, or co-occurring conditions. Key responsibilities include assisting with medication adherence, appointment compliance, comprehension, crisis planning, behavior modification, and skill building. The position focuses on providing person-centered, strength-based, and trauma-informed care to support individuals in stabilizing and reintegrating into the community.
Why UnityPoint Health?
At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.
Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you're in. Here are just a few:
  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.
And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.
Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.
Responsibilities
• Assists individuals with communication to medication prescribers of any concerns or side effects
• Provides medication management skill training as directed by the person centered plan
Supporting Activities of Daily Living
• Provides transportation to individuals served, including but not limited to appointments, meetings, errands, and outings
• Provides instruction and skill development pertaining to daily living activities tailored to individual needs outlined in the person centered plan; Activities may include, but are not limited to: shopping, budgeting, meal planning, cooking/preparing meals, and cleaning/organizing
• Assists individuals in working toward full community integration, including connecting individuals to and participating in community resources and leisure activities, spiritual health, financial health, and other areas of interest as identified by the person centered plan
• Completes housekeeping and home maintenance tasks as identified in the daily, weekly, and monthly checklists
• Makes referrals on behalf of individuals served based on needs and preferences; assists with following up on referrals and ensuring needed services are received
• Assists individuals in the development of natural supports within the community
Discharge Planning
• Assists individuals in connecting with community resources and support for successful transition and discharge
• Support individuals in the discharge planning process
• Participate in the development and implementation of the discharge plans and ensure individuals have opportunities to actively engage in the process
Special Skills, Knowledge, and Specific Job Duties
• Utilizes motivational interviewing and trauma informed care techniques to ensure approachable and compassionate care
• Ability to effectively communicate observations, progress, and concerns with other team members and supervisors
• Is attentive and available to assist individuals served at all times during scheduled hours
• Produces and maintains thorough and timely documentation of individual care, progress or concerns, as required by state regulations and agency policies, while ensuring client confidentiality.
• Participates in planning, implementing and evaluating programming with Intensive Residential Services Program
• Assists in the collection of data for the ongoing program evaluation and quality improvement
• Attends and participates in regularly scheduled staff meetings, supervisory sessions, and assigned trainings
• Provides services according to assigned schedule, which may include daytime, evening, and weekend hours
• Provides education to individuals about their rights;
• Performs on-call duties as assigned on a rotational basis
Qualifications
  • High School Diploma
  • One Year Experience in Behavioral or Mental Health
  • Understands, follows, and advocates for individual's rights
  • Possess strong de-escalation and crisis management skills, and ability to effectively manage emergency situations
  • Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.

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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995