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Behavior Support Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Behavior Technician

Knoxville, TN ยท On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

Conduct functional behavior assessments and assist in the development of behavior support plans * Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team (SLP, OT, PT) to ensure consistent and effective treatment ...

Behavior Technician

Oak Ridge, TN ยท On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Conduct functional behavior assessments and assist in the development of behavior support plans * Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team (SLP, OT, PT) to ensure consistent and effective treatment ...

Showing results 41-60

Behavior Support Assistant information

See Tennessee salary details

$9

$15

$22

How much do behavior support assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavior support assistant in Tennessee is $15.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $17.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Behavior Support Assistant vs Teaching Assistant?

AspectBehavior Support AssistantTeaching Assistant
Required credentialsOften requires relevant certifications in behavior management or special educationTypically requires a general education qualification or equivalent
Work environmentSpecial education settings, classrooms with students with behavioral challengesGeneral classrooms, supporting teachers across various subjects
Employer and industry usageSpecial education schools, inclusive classrooms, behavioral support programsPrimary and secondary schools, mainstream classrooms
Common search and comparison intentYesYes

The main difference between a Behavior Support Assistant and a Teaching Assistant lies in their focus and qualifications. Behavior Support Assistants specialize in managing behavioral challenges and often hold specific certifications in behavior management. They work primarily in special education settings with students needing behavioral support. Teaching Assistants support classroom instruction across various subjects and typically have general education qualifications. Both roles are essential in educational environments but serve different needs based on student requirements.

What is a behavior support assistant?

A behavior support assistant is a professional who helps individuals with behavioral challenges by implementing strategies to promote positive behaviors and reduce problematic ones. They often work in educational or clinical settings, collaborating with teachers, therapists, and families, and may require training in behavior management techniques and certifications such as CPI or ABA. Their role involves monitoring progress and providing support tailored to each individual's needs.

What is the role of a behavior support assistant?

A behavior support assistant helps implement strategies to manage and improve behaviors in individuals with special needs or behavioral challenges. They work under the supervision of a qualified professional, often in educational or clinical settings, and may assist with data collection, behavior plans, and providing support to promote positive behaviors.
Infographic showing various Behavior Support Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,775 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Registered Behavior Technician

Chattanooga, TN โ€ข On-site

Siskin Children's Institute
Outpatient Health Careย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description

The RBT provides direct 1:1 clinic, home, and community-based therapy to children with autism or other developmental or intellectual disabilities. The RBT will be responsible for skill-acquisition and behavior-reduction plans developed by the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to deliver quality therapeutic service to each child. The RBT records and maintains data collected during a session. The RBT effectively communicates with supervisor and parents/caregivers while preserving confidentiality. The RBT works a flexible schedule that includes evening appointments. Hours of availability should be 8:30am-5:30pm. Supervision by a BCBA will be provided.ย 

Requirements

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE


  • Must be at least 18 years of ageย 
  • High school diploma or equivalent requiredย 
  • Current Registered Behavior Technician certification, or ability to obtain within a specified timeframeย 
  • Maintain RBT certification requirements as set forth by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)ย 
  • Experience implementing behavior support plans and programs developed by a BCBA preferredย 
  • Current CPR/First Aid certification, or ability to obtainย 
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportationย 


SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Knowledge of early childhood development and autism spectrum disordersย 
  • Working knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles, including discrete trial training (DTT) and natural environment teaching (NET)ย 
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clients, families, and professionalsย 
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skillsย 
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environmentย 
  • Strong organizational, time-management, and prioritization skillsย 
  • Basic computer proficiency and ability to utilize required software systemsย 
  • Ability to follow direction, implement feedback, and maintain consistency in service deliveryย 
  • Demonstrates professionalism, empathy, and respect for all individuals


DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES


Direct Client Care

  • Provide direct behavior therapy to young children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in home, school, and/or clinic settingsย 
  • Implement, under the supervision of a BCBA, behavioral interventions based on client needs and current researchย 

Caregiver Communication

  • Provide clear, objective, and professional feedback to parents and caregivers as directed by the supervising BCBAย ย 
  • Support caregiver understanding of treatment goals and progress while maintaining appropriate clinical boundariesย 


Team Collaboration

  • Collaborate effectively with BCBAs and interdisciplinary team members to support high-quality care and positive client outcomesย 
  • Participate in team communication and follow direction to ensure consistency in service delivery across settingย 


Attendance & Reliability

  • Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance, in accordance with current policiesย 
  • Adhere to all organizational scheduling, attendance, and call-out proceduresย 


Additional Duties

  • Perform other duties as assigned to support clinic operations and client successย 


Physical Requirements (comprehensive list available upon request)

  • Ability to stand, sit, kneel, bend, and move quickly throughout the workdayย 
  • Ability to lift, carry, or assist clients (up to 50 lbs., depending on client needs)ย 
  • Ability to respond safely and effectively to physical behaviors (e.g., elopement, aggression)ย 
  • Ability to work in clinic, home, or community-based environments as assignedย