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Behavior Support Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Behavior Support Assistant information

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$11

$19

$27

How much do behavior support assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavior support assistant in Washington is $19.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $21.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the role of a Behaviour support assistant?

A Behaviour Support Assistant helps manage and improve student behaviour by implementing behaviour plans, supporting positive interactions, and assisting with strategies to promote a safe and conducive learning environment. They often work closely with teachers, special educators, and other staff, and may require training in behaviour management techniques. The role typically involves supervising students and documenting behavioural progress.

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 behavioral assistant?

A behavioral assistant is a professional who supports individuals with behavioral challenges, often working in educational or clinical settings. They implement behavior plans, assist with skill development, and may use positive reinforcement techniques under supervision, often requiring training or certification in behavior management. Their goal is to promote positive behaviors and improve daily functioning.

How to become a behavioral support assistant?

To become a behavioral support assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience or training in behavior management or special education. Many roles require certification in first aid or behavior intervention strategies, and some employers prefer candidates with a background in psychology, social work, or related fields. On-the-job training is common, and strong communication and patience are essential skills for success in this role.

What is the highest paying job in behavioral health?

In behavioral health, licensed clinical psychologists and psychiatrists tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. These roles require advanced degrees, licensure, and specialized training, and they typically work in clinical or hospital settings. Other high-paying positions include behavioral health medical directors and psychiatric nurse practitioners.
What cities in Washington are hiring for Behavior Support Assistant jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Behavior Support Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Behavior Support Assistant job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,566 per year, or $19 per hour.
Temp: Support Assistant (TSA) - Germantown Elementary

Temp: Support Assistant (TSA) - Germantown Elementary

Anne Arundel County Public Schools

Annapolis, MD • On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Anne Arundel County Public Schools rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

271st of 557 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Assistant Support: Temporary

Under the direction of the supervising teacher or administrator, Temporary Support Assistants (TSA) assists teachers with the physical, emotional, behavioral, and instructional needs of students at the Preschool/PreK, elementary and secondary grade levels. Supervision of students throughout the school day, both in the school building and on work sites, includes carrying out instructional tasks, supporting self-care, and collecting data as outlined by professional staff based upon individual student objectives. Employee(s) must be capable of performing any and all of the listed duties individually or independently which may vary based upon their work location/assignment and available staffing.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Participates in routine supervision of students throughout the school day within the school building and/or worksite /community environment; to include assisting on/off bus, lifting, pushing students in equipment and monitors entry and exit of students to assure they get to the correct location.
  • Assists students with performing and developing proper social behavior, personal hygiene and self-help skills including, but not limited to, toileting (i.e., changing diapers and soiled clothing), feeding, grooming as assigned by the position throughout the school day and/or while at off-site locations.
  • Supports students during instruction and other curriculum tasks, including reinforcing subjects initially introduced by the teacher in one-on-one or small groups, and implements instructional plans and activities as designated by the job coach and/or teacher. Provides reinforcement techniques to keep students focused and on task.
  • Observes and manages behavior of students in the classroom, lunch areas, playground, and other learning environments according to approved procedures.
  • Observes and gathers data regarding student performance on instructional and behavioral goals and provide data collection to the supervising teacher.
  • Supports students with social, emotional, and behavior concerns including the implementation of behavior strategies and supports.
  • Follows AACPS policies & procedures while assisting students and staff in the building and off-site work training activities and/or community-based settings.
  • Participates in professional development; attends workshops and in-service training for all specialized related care needs, seizures, disruptive behavior, etc. as provided by Board of Education.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or Equivalency Certificate required.
  • Other: Formal academic courses/training in the field of child development with specific applications to the area of special education preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

  • Ability to exercise considerable patience and the ability to work with physically, mentally, emotionally, and/or multiple disabilities students.
  • Job requires direct in-person provision of service, therefore punctual, regular and predictable attendance is essential.
  • Ability to employ a variety of teaching styles to respond to the needs of diverse learners.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with business technology applications (e.g. Video/Web Conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite -Word, Excel, Outlook, and/or PowerPoint preferred).

Licenses and Certifications:

  • Hold or be eligible for Driver's License (DL) Class C Non-Commercial issued by Maryland or State of Legal Residence (MVA/DMV) required; and
  • Daily access to reliable transportation.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

  • Standing: under 1/3 percent of the time
  • Walking: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
  • Sitting: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
  • Keyboarding: under 1/3 percent of the time
  • Talking: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
  • Hearing: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
  • Driving: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
  • As required by the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Vision:

  • No special vision requirements

Work Environment:

  • Office, school or similar indoor environment: over 2/3 percent of the time

Noise Level:

  • Moderate: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time

Weight & Force:

  • Lifting and carrying requirements Up to 50 pounds: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time

Travel Requirements:

  • 20% daily day travel within the county to assist at locations (other schools, parks, libraries) as needed.

What Anne Arundel County Public Schools employees say

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About Anne Arundel County Public Schools

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) is an institution under the public education industry, located in Maryland, United States. With an official website available at aacps.org, this establishment provides primary and secondary education to the county's students. To this end, AACPS maintains an array of academic programs, after school offerings, and special education services to meet the diverse learners' needs. Although the specific founding date is not indicated, the school system has clearly been around for sufficient time to solidify its reputation as a dependable source of quality education in Anne Arundel County.

Industry

Elementary and secondary schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Severna Park, MD, US

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