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Behavioral Associate Jobs in Columbia, MD (NOW HIRING)

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Behavioral Associate information

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$13

$25

$39

How much do behavioral associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral associate in Columbia, MD is $25.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.57 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a behavioral associate?

Behavioral Associates are professionals who work with individuals, often children or those with developmental or behavioral challenges, to implement behavioral interventions and support plans. They typically work under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or other clinical supervisors. Their primary role is to help clients develop positive behaviors, improve social skills, and reduce problematic behaviors through evidence-based strategies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Behavioral Associates may work in schools, clinics, or homes and often collaborate with families and other professionals. This role requires strong communication, patience, and a commitment to helping others achieve their personal goals.

What are some common challenges behavioral associates face when working with clients, and how can they be addressed?

Behavioral Associates often encounter challenges such as managing clients with difficult behaviors, maintaining consistent intervention strategies, and ensuring effective communication with families and other team members. To address these challenges, it’s important to receive regular supervision, engage in ongoing training, and collaborate closely with Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and colleagues. Establishing clear boundaries, practicing patience, and using evidence-based strategies can also help Behavioral Associates navigate the complexities of the role while ensuring positive outcomes for clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a behavioral associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavioral Associate, you generally need a background in psychology or a related field and experience in behavioral health settings. Familiarity with behavioral intervention plans, data collection software, and sometimes certification as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) are commonly required. Strong communication, patience, and observational skills help professionals build rapport and effectively support clients. These competencies ensure effective implementation of treatment plans and contribute to positive outcomes for individuals receiving behavioral support.

What is the difference between Behavioral Associate vs Behavioral Technician?

AspectBehavioral AssociateBehavioral Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentClinics, schools, or community settings; supervised by cliniciansClinical or home settings; supervised by behavior analysts or clinicians
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, mental health, educational servicesBehavior analysis, mental health, autism services
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, and responsibilitiesJob duties, certification requirements, work settings

The main difference between a Behavioral Associate and a Behavioral Technician lies in their roles and responsibilities. Behavioral Associates often have broader responsibilities, may require additional certifications, and work closely with clinicians in various settings. Behavioral Technicians typically focus on implementing behavior plans under supervision. Both roles are vital in behavioral health services, but the Behavioral Associate position generally involves more complex tasks and higher qualifications.

What job categories do people searching Behavioral Associate jobs in Columbia, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Behavioral Associate jobs in Columbia, MD are:

What cities near Columbia, MD are hiring for Behavioral Associate jobs?

Cities near Columbia, MD with the most Behavioral Associate job openings:

Behavioral Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Associate job openings in Columbia, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,841 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Behavior Associate (LEAP Greenspring Campus)

Baltimore, MD

Kennedy Krieger Institute
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Learn more about Kennedy Krieger Instituteexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Overview

In accordance with the needs of the ages of the population served by Kennedy Krieger Institute, the Behavior Associate will support Classroom, Behavioral Services, and Mental Health/Clinical Staff. This includes the training and implementation of crisis management strategies, which reflect knowledge of the range of disabilities treated in the school. Additionally, the incumbent assists the Behavioral Services Case Managers with the implementation and documentation of behavioral supports, including Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and school-wide positive behavioral supports and interventions in concert with teaching staff and the members of the Mental Health team.

Critical features of this position are described under the headings below, but are subject to change at the discretion of the Institute and its management. This job description reflects the designation of essential job functions but does not provide an all-inclusive list of duties that may be assigned.

Responsibilities
  • Provide programmatic classroom coverage as needed and assigned by their supervisor. 
  • Respond to behavioral crises as part of school-wide crisis management procedures.
  • Implement behavioral goals and objectives for individual students as stated in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). 
  • Implement appropriate behavior management strategies and protocols for students.
  • Use appropriate documentation materials and maintain appropriate records on students. Assist school staff with proper and accurate documentation including through the school incident reporting system.
  • Provide support and oversight in the school's resource areas including through behavioral supports, documentation, and ensuring that Kennedy Krieger school program policies and procedures are maintained at all times. Maintain a safe and orderly environment in the resource areas.
  • Assist Behavioral Services Case Managers in classrooms with functional behavioral assessments (FBA), behavior intervention plan (BIP) conception, implementation (including coordinating acquisition or development of materials necessary to implement protocols), and maintenance.
  • Assist Behavioral Services Case Managers with writing reports, graphing data, and providing documentation of FBAs and BIPs.
  • Review the collection of data for evaluation of effective classroom practice. Assist with the collection and review of necessary documentation for Therapeutic Behavioral Aide billing.
  • Provide Behavioral Services Case Managers and Administration with summarized program data as requested.
  • Maintain communication with the clinical department and administrators regarding all issues pertaining to students on caseload.
  • Assist Behavioral Services Case Managers and Supervisors with behavior and crisis management training and in-service training.

    • *The individual will demonstrate the ability to appropriately aid the needs of children and adolescents with or without a developmental disability and their families. The individual will be able to address the needs of certain specific adults with disabilities on a case-by-case basis as determined by the physicians.

    Qualifications

    Qualifications:

    • Must achieve, possess, and maintain certification in Professional Crisis Management (PCM) within the timeline established by the department. The department will provide a limited amount of certification opportunities. Individuals may obtain and provide documented evidence of required certification from an external provider.
    • Must possess and maintain cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
    • Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification preferred.

    Education:

    • High school diploma or GED required.
    • Associate's degree in education, special education, or related area preferred.

    Experience:

    Minimum one year of experience working with children with developmental disabilities is required.

    Minimum pay rangeMaximum pay rangeEmployment Type: OTHER

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