Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an essential field focused on improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by fostering skill development and minimising behaviours of concern.  

In Australia, PBS Practitioners play a crucial role in helping individuals achieve greater independence, social inclusion, and overall wellbeing in alignment with NDIS goals. For those passionate about improving lives, a career in PBS can be gratifying, offering professional fulfilment and a meaningful impact. 

This guide will help you become a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner in Australia.  

It covers the skills, qualifications, experience, and ethics required to thrive in this vital profession. 

How to Become a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner: Understanding the Role 

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an evidence-based approach to understanding and addressing the causes of behaviours of concern rather than merely managing the symptoms. It aims to improve the lives of individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities by understanding the causes of behaviours of concern through consultations and observations with participants and their support systems.  

PBS practitioners work collaboratively with participants, families, and carers to develop strategies that encourage positive behaviours, creating an environment where individuals can thrive. This approach focuses on improving quality of life by: 

• Recognising each individual’s unique strengths and challenges 

• Establishing supportive routines and environments 
• Fostering meaningful engagement and participation 

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is crucial for enabling participants to live with greater autonomy in the context of the NDIS. Bloom Healthcare provides PBS services that align with these principles, tailoring solutions to each participant’s needs. 

What is Positive Behaviour Support? 

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred approach designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.  

This framework integrates disability service provision with applied behaviour analysis, using evidence-based strategies to address and reduce behaviours of concern. The primary goal of PBS is to create a supportive environment that fosters positive behaviour, minimises the use of restrictive practices, and promotes the individual’s autonomy and independence.  

Behaviours of Concern 

Behaviours of concern are actions exhibited by individuals with disabilities that may pose risks to themselves or others.  

These behaviours can be challenging and often require additional support and intervention. Examples include self-injurious behaviour, aggression towards others, and property damage.  

Such behaviours can stem from various factors, including unmet needs, stress, communication difficulties, medical conditions, and trauma. Identifying and addressing the root causes of these behaviours is crucial in developing effective behaviour support plans.  

By understanding the underlying issues, PBS practitioners can create tailored strategies to manage and reduce these behaviours, ultimately improving the individual’s quality of life.

Qualifications and Education Requirements 

Starting a career in Positive Behaviour Support requires a solid foundation in behavioural sciences. The specific educational path may vary, but most practitioners in Australia begin with a relevant undergraduate degree in fields such as: 

• Psychology 

• Social Work 

• Special Education 

• Disability Studies 

Following an undergraduate degree, further studies in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) or specific PBS training are often essential for in-depth behavioural assessment and intervention knowledge.  

Some universities in Australia offer dedicated programs for behavioural support, and online courses are also available to support additional learning. 

Developing Skills and Knowledge in Behaviour Analysis 

A deep understanding of behaviour analysis is crucial in PBS. This involves studying the factors that influence behaviour, learning about intervention methods, and understanding how to reinforce positive behaviours. As part of professional training, aspiring Positive Behaviour Support practitioners must learn: 

• Functional behaviour assessment (FBA) techniques 

• Data collection and analysis 

• Behavioural intervention strategies 

• Skills in interpersonal communication and active listening 

This expertise helps practitioners identify the root causes of behaviours and implement effective, tailored strategies. 

Gaining Experience through Internships and Practicum 

Practical experience is an integral part of becoming a skilled Positive Behaviour Support practitioner. Most programs and employers require a period of supervised clinical practice, such as an internship or practicum. During these placements, aspiring practitioners gain hands-on experience in settings such as: 

• Community health centres 

• Disability support services 

• Schools or educational settings 

• Residential care facilities 

Bloom Healthcare offers opportunities for practical experience through its Positive Behaviour Support and allied health services, providing a supportive learning environment. 

Building a Professional Network 

Establishing a professional network is invaluable for PBS practitioners. Networking enables professionals to share resources, knowledge, and support, creating a community of expertise. Critical steps for building a Positive Behaviour Support network include: 

• Joining professional organisations like the Australian Association for Positive Behaviour Support (AAPBS) 

• Attending workshops, seminars, and conferences on behaviour support 

• Connecting with mentors and peers in related fields 

Networking can open doors to job opportunities, collaborations, and ongoing support throughout your career.

Obtaining Certification 

Certification for Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners in Australia has yet to be standardised, but many practitioners seek credentials through recognised behaviour analysis programs. Certification demonstrates a commitment to high standards and specialised training.  

To work as a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner in the NDIS, you must first be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This process includes completing the NDIS Self-Assessment, which evaluates a practitioner’s competencies according to the PBS Capability Framework. Registration ensures that practitioners are well-prepared and meet essential standards, making them eligible to work with NDIS participants. You can also find more details in the NDIS Guide for Becoming a Behaviour Support Practitioner. 

Some popular certifications include: 

• Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB) credentials for those specialising in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) 

• Completion of NDIS-approved PBS training for practitioners working under the NDIS framework 

• Certified Behaviour Analyst (CBA) credentials through the Association for Behaviour Analysis Australia.  

These certifications enhance credibility and often improve employability within NDIS-funded services. 

Ethical Considerations in Positive Behaviour Support 

Ethics is at the core of Positive Behaviour Support. Practitioners must adhere to principles prioritising client dignity, respect, and autonomy. Ethical guidelines include: 

• Ensuring informed consent and transparency with clients and families 

• Prioritising client safety and wellbeing 

• Maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries 

Ethical practice is essential in building trust and ensuring that interventions benefit clients. Bloom Healthcare upholds these principles by providing PBS services that respect individual choices and empower clients to reach their goals. 

Specialist Behaviour Support 

Specialist Behaviour Support involves providing services by qualified and experienced behaviour support practitioners.  

These professionals work closely with individuals with disabilities, their families, and support workers to develop and implement comprehensive behaviour support plans. To provide these services, specialist behaviour support providers must be registered with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and comply with the NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018.  

These practitioners play a vital role in promoting positive behaviour, reducing restrictive practices, and enhancing the overall well-being of individuals with disabilities. 

Implementing Positive Behaviour Support Plans 

Once qualified, a PBS practitioner’s primary role is to develop and implement a behaviour support plan. These practitioners are also responsible for conducting assessments and working with clients to develop behaviour support plans. These plans are tailored to each client’s needs and goals, typically involving: 

• Assessing behaviours and determining underlying factors 

• Setting achievable goals for behaviour change 

• Developing strategies to promote positive behaviours and minimise challenging ones 

• Collaborating with family members, carers, and other allied health professionals 

A positive behaviour support plan is essential for improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. These plans may include restrictive practices when necessary for safety, ensuring they are evidence-based and regularly reviewed. 

At Bloom Healthcare, PBS practitioners work with multidisciplinary teams to create and deliver PBS plans promoting sustainable, positive client outcomes. 

Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support 

Restrictive practices refer to interventions that limit an individual’s freedom of movement or restrict their access to certain activities or environments. While sometimes necessary to ensure safety, these practices should only be used as a last resort and with the approval of the NDIS Commission. Behaviour support plans aim to eliminate restrictive practices, promoting positive behaviour through evidence-based strategies.  

Regulated restrictive practices, such as physical, mechanical, and seclusion, must be reported to the NDIS Commission and are subject to regular review and monitoring. The goal is to create a supportive environment that reduces the need for such practices, ensuring the individual’s rights and dignity are upheld. 

Monitoring Progress and Making Adjustments 

Behavioural interventions require consistent monitoring and adjustment to remain effective. PBS practitioners track client progress, review data, and adjust plans as necessary, ensuring interventions align with changing needs. This process involves: 

• Regularly evaluating behaviour changes and goals 

• Modifying strategies based on progress or challenges 

• Engaging clients and families in feedback discussions 

Monitoring progress is critical to providing person-centred care and helping clients achieve long-term success and independence. 

Continuing Education and Professional Development 

The field of Positive Behaviour Support is dynamic, with ongoing research and new practices emerging regularly. Continuous learning enables PBS practitioners to stay current and provide high-quality support. Some opportunities for professional development include: 

• Attending advanced PBS or ABA workshops 

• Participating in online courses or certifications 

• Engaging in peer supervision and case discussions 

• Continuous review and update of capabilities within the Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework 

Bloom Healthcare encourages continuous education to ensure practitioners are equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques and maintain the highest standards in support services. 

Challenges and Limitations 

While Positive Behaviour Support offers many benefits, its implementation has challenges and limitations. These may include: 

• Limited access to specialist behaviour support services 

• Insufficient funding for behaviour support plans 

• Lack of awareness and understanding of PBS among support workers and families 

• Difficulty in identifying and addressing underlying causes of behaviours of concern 

• Limited availability of evidence-based strategies and interventions 

Despite these challenges, PBS remains a critical component of disability support services.  

Ongoing efforts are needed to promote its adoption and implementation across the sector, ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive the support they need to thrive. 

Benefits of Positive Behaviour Support 

Positive Behaviour Support offers numerous benefits for individuals with disabilities, including: 

• Improved quality of life 

• Reduced behaviours of concern 

• Increased autonomy and independence 

• Enhanced social and community participation 

• Improved relationships with family and support workers 

• Reduced use of restrictive practices 

By promoting positive behaviour and reducing restrictive practices, Positive Behaviour Support can significantly impact the lives of individuals with disabilities, enabling them to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives. This approach addresses challenging behaviours and fosters a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and social inclusion.