How to Write a Behaviour Specialist Resume (With Example)

Updated 27 February 2023

Behaviour specialists typically work with individuals who experience behavioural issues likely to impair their learning and social capabilities. They might build their career in schools, government institutions, private clinics or public health facilities. If you want to pursue or transition to a career as a behaviour specialist, creating an effective resume can help you become successful in your job search. In this article, we provide steps for writing a behaviour specialist resume, outline a resume template and present an example resume.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

How to write a behaviour specialist resume

Here are some steps to create an effective behaviour specialist resume:

1. Create a header

Begin your resume with a header to emphasise your organisational skills and professionalism. Providing a readable and coordinated document can highlight your ability to create and maintain accurate, detail-oriented records, which is an essential skill for a behaviour specialist role.

When creating your resume's header, begin by including your full name and degree. You might write this information in bold or larger font to create a distinguishable resume. Underneath this information, add your contact details, such as your phone number, email address, city and state or territory where you live. Using your contact information as a header can ensure the hiring manager can find your details easily if they wish to contact you.

Find behaviour specialist jobs

2. Write a professional summary

An effective professional summary can make your resume distinct from other candidates. This section is an introduction to the rest of your document. It can create an ideal impression on the recruiting manager, encouraging them to continue reading the rest of your resume. This section is typically two or three sentences and emphasises your skills, qualifications, experience and achievements relevant to the role.

Identify and emphasise the qualities that make you unique as a behaviour specialist. For example, highlight your experience working with specific behavioural issues or in a certain environment, if any. When identifying your most valuable qualities for this section, consider the requirements listed in the job advertisement. This can help you align your professional summary with the individual needs of the behavioural specialist role you're applying for.

3. Explain your experience

In the experience section, list any relevant positions you've held. Begin by including the name of your previous position, employment dates, the organisation name and the city and state or territory where you worked. Use bullet points to list your job duties and focus on relatable responsibilities from your previous job. For example, if you're applying for a position in a school and have previous experience in a private clinic, you might highlight duties that emphasise your ability to work with children.

If you've recently graduated and don't have professional experience as a behavioural specialist, you might include any previous positions where you used transferable skills. For example, you can emphasise any previous job role that required interpersonal skills, stress management abilities or written and verbal communication aptitude. Additionally, given the education requirements to pursue a behaviour specialist career, it's typical for many graduates to have completed volunteer work experience. This can also count towards professional experience.

4. List your skills

Listing skills on your resume helps the recruiting manager understand your capabilities as a behaviour specialist. Including hard and soft skills in this section can emphasise your technical knowledge and ability to perform responsibilities to a high standard. Hard skills typically come through education and training. They're often measurable and require technical knowledge specific to a role or industry. A behaviour specialist can mention hard skills such as applied behaviour analysis, crisis management, functional behaviour analysis, positive behaviour intervention and support, special education and report writing on their resume.

Soft skills are characteristics and traits that support your ability to perform behaviour specialist technical duties. These skills are often transferable to various roles and industries and typically come through life and professional experience. A behaviour specialist might include soft skills such as communication, flexibility, attention to detail, patience, logical thinking and creativity on their resume.

5. Provide education details

The education section of your resume demonstrates your qualifications to work as a behaviour specialist. Behaviour specialist positions require a certain education focusing on psychology, counselling or social work. When listing your education details, begin by including the name of the degree and major you achieved, the educational institution and the city and state or territory where you studied. Highlight any additional recognition that you might have received during your studies.

6. Additional certifications

The additional certifications section on your resume is optional. You can incorporate your registrations or additional certification details as a behaviour specialist. For example, you might include your registration for the Psychology Board of Australia or any upskilling courses you've completed as a behaviour specialist, such as interpersonal behavioural intervention or early intervention and relational approach courses.

Resume template

Here's a resume template for you to consider when creating your document:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State or Territory]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight your years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional.]

Experience

(For the most recent role, list 5 experience items. For previous roles, list 3.)

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State or Territory]

(strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[job duty]
[job duty]
[job duty]
[job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State or Territory]

(strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[job duty]
[job duty]

Education
[Degree and Major], [Name of School or University]
[City], [State or Territory]

Certifications (optional)
[Certification Name], [Host Organisation], [Year completed or expiration date]

Resume example

Reviewing a resume example for a behaviour specialist can help you feel confident when creating yours. Below is an example of an effective resume for a behaviour specialist:

Catherine Smith | Bachelor of Psychology

+ 61 3 5555 5555 | catherinesmith@email.com | Sydney, NSW

Professional Summary
Dedicated and passionate behavioural specialist with eight years of experience working in a school environment. Proven record of success in working with individuals with developmental and personality disorders, with a passion for early intervention.

Experience
Behaviour Specialist | January 2015–Current
Sydney Primary School | Sydney, NSW

observe and assess student behaviour in various settings to identify problematic behaviour
develop treatment plans to support the patient's behaviour
implement treatment plans and monitor progress
communicate the patient's needs with parents, teachers and caregivers
collaborate with additional healthcare team members to maintain a high level of care

Medical Receptionist | June 2012–January 2015
Sydney Medical Centre | Sydney, NSW

greeted and attended to patients on arrival to prepare them for appointments
maintained strict doctor and patient confidentiality
liaised between various medical departments to communicate results and patient requirements

Education
Bachelor of Psychology, Psychology University
Sydney, NSW

Certifications
Certified Behaviour Specialist, Psychology Board of Australia, November 2014