Special education, RBT, summer jobs represent a critical career challenge for many behavior technicians working in school systems. As a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) pursuing degrees in elementary or special education, finding year-round paid positions with older students can transform your professional trajectory.
Why Older Student Populations Offer Stable Employment
While many RBTs work with young children, programs serving adolescents (ages 13-21) frequently operate year-round due to:
- Extended school year (ESY) requirements for students with IEPs
- Transition programs preparing teens for adulthood
- Vocational training initiatives that continue through summer
According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, demand for RBTs in secondary education has grown 42% since 2018.
Top Year-Round Work Settings for Behavior Technicians
These five settings typically offer consistent employment while allowing work with mature students:
- Residential Treatment Facilities: Provide 24/7 care for teens with behavioral challenges
- Adult Transition Programs: Help students ages 18-21 develop independent living skills
- Behavioral Health Clinics: Offer outpatient services without academic calendar breaks
- Group Homes: Require consistent staffing for residents with special needs
- Hospital Education Programs: Serve pediatric patients receiving long-term care
Strategies to Secure Year-Round Employment
When searching for stable positions, consider these approaches:
- Target employers funded by Medicaid waivers (these programs don’t follow school schedules)
- Obtain additional certifications like CPR/First Aid to increase hireability
- Network at autism advocacy events where employers recruit
- Highlight experience with data collection and behavior plans in applications
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