Writing an effective entry-level behavior therapist resume is essential for landing your first role in the field.

Since this position requires working with individuals facing various challenges, your document should highlight relevant skills, education, and any hands-on experience, even if it’s from internships or volunteer work.

A well-structured application not only showcases your qualifications but also demonstrates your passion. In this guide, we’ll break down how to create a resume that grabs employers’ attention.

Entry-level behavior therapist resume examples

Entry-level ABA behavior therapist resume sample

Entry-level ABA behavior therapist resume template

ABA Therapist Resume
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Resume for ABA therapist | Plain text

Emma Collins
Chicago, IL | (312) 555-6789 | emmacollins@email.com | LinkedIn.com/in/emmacollins

Summary

Compassionate and detail-oriented ABA therapist with hands-on experience assisting children with autism spectrum disorder. Skilled in data collection, behavior intervention planning, and positive reinforcement techniques. Dedicated to providing individualized support to improve clients’ daily living and social skills.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

University of Illinois at Chicago, IL

Graduated: 2025

Certifications

  • Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) – BACB (Expected October 2025)

Experience

ABA Therapy Assistant (Internship)

Bright Futures ABA Center, Chicago, IL | Jan 2025 – May 2025

  • Assisted lead therapists in developing and implementing individualized behavior intervention plans for children with autism spectrum disorder.
  • Collected and recorded detailed behavior data to monitor progress, making adjustments to intervention strategies when necessary.
  • Provided one-on-one therapy sessions using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage skill development and reduce challenging behaviors.
  • Supported clients in improving social interaction, communication, and daily living skills while collaborating with parents and caregivers.

Skills

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
  • Data collection and progress tracking
  • Behavior intervention strategies
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) support
  • Positive reinforcement techniques
  • Parent and caregiver collaboration

Professional Development

  • Attended a 12-week ABA training workshop at the Chicago Behavioral Institute, focusing on behavior assessment and intervention techniques.
  • Participated in a case study research project on the effectiveness of positive reinforcement strategies in children with ASD.

Volunteer Experience

Behavioral Support Volunteer

Helping Hands Autism Center, Chicago, IL • June 2024 – Aug 2024

  • Assisted in group therapy sessions by engaging children in structured activities designed to promote social skills.
  • Helped therapists maintain a calm and structured environment by using de-escalation strategies when necessary.

Strong sides of this behavior therapist resume example:

  • Clear structure that highlights education, certifications, and practical experience essential for the role.
  • Specific examples of tasks and achievements demonstrate hands-on expertise in ABA therapy.
  • Relevant volunteer role adds depth, showing dedication to supporting individuals with ASD.
How to properly format a resume for an entry-level behavior therapist?
  • Pick a clean font – Choose options like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10-12 pt size.
  • Keep the resume length to one page – Entry-level candidates should have their applications concise and relevant.
  • Set margins to 1 inch on all sides – This ensures readability and a balanced layout.
  • Use proper space – Leave enough white by setting line spacing to 1.15 or 1.5.
  • Organize sections – Utilize bold or slightly larger font sizes for headers.
  • Add bullet points – Short bullets help recruiters scan your experience and skills quickly.
  • Save and submit as PDF file – This keeps the look intact across different devices.

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Entry-level behavior therapist technician resume example

Sample entry-level behavior therapist technician resume

Daniel Rivera
Austin, TX | (512) 555-2345 | danielrivera@email.com | LinkedIn.com/in/danielrivera

Objective

Dedicated and patient-focused behavior technician with a strong understanding of behavior intervention strategies. Seeking an entry-level role at a supportive organization to apply knowledge of ABA techniques and data collection while gaining hands-on experience.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Texas State University, San Marcos, TX

Graduated: 2025

Certifications

  • Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) – BACB (In Progress)

Experience

Volunteer Behavior Support Assistant

Pathways Behavioral Services, Austin, TX | Sep 2024 – Dec 2024

  • Shadowed behavior therapists to gain hands-on experience in implementing ABA strategies with children facing behavioral challenges.
  • Assisted in tracking behavioral patterns and progress using detailed data collection techniques, ensuring accurate reporting for therapists.
  • Helped create engaging, structured activities designed to reinforce positive behaviors and encourage social skill development.
  • Provided direct support to children with developmental delays, ensuring a safe and encouraging environment tailored to their individual needs.

Skills

  • Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA)
  • Crisis prevention and intervention
  • Data collection and behavior tracking
  • Client engagement and communication
  • Individualized behavior planning
  • Team collaboration

Workshops & Training

  • Completed a 10-week "Introduction to ABA Therapy" course at Austin Behavioral Health Institute.
  • Attended a seminar on crisis prevention and intervention techniques hosted by the Texas Association of Behavior Analysts.

Additional Experience

Peer Mentor

Texas State University Student Success Program, San Marcos, TX | Aug 2023 – May 2024

  • Provided guidance and academic support to first-year students struggling with course material and time management.
  • Organized workshops on stress management and communication skills to help students develop self-regulation strategies.

Here are a few reasons why this example of an entry-level behavior therapist resume will impress recruiters:

  • Focused objective statement clearly outlines the candidate’s career goals and skills.
  • Comprehensive skills section showcases both technical competencies and interpersonal abilities.
  • Professional development section emphasizes relevant workshops and training that enhance qualifications.
Should I choose an entry-level behavior therapist resume objective or summary?

Resume summary

  • Best for candidates with some experience (internships, volunteer work, coursework).
  • Highlights key qualifications in 3-4 sentences.

Entry-level behavior therapist resume summary sample:

Compassionate and dedicated behavior therapist with hands-on experience in ABA therapy through internships. Skilled in data collection, behavioral interventions, and patient support. Passionate about improving clients' quality of life through evidence-based techniques.

Resume objective

  • Ideal for those with little to no job history.
  • Focuses on career goals and enthusiasm for the role, usually in 1-2 sentences.

Entry-level behavior therapist resume objective example:

Recent psychology graduate with a strong understanding of behavioral therapy principles. Seeking to apply my knowledge and empathy to support clients in achieving personal growth. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and gain practical experience in the field.

How to showcase your behavior therapist resume skills?

The skills section highlights your qualifications and helps employers quickly assess your strengths.

  • Hard skills are technical knowledge and abilities gained through education, training, or experience.
  • Soft skills refer to personal traits that improve work performance.

Behavior therapist resume hard skills:

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
  • Data collection and analysis
  • Behavior intervention planning
  • Positive reinforcement techniques
  • Crisis prevention and intervention
  • Functional behavior assessments (FBA)
  • Individualized treatment planning
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) knowledge
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) basics
  • Progress monitoring

Soft skills for behavior therapist resume:

  • Communication
  • Patience
  • Empathy
  • Active listening
  • Problem-solving
  • Adaptability
  • Conflict resolution
  • Teamwork
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail

Special education aide resume template

Special education aide resume sample

Special Education Aide Resume
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Resume for special education aide | Text version

Sophia Martinez
Los Angeles, CA | (213) 555-7890 | sophiamartinez@email.com | LinkedIn.com/in/sophiamartinez

Summary

Compassionate and dedicated special education aide with experience assisting students with learning disabilities and behavioral challenges. Passionate about creating an inclusive environment where all students can succeed.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Education

California State University, Los Angeles, CA

Graduated: 2025

Experience

Student Support Aide (Internship)

Westwood Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA | Jan 2025 – May 2025

  • Provided individualized support to students with learning disabilities and behavioral challenges, helping them engage with classroom activities effectively.
  • Assisted teachers in implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), adapting lesson materials and teaching methods to meet diverse student needs.
  • Helped manage classroom behavior by reinforcing positive actions and using de-escalation techniques to support students experiencing frustration or anxiety.
  • Communicated regularly with teachers, therapists, and parents to ensure a collaborative approach in addressing each student’s unique educational and behavioral needs.

Skills

  • Classroom behavior management
  • Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
  • Adaptive learning strategies
  • Communication with parents and educators
  • Patience and empathy
  • Special education support

Extracurricular Activities

  • Member of the Special Education Advocacy Club at California State University, participating in awareness campaigns and mentorship programs.
  • Volunteered at a local literacy program, assisting children with learning disabilities in improving their reading and writing skills.

Languages

  • Fluent in Spanish and English, allowing for effective communication with bilingual students and families.
  • Basic proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL), used to assist students with hearing impairments.

This sample resume is effective for several reasons:

  • Engaging summary statement captures key strengths and passion for supporting diverse learners.
  • Experience aligns closely with the daily responsibilities of a special education aide.
  • Additional sections like extracurricular activities and languages highlight well-rounded qualifications.
What academic credentials should I add to my behavior therapist resume with no experience?

Most behavior therapist roles require at least a bachelor's diploma in psychology, social work, or a related field. Your education section should be clear and structured.

What to include:

How to organize the experience section in a therapist resume?
  • List positions in reverse chronological order.
  • Add job title, organization name, location, and dates of employment.
  • Use bullet points to describe responsibilities and achievements.
  • Focus on quantifiable results where possible (e.g., "Assisted in implementing behavior plans for 10+ clients").
  • Highlight transferable skills from unrelated roles, such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
  • Avoid long paragraphs—keep descriptions concise and easy to scan.

Conclusion

A well-written behavior therapist resume with no experience can help you stand out, even if you’re new to the field.

By focusing on relevant skills, education, and any roles that demonstrate your ability to work with clients, you can create a strong first impression.

Tailor your document to each job posting, use clear formatting, and highlight your dedication to helping others. With a thoughtful approach, you’ll be well on your way to starting your career as a behavior therapist.

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