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The Critical Role of Support Workers in Positive Behavior Support

• Support workers are essential in implementing Positive Behavior Support (PBS) plans to assist individuals in achieving their goals.
• Direct contact staff must have a strong understanding of PBS values and components, person-centered planning and support, creating supportive environments, supporting functional assessments, implementing behavior support plans, teaching new skills, and reacting ethically and effectively to challenging behaviors.
• Failure to have these competencies may result in behaviors being misunderstood, restrictive practices being used and misused, and a lower quality of life for the person receiving support.
• The most important function of a support worker is to establish an enabling relationship with the individual receiving support built on trust, respect, and dignity.
• Support workers must be responsive to the individual's needs and behaviors to create a supportive environment where they feel safe, valued, and understood.
• Altering the physical environment, using behavior analysis principles and teaching techniques, and collaborating with other professionals are also key functions of support workers.
• Support workers must identify their training needs and request training from their employers to provide the best possible support.
• The power dynamic between a support worker and the person they support distinguishes the support role from other roles, such as friendships.
• In a support relationship, priority must be given to the wishes of the person receiving support.
• Care and support workers should be cautious about engaging in banter and ribbing with the people they support as it can be hurtful or insensitive and potentially harm the person's wellbeing.
• Care and support workers have a professional responsibility to create a safe and supportive environment for the individuals they support.
• In conclusion, support workers play a critical role in PBS and must establish an enabling relationship with the person receiving support, work collaboratively with other professionals, engage in professional development, and be mindful of the power dynamic and professional boundaries in their interactions.

The Critical Role of Support Workers in Positive Behavior Support

• Support workers are essential in implementing Positive Behavior Support (PBS) plans to assist individuals in achieving their goals.
• Direct contact staff must have a strong understanding of PBS values and components, person-centered planning and support, creating supportive environments, supporting functional assessments, implementing behavior support plans, teaching new skills, and reacting ethically and effectively to challenging behaviors.
• Failure to have these competencies may result in behaviors being misunderstood, restrictive practices being used and misused, and a lower quality of life for the person receiving support.
• The most important function of a support worker is to establish an enabling relationship with the individual receiving support built on trust, respect, and dignity.
• Support workers must be responsive to the individual's needs and behaviors to create a supportive environment where they feel safe, valued, and understood.
• Altering the physical environment, using behavior analysis principles and teaching techniques, and collaborating with other professionals are also key functions of support workers.
• Support workers must identify their training needs and request training from their employers to provide the best possible support.
• The power dynamic between a support worker and the person they support distinguishes the support role from other roles, such as friendships.
• In a support relationship, priority must be given to the wishes of the person receiving support.
• Care and support workers should be cautious about engaging in banter and ribbing with the people they support as it can be hurtful or insensitive and potentially harm the person's wellbeing.
• Care and support workers have a professional responsibility to create a safe and supportive environment for the individuals they support.
• In conclusion, support workers play a critical role in PBS and must establish an enabling relationship with the person receiving support, work collaboratively with other professionals, engage in professional development, and be mindful of the power dynamic and professional boundaries in their interactions.

Test your knowledge on the critical role of support workers in Positive Behavior Support (PBS) with this informative quiz. Explore the essential competencies, functions, and responsibilities of support workers in creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals with challenging behaviors. Discover how to establish an enabling relationship built on trust, respect, and dignity, and learn about the power dynamic and professional boundaries in support relationships. Take this quiz to enhance your understanding of PBS and support workers' critical role in promoting positive outcomes for individuals.