PBS (Positive Behaviour Support) Coach and Trainer

 For individuals who require full-time care and support, PBS is crucial to ensure they live a full and fulfilling life. Caregivers who use PBS methods not only provide better care but can develop better relationships with the individuals. 

The Positive Behaviour Support Trainer Course is designed to equip participants with the expertise needed to become proficient trainers in the field of positive behaviour support. The course focuses on understanding the principles of positive behaviour support, addressing challenging behaviours, and imparting effective training techniques. Participants will learn how to lead training sessions that empower caregivers, educators, and professionals to promote positive behaviours and enhance the quality of life for individuals with behavioural challenges.

 

What is PBS?

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) promotes positive behaviour change by identifying trigger behaviours and implementing strategies to prevent them. By analysing patterns and triggers associated with these behaviours, delegates can develop effective intervention plans that address root causes rather than simply reacting to negative outcomes.

 

What is a PBS Coach?

A PBS coach serves as a guide who helps individuals understand the principles of PBS, develop appropriate behaviour support plans, and implement strategies effectively. The responsibilities of a coach involve conducting functional assessments to identify triggers for challenging behaviours, developing individualised support plans based on assessment findings, and training individuals or families in implementing these plans consistently across different settings. Moreover, a coach also provides ongoing support through regular meetings or consultations to ensure successful implementation.

 

What Skills does a PBS Coach Need?

To be an effective coach in promoting positive behaviour change through PBS interventions requires specific skills such as: 

  • Active Listening
  • Communication Abilities 
  • Problem-Solving Skills
  • Empathy
  • Cultural Awareness & Competence 

If you are an experienced caregiver, you will possess many of these skills already and can apply them to your PBS practices. However, remember that trying new techniques can be beneficial, and will help you provide better care in the future. 

What are the Challenges of PBS?

Despite the potential benefits of PBS, there are several challenges. For instance, the lack of resources or funding can hinder the effective implementation of complex behaviour support plans. Additionally, resistance or lack of buy-in from individuals or families involved can impede progress. 

However, collaboration among coaches, trainers, individuals/families, and other professionals can help overcome these challenges. Working together enables sharing of expertise and experiences thus increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes. 

Every individual is different, but support from other professionals can be invaluable. Applying new techniques to individuals with a set routine may be difficult, and for a time may seem ineffective, but patience and perseverance are key. 

 

PBS Training Course

Completion of this Guardian Angels course will give you the skills and knowledge to: 

  • Identify challenging behaviour
  • Understand the causes of challenging behaviour
  • Make adjustments that may help to reduce the behaviour
  • Learn how their actions can impact the behaviour
  • Implement proactive reduction strategies
  • Understand the importance of de-escalation 
  • Identify the right time to intervene 
  • Develop their communication skills 
  • Utilise empathy skills to help build trust 
  • Demonstrate effective de-escalation techniques

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants should be able to:

  1. Grasp the Fundamentals of Positive Behaviour Support:
    1. Define positive behaviour support and its application in various settings.
    2. Explain the importance of focusing on proactive strategies to encourage positive behaviours.
  2. Understand Behaviour Analysis Principles:
    1. Familiarize with the principles of behaviour analysis, including antecedents, behaviours, and consequences.
    2. Identify the functional relationships that influence behaviour and how they impact intervention strategies.
  3. Identify Challenging Behaviours:
    1. Recognize various types of challenging behaviours and their underlying causes.
    2. Understand the significance of conducting functional behaviour assessments to inform intervention plans.
  4. Develop Individualized Behaviour Support Plans:
    1. Learn how to create person-centered behaviour support plans that address the unique needs of individuals.
    2. Apply strategies to align behaviour support plans with individual goals and preferences. 
  5. Master Effective Communication and Collaboration:
    1. Develop communication skills to effectively collaborate with individuals, their support networks, and interdisciplinary teams.
    2. Enhance conflict resolution skills to ensure a unified approach to behaviour support.
  6. Demonstrate Positive Behaviour Intervention Techniques:
    1. Learn and practice a range of evidence-based strategies for preventing and responding to challenging behaviours.
    2. Understand the importance of using least restrictive interventions while maintaining safety.
  7. Cultivate Training Design and Delivery Skills:
    1. Create engaging and interactive training materials on positive behaviour support.
    2. Develop session plans that incorporate adult learning principles to engage participants and enhance understanding.
  8. Tailor Training to Diverse Audiences:
    1. Adapt training content and delivery methods to suit diverse learners, including caregivers, educators, and support staff.
    2. Customize training messages for different levels of expertise and roles.
  9. Address Ethical and Cultural Considerations:
    1. Understand the ethical implications of behaviour support interventions and the importance of respecting individual rights and choices.
    2. Recognize cultural nuances that may impact behaviour support approaches and training content.
  10. Evaluate Training Effectiveness:
    1. Develop assessment tools to measure participants' understanding and application of positive behaviour support concepts.
    2. Utilize feedback to continually refine training content and delivery techniques.
  11. Promote Sustainable Behaviour Change:
    1. Provide participants with strategies to implement positive behaviour support techniques consistently over time.
    2. Guide participants in fostering a supportive environment that encourages continuous learning and improvement.
  12. Stay Current with Emerging Practices: 
    1. Stay informed about the latest research, best practices, and advancements in positive behaviour support.
    2. Incorporate new insights into training content and share relevant updates with participants.

 

This course aims to empower participants with the skills and knowledge to become effective Positive Behaviour Support Trainers. By imparting evidence-based strategies and training techniques, participants will be equipped to lead educational efforts that promote positive behaviour change, enhance quality of life, and create supportive environments for individuals with behavioural challenges.

 

The course duration can vary based on a local needs assessment, but previous courses have been delivered over 1 to 3 days.