BEHAVIOR ANALYST - 10272026-82220

State of Tennessee; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 57,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Tennessee’s Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is seeking a Behavior Analyst for an on-site inpatient role at Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute in Nashville. Requires BACB certification and Tennessee licensure eligibility, with two years of relevant experience.

The position emphasizes collaborative assessment, data-driven plans, and compliance with professional standards. The incumbent will work with interdisciplinary teams to improve patient safety, adaptive skills, and

Qualifications

• Certification by the BACB as a Behavior Analyst, eligible for Tennessee licensure.
• Two years of post-graduate full-time professional behavior analysis experience.
• Licensure or temporary permit as a behavior analyst with the State of Tennessee by end of probation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct behavioral assessments via observation, interviews, and data review.
• Develop measurable behavior support plans in collaboration with teams.
• Monitor progress, revise recommendations, and maintain documentation.
• Oversee the Behavior Program and report outcomes monthly.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to treatment teams and leadership.
• Ensure compliance with licensure, continuing education, and hospital policies.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to improve patient safety and transitions.

Skills

Active Learning

Critical Thinking

Learning Strategies

Mathematics

Complex Problem Solving

Education

BACB- Certified Behavior Analyst

Licensure eligibility in Tennessee

2 years post-graduate full-time professional behavior analysis experience

Job description

State of Tennessee Job Information
Opening Date/Time 10/27/2026 12:00AM Central Time

Job Information
Opening Date/Time 10/27/2026 12:00AM Central Time
Closing Date/Time 11/02/2026 11:59PM Central Time
Salary (Monthly) $5,151.00 - $7,723.00
Salary (Annually) $61,812.00 - $92,676.00
Job Type Full-Time
City, State Location Nashville, TN
Department Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES, DAVIDSON COUNTY
This position is located at Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute
This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.
This is an on-site position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board as a Behavior Analyst, eligible for licensure by the State of Tennessee as a Behavior Analyst, and two years of post-graduate full-time professional behavior analysis experience.

Substitution of Education for Experience: None.

Substitution of Experience for Education: None.

Necessary Special Qualifications: Licensure or a temporary permit as a behavior analyst with the State of Tennessee is required at the time of employment and must be maintained for the duration of the one year probationary period; licensure as a behavior analyst with the State of Tennessee is required by the end of the probationary period.

Overview

The Behavior Analyst provides hospital-wide behavioral assessment, consultation, and intervention services in an involuntary inpatient psychiatric setting, including the Forensic Services Program (FSP). This position collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to improve patient safety, strengthen adaptive skills, reduce behaviors that interfere with treatment, and support successful community transitions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct behavioral assessments through direct observation, patient and staff interviews, record review, and data analysis to identify factors contributing to aggression, self-injury, elopement, property destruction, and other behaviors affecting safety, treatment participation, or discharge readiness.
• Develop individualized, measurable behavior support plans and staff instructions in collaboration with patients and treatment teams. Incorporate positive reinforcement, skill development, prevention strategies, and consistent staff responses.
• Monitor intervention effectiveness, review behavioral data, assess implementation consistency, and revise recommendations based on patient progress and changing needs.
• Oversee the FSP Behavior Program, evaluate implementation and outcomes monthly, and recommend updates to the program manual and related procedures.
• Maintain timely clinical documentation and provide clear behavioral reports, data summaries, recommendations, and progress updates to treatment teams and hospital leadership.
• Recommend therapeutic materials and assessment resources through established hospital approval processes, including safety and infection prevention review.
• Maintain required professional licensure and certification, complete continuing education and hospital competencies, and apply current evidence-based practices consistent with professional ethical standards and hospital policies.
• Communicate professionally with patients, staff, families, and community partners; respond constructively to concerns; and support effective interdisciplinary problem-solving.

Competencies

• Manages Complexity
• Optimizes Work Processes
• Manages Conflict
• Persuades
• Self-Development

Knowledge

• Applied Behavior Analysis

Skills

• Active Learning and Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Learning Strategies
• Mathematics
• Complex Problem Solving

Abilities

• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Originality
• Written Comprehension

Tools & Equipment

• Computer
• Telephone
• Fax Machine
• Printer