Meet Raja

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred, evidence-based approach for all abilities and ages that helps us understand the reasons behind challenging behaviours and create a plan to address them. We chatted with Raja Haider, our Advanced Clinician Behaviour Support Practitioner to learn more about his role, the importance of PBS and how it helps with building communication and social skills, using positive reinforcement and proactive strategies.

How long have you worked at Rocky Bay and how long have you been working in your field?

I have been working at Rocky Bay for around 13 and a half months. In the field of Behaviour Support, I have over 8 years of experience—about 3 years in Australia and nearly 5 years overseas. Before joining Rocky Bay, I worked in various roles within behaviour support both overseas and in Australia. These roles allowed me to gain extensive experience in supporting individuals with complex needs and working closely with families and support teams to improve quality of life.

What does your role involve at Rocky Bay, could you describe a typical day?

My role as an Advanced Clinician Behaviour Support Practitioner and Supervisor involves developing behaviour support plans for customers, supporting them through implementation, and providing clinical supervision to the team. I also review plans before they are shared with families or implementing providers. A typical day includes collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, conducting assessments, writing plans, and mentoring colleagues.

What do you love most about your role?

What I love most is seeing positive changes in people’s lives. When someone’s quality of life improves and they start thriving, it’s incredibly rewarding.

What makes Positive Behaviour Support different from other behaviour management approaches?

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) focuses on understanding the reasons behind behaviours rather than just managing them. It’s proactive and person-centred, aiming to improve quality of life by teaching new skills and creating supportive environments.

How do you involve families and support teams in the process?

We involve families and support teams from the very beginning. Their input is crucial for understanding the person’s needs, preferences, and history. Collaboration ensures consistency and helps create strategies that work in real-life settings.

What are the biggest misconceptions about challenging behaviours?

One common misconception is that challenging behaviours are simply ‘bad behaviour.’ In reality, these behaviours often serve a purpose for the individual, such as communicating unmet needs or coping with stress.

Can you share an example of how PBS has helped someone thrive?

I worked with a person who displayed frequent aggression due to communication difficulties. Through PBS, we introduced alternative communication methods and adjusted their environment. Over time, their aggression reduced significantly, and they became more engaged and independent.

What advice would you give to families who are feeling overwhelmed by behaviours of concern?

My advice is to seek support early and remember that behaviours are a form of communication. With the right strategies and collaboration, positive change is possible. You’re not alone—there are professionals and resources to help.

Our experienced Positive Behaviour Support practitioners are to help you with practical strategies tailored to your needs, and they’re ready when you are! Find out more about Positive Behaviour Support at Rocky Bay here