Advanced DSP - Behavioral Support Specialist

HILLS & DALES CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Hills & Dales Child Development Center is seeking a Direct Support Professional III (DSP III) for advanced overnight behavioral support. This role focuses on individuals with aggressive, challenging, or self-injurious behaviors, providing structure, safety, de-escalation, and behavioral skill-building during the night.

You will work on advanced behavioral support with BSPs, emphasizing safety, documentation, and emotional regulation, in a home-like setting with a mission-driven team.

Qualifications

• 18+ years old.
• Able to lift 35 lbs.
• Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and insurance.
• Clear background, drug, and driving record checks.
• Behavioral support experience strongly preferred (training provided)

Responsibilities

• Provide structured behavioral support throughout the night.
• Assist with daily living routines as needed (hygiene, meals, medications).
• Implement behavior support strategies and interventions.
• Use proactive and reactive tools to maintain safety.
• Document behaviors and progress according to plans.
• Promote dignity, respect, and emotional safety for all individuals.

Skills

Behavioral support experience

De-escalation techniques

Documentation and reporting

Communication with individuals

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Direct Support Professional III (Challenging Behavior and Autism Residential Support)

Now Hiring Behavioral Support DSP III Team Members

Join Our Mission at Hills & Dales

Are you a compassionate night owl who excels in high-intensity, meaningful work? Hills & Dales, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities, is seeking Direct Support Professional III (DSP III) team members to provide advanced overnight behavioral support.

This is not a typical DSP role.

DSP III team members work directly with individuals who exhibit aggressive, challenging, or self-injurious behaviors, providing structure, safety, de-escalation, and behavioral skill-building throughout the night.

If you want to make a true impact in a behavioral support environment, this may be the perfect role for you.

Why Join Hills & Dales?

Make a real impact during meaningful overnight hours

Support individuals in a stable, home-like setting

Be part of a mission-driven, positive team

Enjoy flexible 3- or 4-night schedules with over 200 days off per year!

Ability to trade with co-workers to have days off without needing to use PTO.

Opportunities for career growth and additional training

Competitive pay & premium weekend rates

This Is NOT a Typical DSP Role

DSP III positions are advanced behavioral support roles.

You will work closely with individuals whose behaviors may include aggression, self-injury, tantrums, property destruction, or other high-intensity needs.

Your work helps create safe, structured environments while following individualized behavior support plans.

What to Expect in a DSP III Role

You will work with clients who may display aggressive or self-injurious behaviors

You will use behavioral support strategies, including verbal and physical de-escalation techniques

You will follow and implement individualized behavior support plans (BSPs)

You will support emotional regulation, communication, and skill-building

You will maintain safety, documentation, and structure throughout the shift

This is a higher-level DSP position focused on behavior management and intervention

Pay & Schedule Highlights

DSP III (Behavioral Support) schedule options include:

• Back Half (pays more) (working 3 or 4 12-hour shifts each week) including a Wed, Thursday, or Friday, AND every Saturday
• Front Half (working 3 or 4 12-hour shifts each week) including a Mon, Tues, or AND every Sunday
• There are overnight and day schedule options.

What You'll Do

Provide structured behavioral support throughout the night

Assist with daily living routines as needed (hygiene, meals, medications)

Implement behavior support strategies and interventions

Use proactive and reactive tools to maintain safety

Document behaviors and progress according to plans

Promote dignity, respect, and emotional safety for all individuals

What You Need

18+ years old

High school diploma or GED

Able to lift 35 lbs

Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and insurance

Clear background, drug, and driving record checks

Behavioral support experience strongly preferred (training provided)

If you're ready for a rewarding challenge and want to grow your skills in behavioral support, Hills & Dales wants YOU on our overnight team. Bring your heart, your calm under pressure, and your desire to make every night count.

Apply Today and Build a Career with Purpose!

Offer contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, dependent adult and child abuse background check, and drug screen.