Behavior Specialist

HILLS & DALES CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

HILLS & DALES CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER in Dubuque seeks a Behavior Specialist to develop, implement, and monitor person-centered behavior support plans for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

You will train and coach Direct Support Professionals, analyze data, and collaborate with families and interdisciplinary teams to promote trauma-informed, evidence-based practices and positive outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, Special Education, Behavior Analysis, or a related field.
• Minimum three years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Experience developing behavior support plans and training or coaching staff.
• Knowledge of positive behavior supports, trauma-informed care, and person-centered practices.
• Strong communication, facilitation, data analysis, and organization skills.
• QBS Safety-Care Trainer certification (or ability to obtain within one year).
• Valid driver license and ability to travel between locations.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized behavior support plans.
• Analyze behavioral data and recommend interventions and plan revisions.
• Observe and assess individuals in residential, vocational, educational, and community settings.
• Provide consultation on positive behavior supports, crisis prevention, and de-escalation strategies.
• Lead DSP-III training, competency assessments, and ongoing staff coaching.
• Facilitate behavior-related training and ensure compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.
• Collaborate with families, guardians, and interdisciplinary teams to support individual goals and quality outcomes.

Skills

Data analysis

Communication

Facilitation

Organization

Education

Bachelor's degree

QBS Safety-Care Trainer certification

Job description

Behavior Specialist

Reports To: Program Officer
Classification: Exempt

Position Summary

We are seeking a dedicated Behavior Specialist to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the development, implementation, and monitoring of person-centered behavior support plans. This role serves as the organization's behavioral support expert, providing training, coaching, and guidance to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), with a primary focus on DSP-III development.

The Behavior Specialist works closely with individuals served, families, interdisciplinary teams, medical professionals, and staff to promote positive outcomes through trauma-informed, evidence-based behavioral practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized behavior support plans.
• Analyze behavioral data and recommend interventions and plan revisions.
• Observe and assess individuals in residential, vocational, educational, and community settings.
• Provide consultation on positive behavior supports, crisis prevention, and de-escalation strategies.
• Lead DSP-III training, competency assessments, and ongoing staff coaching.
• Facilitate behavior-related training and ensure compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.
• Collaborate with families, guardians, and interdisciplinary teams to support individual goals and quality outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, Special Education, Behavior Analysis, or a related field.
• Minimum three years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Experience developing behavior support plans and training or coaching staff.
• Knowledge of positive behavior supports, trauma-informed care, and person-centered practices.
• Strong communication, facilitation, data analysis, and organization skills.
• QBS Safety-Care Trainer certification (or ability to obtain within one year).
• Valid driver license and ability to travel between locations.

Why Join Us?

Join a mission-driven team dedicated to improving lives through compassionate, evidence-based support while helping staff build the skills needed to deliver exceptional care.