Behavior Specialist

HILLS & DALES CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

HILLS & DALES CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER is seeking a Behavior Specialist to lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of person-centered behavior support plans for individuals with IDD. You will train and coach Direct Support Professionals, focusing on DSP-III development across multiple sites.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed, evidence-based behavioral practices and collaboration with families and interdisciplinary teams to promote positive outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related field.
• Minimum three years of experience supporting individuals with IDD.
• Experience developing behavior support plans and training staff.
• QBS Safety-Care Trainer certification (or ability to obtain within one year).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between locations.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized behavior support plans.
• Analyze behavioral data and adjust interventions.
• Observe individuals in residential, vocational, educational, and community settings.
• Provide consultation on positive behavior supports, crisis prevention, and de-escalation.

Skills

Communication

Facilitation

Data analysis

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

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 organizational skills.
• QBS Safety-Care Trainer certification (or ability to obtain within one year).
• Valid driver's 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.