Behavior Specialist

Socket.dev; Lansing (MI); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement for work-related

Hybrid work environment

Professional development and careerAdv

Job summary

Beacon is seeking a dedicated Behavior Specialist to join our Clinical team in the greater Lansing and Central Michigan region. You will develop and monitor Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), coach direct care staff, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to deliver high‑quality care and data‑driven interventions.

The role emphasizes compassionate, organized leadership, experience with IDD/mental illness, and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 1–2 years of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness preferred.
• Experience conducting behavioral assessments and implementing interventions for individuals with complex, high‑intensity behaviors required.
• Experience developing and implementing Behavior Support Plans (BSPs).
• Ability to teach and coach staff effectively.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the assigned region.
• Background screening completed successfully.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, monitor, and revise individualized BSPs.
• Assess behavioral needs and recommend evidence-based interventions.
• Train, coach, and mentor Direct Support Professionals and care teams on BSPs.
• Provide hands-on behavioral support and crisis intervention when necessary.
• Respond to behavioral emergencies and debrief staff after crises.
• Monitor data, analyze trends, and adjust interventions accordingly.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings with families, providers, and community partners.
• Assist with abuse, neglect, and incident reviews as needed.
• Maintain accurate electronic documentation and timely reports.
• Support QA initiatives and regulatory compliance.
• Participate in on-call rotation as required.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Independent work with collaboration

Crisis support experience

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic documentation systems

Job description

Beacon is a leading national behavioral health organization providing residential services and supports to children and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Severe Mental Illness (SMI), Autism, and individuals with complex behavioral needs.

We're seeking a dedicated Behavior Specialist to join our Clinical team. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about improving lives through evidence-based behavioral interventions, staff coaching, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

As a Behavior Specialist, you'll work directly with individuals, caregivers, and clinical teams to develop effective behavior support strategies that promote independence, safety, and an improved quality of life.

This position supports the greater Lansing and Central Michigan region, including Lansing, Leslie, Mount Pleasant, and surrounding area. Travel is required to these locations.

What We Offer

• Full-time position
• Hybrid work environment
• Monday-Friday schedule
• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel
• Supportive and collaborative clinical team
• Opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve

Position Summary

The Behavior Specialist provides specialized behavioral support services across residential and program settings. This position develops, implements, and monitors individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), trains and coaches direct care staff, analyzes behavioral data, and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to ensure consistent, high-quality care.

The ideal candidate is compassionate, organized, and experienced in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness, autism, and complex behavioral challenges.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, monitor, and revise individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSPs).
• Assess behavioral needs and recommend evidence-based interventions.
• Train, coach, and mentor Direct Support Professionals and care teams on effective implementation of BSPs.
• Provide hands-on behavioral support and crisis intervention when necessary.
• Respond to behavioral emergencies and provide post-crisis debriefing and staff support.
• Monitor behavioral data, analyze trends, and adjust intervention strategies accordingly.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and collaborate with families, providers, and community partners.
• Assist with abuse, neglect, and incident reviews as needed.
• Maintain accurate electronic documentation and complete required reports in a timely manner.
• Support quality assurance initiatives and regulatory compliance.
• Participate in an on-call rotation as required.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• One to two years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or mental illness preferred.
• Experience conducting behavioral assessments and implementing interventions for individuals with complex, high-intensity behaviors required.
• Experience developing and implementing Behavior Support Plans (BSPs).
• Ability to effectively teach and coach staff.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the assigned region.
• Successful completion of required background screening.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Comfortable working in crisis situations and providing behavioral support.
• Professional, compassionate, and adaptable.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.