Behavior Specialist - Entry Level - Oakland

Center for Social Dynamics; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules

Paid training

Tuition reimbursement

Competitive pay with bonus opportunities

Job summary

Center for Social Dynamics in Oakland is seeking a Behavior Specialist to use play and evidence-based strategies to help children build communication, social, and life skills. This role promotes growth with a strong focus on flexibility and compassion toward children's needs.

Ideal candidates are energetic, love working with kids, and are eager for a career path that offers hands-on training and college reimbursement.

Join us in making a difference and changing lives through dedicated support.

Qualifications

• Flexible availability, especially Monday–Friday afternoons/evenings + Saturdays.
• Proof of vaccinations as required by California mandates.
• Reliable transportation is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Use play and evidence-based strategies to help kids build skills.
• Bring energy and compassion to each session.
• Follow personalized plans while celebrating small wins.

Skills

Working with kids

Patience

Energy and optimism

Flexibility

Education

H.S. Diploma or GED

Job description

Your First Step Into a Career That Changes Lives

This isn’t just an entry-level job. It’s the first step in a mapped-out journey — toward a degree, a promotion, and even leadership. At CSD, we don’t just hire people. We invite changemakers who believe that every child deserves to shine.

Starting Pay: $20–$25 per hour, based on experience

What Makes This Role Different

• Career Compass: clarity from day one with your growth pathway.
• Dreams Come True: free college or tuition reimbursement to help you earn your degree.
• Career Rewards: recognition and milestones as you grow.
• Flexible schedules + paid training so you can learn, earn, and thrive.

About Us

At Center for Social Dynamics (CSD), we believe in possibilities. From a child’s first session to every milestone after, we’re building futures filled with play, progress, and joy. We meet kids where they are — at home, in schools, and in the community — and help them grow through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Every day is about connection, compassion, and celebrating breakthroughs big and small.

About the Opportunity

As a Behavior Specialist, you’ll:

• Use play, games, and evidence-based strategies to help kids build communication, social, and life skills.
• Bring energy and compassion to each session — whether it’s at a child’s home, one of our centers, or out in the community.
• Follow personalized plans designed by our clinical leaders while celebrating small wins that lead to big growth.
• Thrive in a flexible, on-the-go role where no two days look the same.

What Success Looks Like

• Kids smiling because they can now say a new word, share a toy, or join in play; achieving life changing milestones.
• Families feeling hope and relief because they see progress.
• You growing through paid training, coaching, and mapped-out career milestones.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive pay + bonus opportunities
• Paid drive time & mileage reimbursement
• Company-issued cell phone
• Free college or tuition reimbursement (Dreams Come True Program)
• Hands‑on training, career advancement, and a vibrant team culture

About You

• You love working with kids and making a difference.
• You bring patience, energy, and optimism to every session.
• You thrive in flexible, dynamic environments.
• You’re ready to grow your career while helping kids grow, too.

Requirements

• H.S. Diploma or GED
• Flexible availability (especially Mon–Fri afternoons/evenings + Saturdays)
• Proof of vaccinations (MMR, Varicella, COVID – CA mandated)
• Reliable transportation
• Comfort working with diverse populations
• Willingness to complete training and documentation
• Ability to frequently sit and stand; keeping pace with your client

Physical Requirements

• Constant visual stimulation, including close vision, distance vision, reading, computer work
• Constant sitting; frequent up and down out of chair
• Constant use of telephone, speaking, listening
• Constant document handling, use of copier and fax machine, filing
• Frequent typing, use of computer
• Occasional walking around building
• Occasional bending, reaching, stooping, pulling
• Occasional lifting, carrying, moving of items up to 20 pounds
• Occasional walking to, bending to enter, sitting and using upper and lower limbs to drive car

CSD is a proud equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

In accordance with the Fair Chance Act, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. CSD is dedicated to ensuring fair hiring practices and encourages all individuals, including those with prior criminal histories, to apply.