Behavior Support Specialist

Breathe Project; Homestead (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Devereux/TCV Community Services is seeking multiple Behavior Support Specialists for the STAIRS program, a residential treatment model for youth with autism and developmental disabilities. You will work within a multidisciplinary team to implement therapeutic plans and support daily living skills in a structured environment.

The role involves hands-on care, crisis intervention, and collaboration with families as part of a comprehensive treatment approach designed to help youth progress in a

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor or higher degree preferred.
• One year experience in a psychiatric residential treatment facility preferred.
• Experience with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Intellectual Disabilities preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks; proficient communication and computer skills; valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Implement Individualized Positive Behavior Support Plans and Behavioral Health Treatment Plans.
• Provide Direct Care and Supervision during daily activities, leisure time, and community outings.
• Support Self-Care and Daily Living Skills for residents with varying independence.
• Apply de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies as needed.
• Facilitate therapeutic activities and group sessions to build social and communication skills.
• Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment for residents.

Skills

Communication

Driver's license

Autism support

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Position: Behavior Support Specialist

Pay Range: $20.05 - $23.03 per hour

Available Shifts:

• 7a-3p, various shifts
• 2p-10p, Tuesday-Saturday (Off Sunday and Monday)
• 2p-10p, Wednesday- Sunday (Off Monday and Tuesday)
• 2p-10p, Thursday- Monday (Off Tuesday and Wednesday)
• 2p-10p, Sunday-Thursday (Off Friday and Saturday)
• 10p-8a, various shifts (Full Time and Part Time Available)

Location: Homestead area of Pittsburgh, PA

Start a new career with purpose and impact!

We’re excited to begin welcoming new team members as we launch an innovative residential treatment program dedicated to supporting children and adolescents with autism or intellectual disabilities and co‑occurring behavioral health needs.As a Behavior Support Specialist, you’ll play a vital role in providing hands‑on care, building meaningful relationships, and helping individuals achieve their goals in a safe and supportive environment. You’ll work alongside a compassionate multidisciplinary team, contribute to life‑changing progress, and be part of something truly special from the very beginning.

Position Summary

Devereux/TCV Community Services is seeking multiple Behavior Support Specialists for our new STAIRS program, an intensive residential treatment program for youth with autism and developmental disabilities. The program serves youth with significant behavioral challenges and skill deficits who have not made progress in less restrictive settings.

The Behavior Support Specialist is part of a multidisciplinary treatment team including a child psychiatrist, social worker, nurses, special education staff, behavior analysts, and recreational specialist.Individuals in our program vary in their abilities, with some being non‑speaking and having limited interactions and responses to others.

Primary Responsibilities Include

• Implement Individualized Positive Behavior Support Plans and Behavioral Health Treatment Plans: Assist in carrying out therapeutic and behavioral strategies and interventions developed by the multidisciplinary team including psychiatrists, nurses, and behavior analysts.
• Provide Direct Care & Supervision: Support residents during daily activities, leisure time, and community outings, ensuring safety and engagement.
• Support Self‑Care & Daily Living Skills: Aid residents with personal hygiene, toileting, and other functional living skills, especially those with limited independence.
• Preventing and Responding to Challenging Behaviors: Implementing treatment interventions to prevent challenging behaviors as well as strategies to de‑escalate challenging behaviors (including self‑injury, aggression, elopement) and other crisis situations using approved intervention techniques.
• Facilitate Therapeutic Activities: Assist with individual and group sessions focused on social and communication skills, emotion regulation, daily living skills, leisure and recreational activities.
• Maintain a Safe & Therapeutic Environment: Ensure the physical and emotional well‑being of residents by promoting a structured, respectful, and supportive atmosphere.

Being a Behavior Support Specialist at Devereux/TCV has its advantages

• Transform Lives: Help youth with autism and complex behavioral needs make meaningful progress.
• Team‑Based Care: Work alongside a skilled, multidisciplinary team.
• Family Involvement: Empower families through training and active participation.
• Growth Opportunity: Gain valuable experience in intensive behavioral treatment.
• Educational Collaboration: Support skill‑building across home, school, and community.

Interested in advancing your career?

Devereux is proud to offer ASCEND - the first career accelerator program exclusively designed to give behavioral healthcare workers - the career guidance, one‑on‑one coaching, skills and financial assistance you need to reach your full potential. This program includes tuition and student loan repayment!

EDUCATION

High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor or higher degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE

One (1) year previous experience in a Psychiatric residential treatment facility preferred. One (1) year experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Intellectual Disabilities preferred. Ability to manage multiple tasks.Proficient communication and computer skills.Valid driver’s license must be maintained.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to administer CPR.Ability to administer first aid.Ability to properly restrain adolescent/adult residents.Ability to create and maintain a therapeutic milieu.Regularly requires walking, standing, stooping, bending, and pushing/pulling (1/2 to 3/4 of the workday).Seldom requires sitting.May require lifting up to 50 lbs. (1/4 - 1/2 of the workday). Requires repetitive wrist/hand movement (3/4 to 4/4 of the workday). Range of hearing and vision sufficient to operate standard office machines and communicate with co‑workers and stakeholders in person and via telephone. Free of dependency and abuse of illegal or illicit drugs, alcohol, inhalants, or other chemical substances or controlled substances.Often drives a Devereux‑TCV vehicle or van.Regularly works inside in areas that are adequately lighted and ventilated (1/2 to 3/4 of work time).Some fluctuation in temperature.Also, regularly works outside.May work in wet conditions (<1/4 of work time)

Devereux has a zero‑tolerance policy for abuse and maintains policies and procedures to systematically reduce the risk of abuse to occur in our organization. Devereux fosters a culture of reporting abuse, and will cooperate with the authorities to the fullest extent possible.