Behavioral Support Specialist

Terrapin-Hous; Allentown (Lehigh County); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Terrapin-Hous in Allentown is seeking a compassionate Behavioral Support Specialist for a flexible part-time role, supporting young Autistic adults in a licensed residential setting. Candidates must meet PA ODP requirements and have relevant qualifications and experience.

The position offers approx. 15 hours/month with flexibility in scheduling, focusing on personal growth and community participation while ensuring compliance with behavioral health practices.

Qualifications

• Must meet PA ODP Behavioral Specialist Service Requirements.
• Experience with individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism preferred.
• Training in Functional Behavioral Assessment and positive behavioral support required.

Responsibilities

• Complete comprehensive assessments.
• Develop behavioral support and Crisis Intervention Plans.
• Provide coaching to staff and caregivers.
• Ensure compliance with PA ODP regulations.

Skills

Behavioral health experience

Collaboration skills

Calmness and patience

Education

Licensing as a psychologist, counselor, social worker, behavior specialist, or BCBA

Master's degree in a relevant field

Job description

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Behavioral Support Specialist

Flexible Part-Time Opportunity | up to 15 hours per month

Supporting young Autistic Adult(s) in a 6400 Licensed Residential Home

Looking for More Than “Just a Job”?

We are seeking an energetic, compassionate, creative, and highly dependable Behavioral Support Specialist who enjoys building meaningful relationships, thinking outside the box, and helping others achieve greater independence, emotional well-being, and a higher quality of life.

If you believe behavior support should be person-centered, respectful, collaborative, and empowering — we’d love to meet you.

The right specialist will understand how to balance structure with flexibility while helping create a supportive, low-stress environment that promotes success and dignity.

Required Qualifications

Must Meet PA ODP Behavioral Specialist Service Requirements. Competitive rate offered.

Candidates must meet the qualifications outlined by the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) for Behavioral Specialist Services in a 6400 licensed setting, including one of the following:

Qualified Candidates May Include:

• Licensed psychologist
• Licensed professional counselor
• Licensed clinical social worker
• Licensed behavior specialist
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
• Individuals with a qualifying master’s degree and required behavioral health experience per PA ODP standards

In addition to the education and licensing criteria above, behavioral specialists must also meet the following standards: 1. Complete training in conducting and using a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA). 2. Complete training in positive behavioral support. Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do

• Complete comprehensive assessments
• Development of and revisions to a behavioral support plan and Crisis Intervention Plans that include strategies to support the individual based upon assessment
• The provision of interventions and training to individuals, staff, and caregivers
• The behavioral specialist ensures that behavioral support provided to the participant includes positive practices and least restrictive interventions and does not include chemical or mechanical restraints
• Conduct behavioral observations and data review
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team, family, and residential staff
• Provide coaching and modeling to direct support professionals
• Assist with proactive anxiety and OCD management strategies
• Support development of coping skills, communication skills, and independence
• Monitor the effectiveness of interventions and make recommendations
• Participate in team meetings and documentation requirements
• Ensure supports align with PA ODP regulations and person-centered practices
• Help create meaningful and engaging opportunities for community participation and personal growth

Schedule & Flexibility

• Approximately 15 hours per month
• Flexible scheduling available
• Combination of:
  • Residential visits
  • Team collaboration
  • Community-based support
  • Documentation/program development time

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is:

• Calm, patient, and emotionally intelligent
• Creative and solution-focused
• Organized and reliable
• Comfortable working collaboratively with teams and families
• Experienced in supporting individuals with autism, OCD, anxiety, or behavioral health needs
• Passionate about person-centered supports and neurodiversity-affirming practices

Preferred Experience

• Autism Spectrum Disorder supports
• OCD and anxiety management strategies
• Positive Behavior Support (PBS)
• Trauma-informed approaches
• Functional Behavioral Assessments
• Staff training and coaching
• Residential services under Chapter 6400 regulations

Terrapin House Inc is an EOE.