Behavior Associate Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Associate Behavior Specialist + Employment Professional (Dual-Role)

Are you seeking a meaningful position that contributes to improving the lives of others? Promote autonomy, positive behavior supports, and meaningful employment opportunities for individuals who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities while building specialized skills in behavior services.

Who We Are

Since 1997, ALSO has been committed to fostering independence and community inclusion for individuals who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities through employment support, residential living, supported living, and in-home services.

About the Role

This unique dual-role position combines behavior services and employment support, providing an opportunity to develop specialized skills while making a direct impact in the lives of the people we support.

As an Associate Behavior Specialist, you will work alongside ALSO's Behavior Services team to support the implementation of Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs), assist with Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), provide coaching and training to teams, and become a certified OIS Instructor.

As an Employment Professional, you will support individuals who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving meaningful employment and community goals through job coaching, skill development, workplace advocacy, and person-centered support.

This role is designed as a developmental opportunity for professionals interested in behavior services. As organizational needs grow and required certifications are obtained, there may be opportunities to transition into a full-time Behavior Specialist position.

Key Responsibilities

Associate Behavior Specialist Duties

• Become a certified Behavior Professional and OIS Instructor, delivering trainings to support team skill development and safety.
• Provide ongoing coaching and training to teams supporting individuals with Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs).
• Support the development, review, and implementation of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), PBSPs, and ISP-related services.
• Lead and facilitate OIS classes in residential, supported living, employment, and community settings.
• Review and ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance of service documentation.
• Support and oversee physical skills practice to ensure safe and effective implementation.
• Collaborate with team members, families, and community partners to support person-centered outcomes.
• Model ethical decision-making, professional boundaries, and adherence to organizational values and standards.
• Attend meetings with outside providers and agencies as needed.

Employment Professional Duties

• Provide direct support to individuals receiving employment and community-based services.
• Deliver job coaching, workplace training, and skill development support.
• Assist individuals in obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment.
• Advocate for individuals in workplace and community settings.
• Support the development of independence, self-determination, and community inclusion.
• Collaborate with employers, families, and support teams to promote successful employment outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and timely service documentation.

Compensation & Benefits

Starting Pay

Employment Professional base rate starts at $19.00–$20.00 per hour , depending on experience, education, and Veteran status.

Associate Behavior Specialist rate is $27.00 per hour .

Work will initially be split between:

• 24 hours per week as an Employment Professional
• 16 hours per week as an Associate Behavior Specialist

Following completion of required OIS training and certification requirements, Associate Behavior Specialist hours may increase to 24 hours per week, with Employment Professional hours reduced to 16 hours per week.

This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime.

Future Growth

This position offers a pathway into Behavior Services. As ALSO continues to expand positive behavior support services and organizational needs evolve, qualified employees who obtain required certifications and demonstrate success in the role may have opportunities to transition into a full-time Behavior Specialist position.

Benefits

• Paid training and professional development opportunities.
• 10 paid holidays, including a "YAY Day" for your birthday.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• Vacation and sick time accruals.
• Referral bonus program of up to $500 per referral.
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans with employer matching.
• Employee Assistance Program with 24/7 access to counseling, legal, financial, and wellness resources.
• Parental Leave.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Employee Recognition Program.
• Career Development Opportunities.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a social services-related field required.
• Ability to become OIS Instructor certified and maintain certification throughout employment.
• Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and ability to be insured under company policy.
• Ability to travel throughout the Portland Metro service area and occasionally to other Oregon service areas.
• Experience supporting individuals who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.
• Experience with supportive or assistive technology preferred.
• Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive background check prior to employment and every two years thereafter.

Why Join ALSO?

At ALSO, we do work of the heart. This meaningful work brings out the bold, the compassionate, and the passionate. By joining our team, you will play a crucial role in helping individuals who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities live fulfilling lives, achieve their goals, and become integral members of their communities.

Join us in making a real difference. Make Heart Work Your Work.

Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to age, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law.