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Behavior Program Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CHC Inc

Behavior Specialist

San Jose, CA

$23.25 - $32/hr

Additionally, you will complete initial incident and behavior emergency reports, submitting them to the Behavior Program Specialist within 24 hours of an incident. This position reports to the ...

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Summit Public Schools

Program Specialist

Seattle, WA · On-site

The Diverse Learner Program Specialist provides regional expertise, coaching, and modeling to ... Ensure the use of best practices in the implementation of pre-referral and positive behavioral and ...

Summit Public Schools

Program Specialist

Seattle, WA

The Diverse Learner Program Specialist provides regional expertise, coaching, and modeling to ... Ensure the use of best practices in the implementation of pre-referral and positive behavioral and ...

Summit Public Schools

Program Specialist

Seattle, WA · On-site

The Diverse Learner Program Specialist provides regional expertise, coaching, and modeling to ... Ensure the use of best practices in the implementation of pre-referral and positive behavioral and ...

Summit Public Schools

Program Specialist

Seattle, WA

The Diverse Learner Program Specialist provides regional expertise, coaching, and modeling to ... Ensure the use of best practices in the implementation of pre-referral and positive behavioral and ...

Behavioral Health Solutions

$20 - $23/hr

Behavioral Health Solutions (BHS) is seeking a hard-working, self-driven individual to join our behavioral team as a Behavioral Program Specialist or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for the ...

Trinity Services, Inc.

Program Specialist

Frankfort, IL · On-site

$45K/yr

Program Specialists focus on domains such as personal care, recreation/leisure, vocational, safety ... Provides behavioral coaching to a person who has a developmental disability or mental illness in ...

Trinity Services, Inc.

Program Specialist

Joliet, IL · On-site

$45K/yr

Program Specialists focus on domains such as personal care, recreation/leisure, vocational, safety ... Provides behavioral coaching to a person who has a developmental disability or mental illness in ...

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Behavior Program Specialist information

See salary details

$30.5K

$67.1K

$114K

How much do behavior program specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for behavior program specialist in the United States is $67,077.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills do you need to be a BHT?

A Behavior Program Specialist, often called a BHT, needs strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with clients and teams. They should have knowledge of behavioral principles, patience, and the ability to implement behavior plans accurately. Certification in behavior analysis or related training is often required or preferred.

What kind of degree do you need to be a behavioral specialist?

A behavioral program specialist typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in psychology, behavior analysis, education, or a related field. Many roles also require certification such as the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or similar credentials, along with relevant experience working with individuals with behavioral needs.

What does a behavior program specialist do?

A behavior program specialist develops and implements behavioral intervention plans for individuals with developmental or behavioral challenges. They assess clients' needs, collect data on behaviors, and collaborate with families and teams to promote positive behavior change, often using evidence-based strategies and tools like data tracking software. Certification in behavior analysis, such as BCBA, is commonly required for this role.

What is the difference between Behavior Program Specialist vs Behavior Therapist?

AspectBehavior Program SpecialistBehavior Therapist
Required CredentialsOften requires a bachelor's degree in psychology, education, or related field; certifications like BCBA or RBT may be preferredTypically requires a master's degree in psychology, behavior analysis, or related field; BCBA certification often necessary
Work EnvironmentWorks in schools, clinics, or community settings, implementing behavior plans under supervisionWorks in clinical or therapeutic settings, providing direct therapy and behavior interventions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by educational and healthcare organizations to support behavioral programsCommonly employed in mental health clinics, private practices, and ABA therapy centers

The main difference is that Behavior Program Specialists typically assist in implementing behavior plans and may have less advanced credentials, while Behavior Therapists often provide direct therapy and hold higher-level certifications like BCBA. Both roles focus on behavior modification but differ in scope and qualifications.

What are Behavior Program Specialists?

Behavior Program Specialists are professionals who assess, develop, and implement behavioral intervention plans for individuals with behavioral challenges, often in educational, healthcare, or community settings. They typically work with people who have developmental disabilities, autism, or mental health concerns to improve social, communication, and adaptive skills. Their responsibilities include conducting behavioral assessments, training staff or caregivers, monitoring progress, and making data-driven adjustments to intervention strategies. They may collaborate closely with teachers, therapists, families, and other support staff to ensure effective outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Behavior Program Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavior Program Specialist, you need a background in psychology, applied behavior analysis (ABA), and experience developing individualized behavior intervention plans, often supported by a relevant degree or certification such as BCBA. Familiarity with data collection software, behavior tracking systems, and specialized assessment tools is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and patience are essential soft skills for collaborating with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for accurately assessing behavioral needs and implementing effective interventions that improve client outcomes.

What is the highest paying job in behavioral health?

In behavioral health, senior clinical director or behavioral health program director roles tend to be among the highest paying positions, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and strong leadership skills, overseeing large teams or programs within healthcare organizations.

What types of teams or professionals does a Behavior Program Specialist typically collaborate with in a school or clinical setting?

Behavior Program Specialists often work closely with multidisciplinary teams including teachers, school psychologists, speech therapists, special education staff, and sometimes social workers. Collaboration is key, as these professionals jointly develop and implement individualized behavior intervention plans. Regular meetings and open communication are essential to track progress, adjust strategies, and ensure consistency across all environments where the individual receives support.
More about Behavior Program Specialist jobs
What states have the most Behavior Program Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Behavior Program Specialist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Behavior Program Specialist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Behavior Program Specialist jobs are:
Behavior Program Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavior Program Specialist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,077 per year, or $32.2 per hour.
Behavior Specialist

Behavior Specialist

Children's Health Council (CHC)

San Jose, CA • On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Mission:

At Children’s Health Council, we believe in the promise and potential of every child, teen and young adult. Our mission is to transform young lives by providing culturally responsive best-in-class learning and mental health services to families from diverse backgrounds regardless of language, location, or ability to pay. We specialize in ADHD, Learning Differences, Anxiety & Depression and Autism. Our strategic priorities include: being people first and empowering our workforce, creating systems built on equity, access, and inclusion, elevating technology and strengthening our community partnerships.    

About the role!

We are seeking a Behavior Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will conduct assessments and develop, implement, and evaluate function-based Positive Behavior Intervention Plans (PBIPs). You will collaborate closely with each student’s assigned therapist to align therapeutic goals, IEP behavioral objectives, and individual student goals. Additionally, you will complete initial incident and behavior emergency reports, submitting them to the Behavior Program Specialist within 24 hours of an incident. This position reports to the Educational Services Manager.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop, implement, and monitor the classroom Positive Behavior Training (PBT) management system (School-wide level system).
  • Train parents in effectively using the PBT within the home environment.
  • Collect and analyze behavioral and replacement skill data.
  • Conduct, develop, implement and evaluate function-based positive behavior intervention plan plans (PBIP) as necessary.
  • Create and facilitate behavior skills training sessions, focusing on IEP goal progress.
  • Regularly communicate with parents on each student’s engagement with the school’s behavior program, specifically when students incur consequences due to acute behavioral incidents during the school day.
  • Develop, monitor progress, and report on each student’s behavioral IEP goals and benchmark measures.
  • Collaborate with the classroom therapist to align therapeutic goals, IEP behavioral goals, and the student’s personal goals.
  • Develop, monitor, and report on each student’s behavioral performance as each relates to the student’s behavioral IEP goals.
  • Prepare written summary, update goals and participate in IEP meetings and parent /teacher conferences.
  • Co-facilitate, with the classroom teacher, weekly team meetings.
  • Attend and participate in staff meetings.
  • Co-facilitate three formal parent conferences per year with follow-up written summary; communicate progress via phone and email as necessary.
  • Attend bi-weekly group supervision and individual supervision meetings with Behavior Program Manager.
  • Complete initial incident report and submit in a timely fashion to Behavior Program Specialist within 24 hours after a behavior emergency.
  • Conduct daily check-ins with students and prepare daily PBT school-to-home communication.
  • Support students in weekly Therapy Activity Group and Art therapy sessions.
  • Provide direction to classroom assistants in the implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention Plans (PBIP), data collection procedures, and utilization of PBT.
  • Under the guidance of the Behavior Program Manager, prepare and conduct weekly social skill lessons.
  • Be trained and execute procedures prescribed for behavior emergencies and/or escalating crises.
  • Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

Knowledge/Ability/Skills:

  • Knowledge of and experience with children who have serious emotional disturbances and learning disabilities.
  • Ability to develop, prepare, deliver and monitor IEPs based on identified skill deficit areas.
  • Knowledge and experience developing, reporting and administering IEP plans.
  • Ability to work on an interdisciplinary team and to provide guidance/supervision to teaching assistants/interns.
  • Knowledge of basic computer skills in order to communicate via email and preparing documents on a word processor.

Education & Certification

  • Minimum three years working in a school setting, working with children who have serious emotional disturbances and/or learning disabilities preferred.
  • Required: B.A in Education, Psychology, or a related field and/or equivalent experience.
  • Preferred: Behavior Technician (RBT) certified or will obtain certification within 90 days of employment.
  • A background in Applied Behavior Analysis is (preferred)
  • Advanced degree or training in one or more of the following (preferred)
    • Special Education teaching
    • Mental health
    • Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (preferred) 

Physical Requirements:

  • The person in this position needs to move about inside and outside the classroom and playground area.
  • Able to lift and/or move up to 20 lbs.
  • Able to stand and sit for extended periods of time for instruction and supervision.

Special Job Requirements:

  • Exempt Full-Time
  • Works Monday through Friday - In-person
  • Able to de-escalate student crisis.
  • Able to undergo training and implementation of Pro-ACT crisis management system.

Contact with Others: Extensive interpersonal interaction with peers and outside contacts.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
CHC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to: recruiting@chconline.org.