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Behavior Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Behavior Specialist RTF Overview The Behavior Specialist (RTF) is responsible for the oversight of clinical programming within Melmark's Residential Treatment Facility (RTF) for the employee ...

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Behavior Specialist

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

The Behavior Specialist provides behavioral support services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our existing programs. The Behavior Specialist will effectively ...

Behavior Specialist

Brown Deer, WI · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

The Behavior Specialist is trained to assess the function of behavior, develop & implement individualized plans to address maladaptive behaviors, provide training and education to patients and ...

Behavior Specialist

Kenosha, WI · On-site

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

The Behavior Specialist is trained to assess the function of behavior, develop & implement individualized plans to address maladaptive behaviors, provide training and education to patients and ...

Behavior Specialist RTF Overview The Behavior Specialist (RTF) is responsible for the oversight of clinical programming within Melmark's Residential Treatment Facility (RTF) for the employee ...

Behavior Specialist

Oconomowoc, WI · On-site

$19.75 - $27.25/hr

The Behavior Specialist is responsible for supporting the delivery of high-quality Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions within Rogers Behavioral Health treatment programs. The Behavior ...

Behavior Specialist

West Allis, WI · On-site

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

The Behavior Specialist is responsible for supporting the delivery of high-quality Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions within Rogers Behavioral Health treatment programs. The Behavior ...

Behavior Specialist

Kenosha, WI

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

The Behavior Specialist is trained to assess the function of behavior, develop & implement individualized plans to address maladaptive behaviors, provide training and education to patients and ...

$19.25 - $26.75/hr

The Behavior Specialist is responsible for supporting the delivery of high-quality Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions within Rogers Behavioral Health treatment programs. The Behavior ...

Behavior Specialist

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$24.65 - $35.47/hr

The Behavior Specialist is trained to assess the function of behavior, develop & implement individualized plans to address maladaptive behaviors, provide training and education to patients and ...

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Behavior Specialist information

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How much do behavior specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavior specialist in the United States is $23.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Behavior Specialist?

A Behavior Specialist is a professional who assesses, plans, and implements strategies to help individuals improve their behavior, often focusing on those with behavioral or developmental disorders such as autism. They work in various settings, including schools, clinics, and community organizations, and collaborate with families, teachers, and other professionals to create customized behavior intervention plans. Their goal is to help clients develop positive behaviors, enhance social skills, and achieve greater independence.

What is the difference between Behavior Specialist vs Behavior Therapist?

AspectBehavior SpecialistBehavior Therapist
Required CredentialsOften requires a bachelor's degree in psychology, education, or related field; certifications like BCBA may be preferredTypically requires a master's degree in psychology, counseling, or related field; licensure or certification such as BCBA is common
Work EnvironmentSchools, clinics, community programs, or residential settingsPrivate practice, clinics, hospitals, or mental health facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, healthcare providers, special education programsHealthcare organizations, mental health clinics, private practices

Both roles focus on behavior intervention and support but differ mainly in educational requirements and work settings. Behavior Specialists often work in educational or community settings with a focus on behavioral support, while Behavior Therapists typically have advanced degrees and work in clinical environments providing therapy for mental health and behavioral issues.

How do Behavior Specialists typically collaborate with teachers and parents to support student progress?

Behavior Specialists regularly work alongside teachers and parents to create and implement individualized behavior intervention plans. They observe students in various settings, provide actionable feedback to staff, and offer training or guidance on behavioral strategies. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as Behavior Specialists often facilitate meetings to review progress and adjust interventions as needed, ensuring everyone involved is aligned and supported.

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

To thrive as a Behavior Specialist, a background in psychology, behavioral analysis, or a related field—often with a relevant certification such as BCBA—is essential. Familiarity with behavior intervention plans, data collection software, and assessment tools like the Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and problem-solving skills help build trust and effectively address clients' needs. These skills and qualifications are important for designing and implementing effective interventions that improve clients’ behavioral outcomes.
What cities are hiring for Behavior Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Behavior Specialist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Behavior Specialist jobs? The most popular types of Behavior Specialist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Behavior Specialist jobs? The top employers for Behavior Specialist jobs are:
What states have the most Behavior Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Behavior Specialist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Behavior Specialist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,069 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
Lead Behavior Specialist

Lead Behavior Specialist

Melmark

Berwyn, PA • On-site

$72K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Melmark rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 72 rated education support services


Job description

Must have completed ABA masters program and be working toward BCBA certification.
Melmark Overview
Melmark is a nonprofit organization providing clinically-sophisticated evidence-based special education, residential, vocational, and therapeutic services for children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, developmental and intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries, medical complexities, and other neurological and genetic disorders.
Behavior Specialist RTF Overview
The Behavior Specialist (RTF) is responsible for the oversight of clinical programming within Melmark's Residential Treatment Facility (RTF) for the employee's respective caseload. The RTF is an evidence-based residential program and that serves individuals ages 5-21 with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. These services are provided in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, including psychiatric and health care services. As the lead and responsible clinician, the Behavior Analyst is responsible for the development of assessments, function-based interventions, behavior support plan development, clinical training for program implementation and program fidelity for the employee's caseload. This position will oversee the role and responsibility of a Behavior Specialist. The Behavior Analyst will be expected to take the lead as a clinical supervisor in both the residential facility and classroom setting.
Schedule and Salary Information
  • Monday- Friday 8:30a-5p (flexibility required due to program needs)
  • Starting Salary: $72,800.00 (+) based on years of direct relevant experience

Requirements
  • Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, Education, Psychology or closely related field required.
  • Must be working toward Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification.
  • A valid US driver's license and a minimum age of twenty-one (21) years old. Must be capable of attaining approved Melmark driver status.
  • Experience in clinical service delivery and supervision within public or approved private school settings and in implementing evidence-based procedures for individuals with developmental disabilities, autism and challenging behaviors.
  • Experience in program management, supervising and training staff, skills in human resources, budget management and running residential, educational or clinical systems preferred.

Behavior Specialist- RTF Responsibilities
  • Implements the Melmark Model of Program Development and Clinical Treatment across all RTF services.
  • Actively remains proficient in professional practice and bringing research to practice within the applied setting and insures treatment efficacy within the RTF by recommending scientifically validated most effective treatment procedures.
  • Ensures the delivery of Melmark's Enterprise Data System (MEDS) and electronic based software systems as it relates to data recording and behavior objective implementation.
  • Works in concert with all Directors, Senior Directors and Executive leadership in the implementation of Melmark's Strategic Plan.
  • Oversees the conceptualization of clinical programming and implementation within the RTF and classroom settings for respective caseload.
  • Supervises the Behavior Specialist in the development and implementation of individual behavioral assessments (e.g., functional behavior assessments, functional analysis, preference assessments) and the development of functionally based behavior support plans.
  • Ensures consistent implementation of the behavior support plans and reliable data collection across settings.
  • Oversees the family training plan for the assigned caseload and participate in trainings, assessment of progress of the trainings and on-going communication with families as needed.
  • Participates as a member of a multi-disciplinary team for each resident, which may include, attending and preparing for biweekly reviews, medication reviews, utilization review meetings, IEP/ISP meetings and family trainings.

INDMPA