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Behavior Specialists Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Behavior specialists work as part of a team, receive ongoing training and supervision and are provided the tools needed to work in the facility. Behavioral Specialist Duties: Provide non-therapy ...

Apply Early

Behavior specialists work as part of a team, receive ongoing training and supervision and are provided the tools needed to work in the facility. Behavioral Specialist Duties: Provide non-therapy ...

Apply Early

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Behavior Specialists information

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How much do behavior specialists jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavior specialists 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 the difference between Behavior Specialists vs Behavior Analysts?

AspectBehavior SpecialistsBehavior Analysts
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationMaster's degree in behavior analysis or related field; BCBA certification
Work EnvironmentSchools, clinics, community programsClinical settings, private practices, schools
Employer & Industry UsageEducational and community organizationsHealthcare, educational, and clinical settings
Common Search & ComparisonOften searched for as entry-level or support rolesViewed as specialized, licensed professionals

Behavior Specialists typically work in educational or community settings with less formal certification, focusing on implementing behavior plans. Behavior Analysts hold advanced degrees and certification, providing more specialized assessment and intervention services. Both roles aim to improve behavior but differ in qualifications and scope of practice.

What are behavior specialists?

Behavior specialists are professionals who assess, diagnose, and help individuals manage or change challenging behaviors, often focusing on those with developmental, emotional, or behavioral disorders. They typically work in schools, healthcare facilities, or private practices, using evidence-based strategies and interventions such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Behavior specialists collaborate with families, teachers, and other professionals to create and implement behavior intervention plans tailored to each individual's needs. Their ultimate goal is to improve clients' quality of life and help them develop positive social, academic, or daily living skills.

What qualifications do you need to become a behavioral specialist?

Behavior specialists typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, education, social work, or a related field, with many roles requiring a master's degree or higher. Certification or licensure, such as Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), is often required or preferred, along with experience working with individuals with behavioral challenges. Strong communication skills and knowledge of behavioral assessment tools are also important.

What are some common challenges Behavior Specialists face when working in school settings?

Behavior Specialists in school environments often encounter challenges such as managing large caseloads, addressing a variety of behavioral issues, and collaborating with teachers and parents who may have differing views on intervention strategies. They must balance individualized support for students with the broader needs of the school community. Additionally, Behavior Specialists often navigate the complexities of creating and implementing behavior intervention plans in dynamic, sometimes unpredictable, classroom settings. Strong communication, flexibility, and problem-solving skills are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring positive outcomes for students.

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, you need expertise in behavioral assessment, intervention planning, and data collection, typically supported by a degree in psychology, education, or a related field. Familiarity with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques and experience using data tracking software or systems are commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and effective communication help build trust with clients and collaborate with families and multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for developing successful intervention strategies and achieving positive behavioral outcomes for clients.

What do you do as a behavior specialist?

A behavior specialist assesses and develops strategies to improve behavior, often working with individuals with developmental or behavioral challenges. They observe behaviors, create intervention plans, and may use tools like positive reinforcement, often collaborating with families, teachers, or healthcare providers to support behavior change.

What is the highest paying job in behavioral health?

In behavioral health, licensed clinical psychologists and psychiatry professionals tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. Advanced roles such as behavioral health medical directors or specialized clinical directors also command higher compensation due to their leadership responsibilities and advanced certifications.

How much does a behavior specialist make in Ohio?

The average salary for a behavior specialist in Ohio is approximately $45,000 to $55,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on certifications, such as BCBA, and the specific employer or region within the state.
More about Behavior Specialists jobs
What cities are hiring for Behavior Specialists jobs? Cities with the most Behavior Specialists job openings:
What states have the most Behavior Specialists jobs? States with the most job openings for Behavior Specialists jobs include:
Infographic showing various Behavior Specialists 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 $49,069 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Behavior Specialist

Silence Aloud Inc

Moreno Valley, CA • On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST Full Time  Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 2pm-10pm   
Location: Moreno Valley, CA
If you’re searching for a rewarding career with the ability to impact the lives of youth, look no further! Silence Aloud, Inc. is expanding and our programs and services and looking to add an energetic and passionate Behavior Intervention / Rehab Specialist to our dynamic TEAM. Silence Aloud, Inc. has a standard of excellence in service, evidenced based therapeutic strategies, and treating others with respect and dignity. 
Silence Aloud, Inc. is seeking an Overnight Behavior Specialists for residents in our Search Light Center for Healing Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP). The program serves males (ages 13-17) with histories of trauma, extreme behavior challenges and who may be dual diagnosed and require specialty mental health services. Our service delivery philosophy is “Healing is the application of loving to the parts inside that hurt”. Therefore, we are seeking individuals with a love and passion for serving youth and who possess the minimum job experience requirements. Behavior specialists work as part of a team, receive ongoing training and supervision and are provided the tools needed to work in the facility.
Behavioral Specialist Duties: Provide non-therapy mental health services which include: Utilizing creative and evidenced based behavior interventions to residents; Implement behavior programs; collect data and document behaviors; assistance in improving, maintaining, or restoring a client’s or group of clients’ functional skills, daily living skills, social and leisure skills, grooming and personal hygiene skills, meal preparation skills, and support resources; and/or medication education. Provide vocational rehab skills training specific to adaptive and appropriate vocational functioning (general work skills, finding a job, keeping a job); and Counseling the individual and/or family regarding job issues.
Staff providing must have training in behavioral analysis with an emphasis on positive behavioral interventions. Provide structure and support; Assist the child/youth in engaging in appropriate activities; Minimize impulsivity. Increase social and community competencies by building or restating those daily living skills that will assist the child/youth to live successfully in the community. Serve as a positive role model and assist the child/youth in developing the ability to sustain self-directed appropriate behaviors, internalize a sense of social responsibility, and/or enable appropriate participation in community activities. Be available to participate in weekly/monthly treatment plan meetings and conference calls requiring input and feedback regarding the resident progress and intervention strategies.
Qualifications/Experience: Possess a Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral sciences field OR at least 60 units of completed college coursework, half of which must be upper division in behavioral science OR certification and/or training as a Behavioral Health Specialist, Psychiatric Technician or closely related discipline; AND at least two (2) years of experience working on the behavior modification of at-risk and emotionally disturbed youth and or dually-diagnosed children/youth in residential, corrections, community or school settings. Knowledge of trauma informed care is a MUST. Experience in ABA, specifically DTT, PRT, and Verbal Behavior are preferred. 

Salary: Minimum Starting salary is $21 - $22 per hour (DOE)      
Hours:  Ability to work weekends; attend staff training; treatment team meetings.     
Benefits (full time employees):

  • Health Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Long Term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Vacation
Pre-Employment Requirements: 

  • Tuberculosis clearance and physical exam
  • DOJ, FBI & Child Abuse criminal background clearance
  • A valid California driver's license
  • DMV drivers record printout
  • Must have reliable transportation and valid vehicle insurance
Silence Aloud, Inc. offers the following: 

·      Career advancement opportunities
·      Employee performance incentives
·      Paid sick leave per state requirements
·      Employee Discount Program
 
Silence Aloud, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) committed to hiring a diverse workforce and does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status or any other basis protected under federal, state or local laws.