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Behavior Support Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Caregiver Inc.

Direct Support Professional II

Nashville, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

DSP 2 is expected to apply enhanced clinical/behavioral support skills, model best practices, and help stabilize service delivery through strong documentation, situational leadership, and calm crisis ...

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Behavior Support information

See Tennessee salary details

$12

$22

$36

How much do behavior support jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavior support in Tennessee is $22.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $27.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Behavior Support Specialist, you need a background in psychology, education, or social work, often supported by a bachelor’s degree and specialized training in behavioral interventions. Familiarity with data collection software, behavior analysis tools, and sometimes certification such as Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is valuable. Strong communication, patience, and problem-solving skills help build trust and effectively support individuals with behavioral challenges. These competencies are crucial to create positive behavioral changes and foster supportive learning or therapeutic environments.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In the field of behavior support, most roles do not typically pay $2,000 a day; salaries are usually based on hourly or annual rates. High-paying positions in related fields, such as consulting or specialized behavioral therapy, may reach such daily rates for experienced professionals with advanced certifications. These roles often require extensive experience, licensure, and a strong client base or consulting contracts.

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 pay due to their leadership responsibilities and advanced certifications.

What does a behavior support do?

A behavior support professional develops and implements strategies to help individuals manage challenging behaviors, often working with people with developmental disabilities or mental health needs. They assess behavior patterns, create behavior intervention plans, and may use tools like positive reinforcement, while requiring skills in observation and communication. Certification or training in behavior analysis is often necessary for this role.

How many years does it take to become a behavioral specialist?

Becoming a behavioral specialist typically requires a bachelor's degree in psychology, education, or a related field, which takes about four years. Many positions also require relevant experience or certification, such as Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), which involves additional coursework and supervised practice that can take one to two years beyond the degree.

What are Behavior Support professionals?

Behavior Support professionals are specialists who work with individuals exhibiting challenging behaviors, often due to developmental, emotional, or psychological conditions. They assess behavior patterns, develop intervention plans, and provide strategies to promote positive behavior and reduce problematic actions. Their work is common in schools, healthcare settings, and community organizations, collaborating with families and other professionals. The goal is to improve the individual's quality of life and support their social, academic, or workplace success.

What is the difference between Behavior Support vs Behavior Technician?

AspectBehavior SupportBehavior Technician
CredentialsOften requires specialized training or certification in behavior analysis, such as BCBA or related certificationsTypically requires certification as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or similar
Work EnvironmentWorks in schools, clinics, or community settings providing behavior intervention plansWorks directly with clients under supervision, often in similar settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations implementing behavior intervention programs, often in healthcare or educational sectorsCommonly employed by ABA therapy providers, schools, and behavioral health agencies

Behavior Support professionals develop and implement strategies to improve behavior, often holding advanced certifications and working in multidisciplinary teams. Behavior Technicians assist in executing these plans under supervision, focusing on direct client interaction. Both roles are essential in behavioral intervention but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are some common challenges faced by Behavior Support professionals when working in educational settings?

Behavior Support professionals in educational environments often encounter challenges such as managing diverse behavioral needs among students, developing individualized intervention plans, and ensuring consistent implementation across classrooms. Collaboration with teachers, administrators, and families is crucial, but aligning strategies and communication can require patience and adaptability. Staying up to date with evidence-based practices and maintaining detailed documentation are also key to effectively supporting student progress and meeting regulatory requirements.
Behavior Support jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavior Support job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,785 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
Direct Support Professional II

Direct Support Professional II

Caregiver Inc.

Nashville, TN • On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Description:

DSP 2 is an advanced direct care role for team members who have attained additional required certifications and demonstrated competency to support individuals with higher medical needs and/or higher behavioral support needs. DSP 2 provides all DSP 1 functions and serves as an advanced direct care provider for individuals with higher acuity needs. DSP 2 is expected to apply enhanced clinical/behavioral support skills, model best practices, and help stabilize service delivery through strong documentation, situational leadership, and calm crisis response.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform all DSP 1 duties, including ADLs, community inclusion, transportation, and documentation.

• Provide advanced support for individuals with higher medical needs (e.g., complex medication routines, dietary/texture requirements, delegated nursing tasks where allowed by policy and licensure).

• Implement behavior support strategies consistently; respond to escalations using approved deescalation and safety techniques. • Serve as a peer resource/mentor for DSP 1 staff; support on-the-job coaching and modeling of documentation and care routines. • Proactively identify risks (health, safety, behavioral, environmental) and communicate concerns to the Residential Coordinator and Area Director promptly.

• Participate in multidisciplinary coordination as requested (e.g., sharing observations for plan updates)

• Perform other duties as assigned.


Requirements:

Required Certifications / Competencies

• Meets all DSP 1 minimum qualifications.

• Holds and maintains required state/company certifications for advanced medical/behavioral support (specific certifications to be defined by state/program).

• Demonstrated competency supporting higher-acuity individuals, including medication competence and/or behavior support competence per program requirements


The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Community-based and residential settings including homes, day programs, and community locations, offering variety and the opportunity to support individuals in real-life environments rather than institutional settings.

• Active, people-centered workdays that may involve background noise, changing routines, and occasional outdoor exposure during transportation or community outings.

• Hands-on support role that may include assistance with personal care and daily living activities; occasional exposure to blood or bodily fluids may occur, with comprehensive training and required use of universal precautions.

• Physical activity throughout the shift, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, and assisting with transfers or lifting in accordance with safety protocols and training.

• Cognitive and emotional engagement, requiring sustained attention, clear communication, patience, and timely documentation to ensure continuity of care and positive outcomes.

Team-oriented environment with access to supervisors and clinical supports, emphasizing safety, consistency, and person-centered care.



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