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Behavior Support Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

PHILLIPS PROGRAMS

Student Support Manager

Laurel, MD · On-site

Student Support Manager Position Type: Full-Time, Days Location: Laurel, Maryland What we do and ... Track and report on student progress, behavior data, and service delivery in PowerSchool and SEDS

PHILLIPS PROGRAMS

Student Support Manager

Laurel, MD · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

Student Support Manager Position Type: Full-Time, Days Location: Laurel, Maryland What we do and ... Track and report on student progress, behavior data, and service delivery in PowerSchool and SEDS

Chimes

Direct Support Professional

Fairfax, VA

$21.53/hr

As a Direct Support Professional, you'll empower individuals with intellectual and behavioral challenges to live with dignity, independence, and confidence--while growing in a supportive, team ...

Delta-T Group Inc

Direct Support Professional

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Follow individualized behavior support plans to address specific needs and challenges. * Use positive reinforcement and behavioral techniques to manage and improve behavior. * Assist with the ...

The Chimes, Inc.

Direct Support Professional

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$21.53/hr

As a Direct Support Professional, you'll empower individuals with intellectual and behavioral challenges to live with dignity, independence, and confidence-while growing in a supportive, team-focused ...

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Behavior Support information

See Washington salary details

$15

$28

$45

How much do behavior support jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavior support in Washington is $28.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $34.57 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.
What cities in Washington are hiring for Behavior Support jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Behavior Support job openings:
Behavior Support jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavior Support job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,382 per year, or $28.1 per hour.
Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional

Open Systems Healthcare

Washington, DC • On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Open Systems Healthcare, DSP Job Description

Job Title: Direct Support Professional

Reports To: Clinical Director/Director of Behavioral Health

Status: Non-exempt

Last Revised: 5/2/2024

Position Overview: To provide direct behavior support as a Direct Support Professional to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as assigned by Open Systems Healthcare, Inc. (OSH). As a DSP at OSH, you will actively contribute to creating safe, nurturing environments in the homes, workplaces, communities, and lives of those we support. By upholding our commitment to person-centeredness and independence, you'll play a crucial part in enriching the lives of the individuals we support, reflecting OSH’s philosophy and mission.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Ensure the delivery of high-quality and safe in-home support, individualized day supports, day habilitation in small groups, and behavior support services that align with OSH, federal and state policies and procedures, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations.
  • Participate in implementing the person-centered individual support plan (ISP) and Plan of Care in accordance with OSH and Department on Disability Services (DDS) policies and procedures.
  • Foster positive, cooperative relationships with the people we support, their families, and support team members.
  • Assist individuals with Activities of Daily Living according to their ISP and level of need. This may include, but is not limited to;
    1. Personal Care: bathing, eating, dressing, hygiene, transferring/positioning
    2. Transportation: Travel in the community using public transportation, physician’s appointments, shopping, errands
    3. Household Care: cleaning, laundry, meal prep
    4. Companionship: social awareness, conversation, reminders, interactive hobbies
  • Help individuals acquire and/or maintain skills to achieve their ISP goals through increasing independence, self-advocacy, exploration, and integration into their community.
  • Handle situations involving challenging behavior with care and professionalism and be available to address crisis situations that arise.
  • Implement behavioral treatment plans and accurately document behavioral observations and progress.
  • Maintain a safe environment using Universal Precautions and promptly report any incidents or changes in a person’s behavior to the branch office.
  • Communicate all relevant information with OSH confidentially and promptly.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of services provided according to the individual’s support plan (i.e. progress notes or other required documentation) in a timely manner.
  • Engage in professional development from orientation and required annual trainings.
  • Effectively manage workload and caseload by organizing, planning, and prioritizing tasks.
  • Adhere to all federal, state, and local laws, as well as OSH policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications:

  • Minimum age of 18 years or older.
  • High School diploma, GED, or equivalent education from a foreign country.
  • Active CPR and First Aid certification renewed every two (2) years through in-person classes.
  • Successful completion of orientation and DSP training program and relevant competency-based training, passing with a score of 80% or greater.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in English through reading, writing, and speaking, with reasonable accommodations as needed.
  • Evidence of annual Tuberculosis screening that meets CDC guidelines.
  • Must have a reliable form of transportation.
  • Acceptable to the person being supported.

Preferred Competencies:

  • One year of related work experience or education in the Human or Social Services field. Advocacy for and experience or education working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity with Washington, DC’s public transportation system and community resources and opportunities.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of the person being supported.
  • Commitment to maintaining confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and professionalism.
  • Knowledge of and ability to maintain a clean, healthy and safe environment.
  • Ability to recognize and respond to emergencies promptly, with knowledge of emergency procedures.
  • Ability to efficiently manage time and multiple tasks daily.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

  • Work environments and conditions may vary, including in individuals’ homes and community settings.
  • Physical activity and tasks may involve heavy moving, lifting, bending, and daily prolonged standing.

Open Systems Healthcare, Inc is an EEO Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, sex, religious creed, disability or any other category protected under law.

The employee signature below constitutes the employee's understanding of the position's requirements, essential functions and duties.