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Behavior Support Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Behavior Support Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

Misericordia Heart of Mercy is currently seeking qualified Behavior Support Specialists (BSS) for our adult residents. Position Overview & Professional Benefits: The role of a BSS demands a hands-on ...

Specialized Education Services

Behavior Aide

Darien, IL · On-site

$15.25/hr

Paid training, tuition reimbursement, and credentialing support. * Data-driven, evidence-based learning and instructional models, including SESI's own positive behavioral interventions and support ...

Lambs Farm

Behavior Specialist - Level 2

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Reporting to the Behavioral Support Services Director, you will collaborate with professionals across the Specialty Care Center as well as residential, vocational, and recreational programs to ensure ...

Glenkirk

Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Northbrook, IL

$80K/yr

Collaborate with clients, families, and support teams to ensure the successful implementation of behavior support strategies. * Data Collection and Analysis: * Establish and maintain systematic data ...

Glenkirk

Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Northbrook, IL

$80K/yr

Collaborate with clients, families, and support teams to ensure the successful implementation of behavior support strategies. * Data Collection and Analysis: * Establish and maintain systematic data ...

Glenkirk

Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$80K/yr

Collaborate with clients, families, and support teams to ensure the successful implementation of behavior support strategies. * Data Collection and Analysis: * Establish and maintain systematic data ...

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All JobsBehavior Support JobsBehavior Support Jobs in Chicago, IL

Behavior Support information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$25

$41

How much do behavior support jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavior support in Chicago, IL is $25.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $31.44 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 Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,101 per year, or $25.5 per hour.
Behavior Support Specialist

Behavior Support Specialist

Specialized Education Services

Darien, IL • On-site

$45K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Company Overview
Shine on as a behavior support specialist.
Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a division of FullBloom, is a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who require additional supports to overcome challenges that impede success in a traditional school setting. SESI partners with school districts to run in-district classrooms and standalone schools that meet the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of special and alternative education students. Partnering with over 600 school districts nationwide, SESI serves more than 7,000 students. Join our team members who shine a positive light on our students and uncover the unique learner within. Have a profound impact, grow, learn, and thrive as part of our team.
What you can expect from us.
  • Diverse career pathways, mobility up and across our national network, and ongoing professional and leadership development.
  • Paid training, tuition reimbursement, and credentialing support.
  • Data-driven, evidence-based learning and instructional models, including SESI's own positive behavioral interventions and support (PBIS) framework called CASE.
  • An attractive and robust suite of benefits, including comprehensive healthcare benefits, 401(k) with employer match, employee assistance program, mental health support, fertility and family building, and more.
  • Smaller class sizes in diverse educational settings.

Overview
Collaborate with school staff, teachers, and leaders to support students with intensive behavioral needs. Realize the joy of possibility as you provide customized behavior support and utilize positive behavioral intervention. You will play an essential role as part of a multidisciplinary team in delivering holistic guidance.
Responsibilities
  • Work with a diverse group of students from varying developmental, cultural, ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Provide consistent monitoring and support throughout the school site (e.g., in classrooms, transition areas, etc.).
  • Support the creation and implementation of behavior support plans.
  • Record, track, and provide documentation of behavioral incidents and progress toward goals.
  • Utilize positive behavioral intervention and support strategies and school site incentive programs.
  • Implement de-escalation techniques, crisis management, and physical intervention if necessary to maintain the safety of students and staff.
  • Foster a positive and inclusive environment that encourages the development of appropriate social and behavioral skills.
  • Work in collaboration with interdisciplinary team members to develop differentiated support for students with more intensive needs.
  • Participate in the debriefing process with staff after challenging behavior/crisis situations.
  • Facilitate communication with parents.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma required; college experience or bachelor's degree highly preferred.
  • Experience working in an educational setting implementing behavioral interventions for students with intensive behavioral needs.
  • Emotional consistency and resilience to handle stressful situations in a composed and positive manner.
  • Flexibility and willingness to jump in and support where needed to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and students.

Posted Salary Range
USD $45,000.00 - USD $70,000.00 /Yr.
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to run short distances and move swiftly in response to student needs, including bending, kneeling, and crouching.
  • Ability to lift and assist students with mobility challenges, often requiring the handling of up to 50 pounds or more.
  • Skill in managing fine motor tasks, such as helping students with writing, manipulating small objects, or using adaptive devices.
  • Ability to operate a computer or tablet for up to 8 hours daily.
  • Capacity to notice and respond to non-verbal cues from students.
  • Capacity to remain calm and composed during physically and emotional demanding situations, ensuring student safety and well-being.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

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