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Behavioral Specialist Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

CNA Behavior Specialist

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18.35 - $22.37/hr

Behavior Specialist Pay Range: $18.35-$22.37 Hourly (Pay information will vary depending upon ... Directly intervenes during behavioral crisis situations, which may include a variety of de ...

CNA Behavior Specialist

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18.35 - $22.37/hr

The Behavior Specialist collects documents and analyzes behavioral information about patients, and ... Directly intervenes during behavioral crisis situations, which may include a variety of de ...

Behavior Specialist

Hopewell, NY · On-site

$31.25 - $33.65/hr

Behavior Specialist - $3,000 Retention Bonus Offered* Location: Dutchess/Orange County, NY Job Type ... Collect, graph, and analyze behavioral data using ABA data collection methods to identify trends ...

Behavior Intervention Specialist

Newark, NY · On-site

$19.75 - $26.50/hr

Performs initial, semiannual and annual functional behavioral assessments of individuals. Provides ... Specialist. Develops, reviews, and revises behavior support plans with restrictive/intrusive ...

Performs initial, semiannual and annual functional behavioral assessments of individuals. Provides ... Specialist. Develops, reviews, and revises behavior support plans with restrictive/intrusive ...

Behavior Intervention Specialist FT

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

... of behavioral services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Behavior Intervention Specialist collaborates closely with people supported and their support teams to ...

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Behavioral Specialist information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$11

$23

$35

How much do behavioral specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral specialist in Rochester, NY is $23.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $25.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a behavioral specialist?

A behavioral specialist is a social work professional that works with adults and children who have developmental, mental health, and behavioral challenges. The practice of behavior therapy aims to eliminate negative behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. As a behavioral specialist, you often work with patients that have autism spectrum disorders or other health challenges that manifest in their behavior. Your responsibilities include observing and assessing problem behaviors and then finding ways to connect with patients. The end goal is to provide a therapeutic strategy that will assist them in their everyday life.

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

To thrive as a Behavioral Specialist, you need expertise in behavioral assessment, intervention planning, and data analysis, typically supported by a relevant degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with behavior management software, applied behavior analysis (ABA) techniques, and relevant certifications such as BCBA are commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and effective communication are crucial for working with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are essential for developing effective interventions and fostering positive behavioral changes in clients.

How do behavioral specialists typically collaborate with teachers and families to support clients?

Behavioral Specialists often work closely with teachers and families to create and implement effective behavior intervention plans. They regularly communicate progress, gather feedback, and provide training or resources to ensure consistency across home and school environments. This collaborative approach helps reinforce positive behaviors and addresses challenges more effectively, resulting in better outcomes for clients. Open communication and teamwork are essential parts of the role, making interpersonal skills highly valuable.

What is the difference between Behavioral Specialist vs Behavior Technician?

AspectBehavioral SpecialistBehavior Technician
Required CredentialsOften requires a master's degree in psychology, education, or related field; certification may include BCBA or BCaBATypically requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certification such as RBT is common
Work EnvironmentWorks in schools, clinics, or private practices, often developing treatment plansWorks directly with clients under supervision, implementing behavior plans
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by schools, healthcare facilities, or behavioral agenciesEmployed mainly by ABA therapy providers, schools, or clinics

While both roles focus on behavior modification, Behavioral Specialists typically have advanced education and develop treatment plans, whereas Behavior Technicians implement these plans under supervision. The roles complement each other within behavioral intervention teams.

What do you do as a behavioral specialist?

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

What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Specialist jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Behavioral Specialist jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Behavioral Specialist jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Behavioral Specialist job openings:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Specialist job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Summer. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,415 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Adolescent Behavioral Specialist I

Genesee County

Batavia, NY • On-site

$45K - $57K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provides motivational instructions and mentorship to youth experiencing dysfunctional behaviors, conflict, or at risk of failing school or out-of-home placement.

  • Works with youth, their parents, and school personnel to supervise behaviors, provide feedback, and support interventions related to juvenile offenses, supervision needs, and behavioral progress.

  • Conducts instruction on teamwork, discipline, life skills, academic achievement, drug education, and intervention, and responds to school and parent requests for intervention.


Genesee County (Michigan) rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

664th of 856 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  The work involved is responsible for motivation and mentorship for youth ages seven through seventeen years of age.  The incumbent provides mentorship to students at risk of failing school or at risk of out-of-home placement, experiencing conflict and working with disruptive behavior of youth.  The work is performed under direct supervision from the Adolescent Behavioral Coordinator and administrative supervision from the Commissioner of Social Services or his/her designee.  Does related worked as required.
 
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
  • Provides motivational instructions for students experiencing dysfunctional behaviors in school, the community and/or at home.
  • Provides mentorship to youth experiencing conflict.
  • Work with youth and their parents, where the youth are at risk for committing juvenile offences or have been charged and with youth who are considered to be a person in need of supervision.
  • Conducts instruction on teaching teamwork, discipline, life skills, academic achievement, drug education and intervention.
  • Answer on-call phone and respond to school and parent requests for intervention.
  • Travel to student’s home or school.
  • Provide supervision of dysfunctional behavior in a school setting and provide feedback regarding progress and behaviors of the child to school personnel and to the parents of the students.
  • Provide support and assistance to the Coordinator.
 
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Working knowledge of the interests, attitudes and behavior patterns of children and adolescents; Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with disturbed adolescents; Ability to maintain records and make oral and written reports; good judgement, tact, courtesy and integrity.
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 
  • Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education and two (2) years of full-time paid experience working with children having dysfunctional behaviors.

NOTE: Military experience or possession of a degree in criminal justice, behavioral science, social work, education or related field may be substituted on a year for year basis as defined above.
NOTE: Part-time or volunteer experience as defined in A above will be prorated.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR APPOINTMENT AND CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT: Possession of a valid NYS Operator’s License.

NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.  If your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency.  A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found on the internet at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. You must pay the required evaluation fee.
Special Requirements for Appointment: Successful completion of a background investigation will be required prior to appointment.*
 
*Special requirements apply to an appointment made in the Child Support Unit within the Department of Social Services.

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or marital status.

Non-competitive

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