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Behavioral Specialist Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

CNA Behavior Specialist

Rochester, NY ยท 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 ยท 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 ...

CNA Behavior Specialist

Rochester, NY ยท 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 ยท 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 ยท 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 ...

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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 Aug 30, 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.

CNA Behavior Specialist

Jewish Senior Life

Rochester, NY โ€ข On-site

$18.35 - $22.37/hr

Other

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Behavior Specialist

Pay Range: $18.35-$22.37 Hourly (Pay information will vary depending upon relevant experience for the position) Full Time 2pm-10pm, 4 weekdays and every other weekend

General Scope: As leaders in the promotion and preservation of safety on the Neurobehavioral Household, the Behavior Specialist improves patients' lives in a variety of ways. The Behavior Specialist collects documents and analyzes behavioral information about patients, and then develops individualized Behavioral Care Plans that prioritize proactive approaches to safely address and reduce unsafe patient behaviors. These positive approaches focus on a variety of patient care plan areas and include evidenced-based methodologies that assist other members of the interdisciplinary team (including nurses and certified nursing assistants) in the provision of high-quality and safe care to patients. As a direct-care provider the Behavior Specialist works in partnership with nurses, certified nursing assistants in the care of patients, and consistently engages patients in meaningful activities and experiences.

Education / Qualification: Completion of the equivalent of two years full-time coursework at a college or university in a Human Services field required (Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred) or two years of experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Must successfully complete Dementia Care training, provided by Jewish Home.

Essential Functions:

  • Assists patients and other Neurobehavioral Household staff with crisis intervention and the application of positive behavioral supports
  • Directly intervenes during behavioral crisis situations, which may include a variety of de-escalation skills, the use of emergency physical interventions and/or creative problem-solving
  • Collects, documents and analyzes behavioral data about patients and offers interpretation and practical solutions for unsafe behaviors
  • Assists in the development and implementation of behavioral prevention and intervention strategies by providing the interdisciplinary team with information and observations concerning patients' progress, behavior, needs and general well-being
  • Drafts and updates individualized Behavioral Care Plans for patients
  • Monitors the patient milieu and proactively manages patients' unsafe behaviors in an effective and respectful manner, adhering to the behavioral prevention and intervention strategies outlined in patients' respective care plans
  • Facilitates and assists other direct care staff in the meaningful engagement of patients in a variety of activities
  • Engages in ongoing professional development to increase knowledge and skills of positive patient behavior support for all patients
  • All other duties as assigned

Experience: One (1) year of work experience in a residential health care setting or the completion of a semester of fieldwork in a residential health care setting. Experience with individuals with neurobehavioral disorders preferred.

This description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of position scope.

Jewish Home is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis ["protected class"] including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual identity, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.