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Behavioral Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Behavioral Specialist uses best practices and technology within a community-based setting to teach people with developmental disabilities how to acquire the physical, intellectual, emotional, and ...

The Behavioral Specialist uses best practices and technology within a community-based setting to teach people with developmental disabilities how to acquire the physical, intellectual, emotional, and ...

The Behavioral Specialist uses best practices and technology within a community-based setting to teach people with developmental disabilities how to acquire the physical, intellectual, emotional, and ...

The Behavioral Specialist uses best practices and technology within a community-based setting to teach people with developmental disabilities how to acquire the physical, intellectual, emotional, and ...

The Behavioral Specialist uses best practices and technology within a community-based setting to teach people with developmental disabilities how to acquire the physical, intellectual, emotional, and ...

Behavioral Specialist are responsible for providing safe and effective direct client care services in accordance with individual client treatment plans and in conjunction with the structure of the ...

Behavioral Specialist (78483)

Selinsgrove, PA · On-site

$19.50 - $27/hr

The Behavioral Specialist assist in the assessment of capacity and needs of the individual who reside at the center. Conduct behavioral assessments (Vineland, Vanderbilt Assessment Scale). Develop ...

Cognitive Behavioral Specialist

Marietta, GA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

The Cognitive Behavioral Specialist (CBS) plays an integral role within our interdisciplinary care team by supporting patients experiencing anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline including ...

The Behavioral Specialist uses best practices and technology within a community-based setting to teach people with developmental disabilities how to acquire the physical, intellectual, emotional, and ...

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Behavioral Specialist information

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How much do behavioral specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral specialist in the United States is $23.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $26.20 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 cities are hiring for Behavioral Specialist jobs?

Cities with the most Behavioral Specialist job openings:

What states have the most Behavioral Specialist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Behavioral Specialist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,069 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Behavioral Specialist

Community Options

Camp Hill, PA • On-site

$50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Community Options rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 247 rated social care providers


Job description

Description

Community Options, Inc. is a national non-profit agency providing services to individuals with disabilities in 11 states. We are now hiring a Full-Time Behavioral Specialist to provide support in Camp Hill, PA. The Behavioral Specialist uses best practices and technology within a community-based setting to teach people with developmental disabilities how to acquire the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social skills needed to live as independently as possible. This individual must be able to handle the pressure of training in a public environment, exercise patience, work with a flexible schedule, and respond to crisis situations. Ingenuity and creativity must be utilized when determining the best training methods, assistance, and support for an individual. Starting pay is $50,000/annually Responsibilities

  • Observe and interact with individuals
  • Create prevention plans and support plans
  • Complete functional assessments
  • Train staff on implementation of plans
  • Prepare progress reports for individual's immediate support group
  • Serve as an active member of each person's Inter-Disciplinary Team (IDT), which includes involvement in Individual Habilitation Plan development
  • Attend staff meetings for various locations
  • Additional tasks and responsibilities may be assigned
  • Employee must cooperate with the license and department staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation
  • Employment is contingent upon successful completion of checks of criminal background, central registry, child abuse registry, and drug testing

Minimum Requirements

  • Masters' degree with one year of experience in developing behavior support plans and teaching staff to implement plans
  • Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record
  • Complete all state and agency required training per state guidelines
  • Understanding and commitment to community-based supports for persons with disabilities
  • Knowledge and understanding of local regulatory agency operations
  • Experience with problem solving against multiple priorities
  • Ability to establish a comfortable and supportive relationship with individuals receiving supports
  • Ability to exercise good judgment and remain calm in crisis situations
  • Ability to present facts and recommendations effectively in oral and written form
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent time management skills

Why Community Options?

  • Competitive Insurance Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)
  • Paid Holidays—Including a Birthday Holiday
  • Generous PTO
  • Employee Incentive & Discount Programs
  • 403b Retirement Plan
  • Incredible career growth opportunities
  • University partnerships that include tuition reduction

Please Visit Our Website to Complete an Online Application! Careers.comop.org Community Options is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V #IND-BEH


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