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Behavioral Support Staff Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking for full-time passionate Behavioral Support Staff to to join our NC START Team in Durham. This isn't just a job -- it's a meaningful opportunity to drive change and make a lasting ...

We are seeking for full-time passionate Behavioral Support Staff to to join our NC START Team in Durham. This isn't just a job - it's a meaningful opportunity to drive change and make a lasting ...

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Behavioral Support Staff information

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$22K

$64.1K

$93.5K

How much do behavioral support staff jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for behavioral support staff in the United States is $64,055.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a behavioral support staff?

Behavioral Support Staff are professionals who work with individuals—often children or adults with developmental, behavioral, or emotional challenges—to help them develop positive behaviors and social skills. They implement behavior intervention plans, provide support in classrooms or residential settings, and collaborate with other professionals such as therapists and teachers. Their goal is to improve the individual's quality of life by reducing problematic behaviors and teaching coping strategies. Behavioral Support Staff are essential in schools, healthcare facilities, and community organizations.

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

To thrive as Behavioral Support Staff, you need a background in psychology, social work, or education, often supported by relevant certifications like Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or experience with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Familiarity with data collection software, behavior intervention plans, and crisis intervention techniques is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and effective communication are essential for building trust and supporting individuals with behavioral challenges. These skills and qualifications ensure the delivery of effective interventions, promote positive behavior change, and foster a safe and supportive environment.

What are some typical challenges behavioral support staff face when working with students, and how are these addressed within a school setting?

Behavioral Support Staff often encounter challenges such as managing escalated behaviors, building trust with students who have experienced trauma, and balancing individualized support with classroom routines. These challenges are typically addressed through ongoing professional development, collaboration with teachers and counselors, and the use of evidence-based intervention strategies. Support staff also participate in regular team meetings to review student progress and adjust behavioral plans, ensuring a coordinated and supportive approach.

What is the difference between Behavioral Support Staff vs Teaching Assistant?

AspectBehavioral Support StaffTeaching Assistant
Required CredentialsCertifications in behavioral management or support, relevant trainingBasic education qualifications, sometimes specialized training
Work EnvironmentSpecial education settings, behavioral intervention programsClassrooms, general or special education settings
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, behavioral health organizationsSchools, educational institutions
Common Search & ComparisonBehavioral Support Staff vs Teaching Assistant

Behavioral Support Staff focus on managing and improving behavioral issues, often working with students with special needs. Teaching Assistants support classroom instruction and assist teachers with educational activities. While both roles work in educational settings, Behavioral Support Staff specialize in behavioral interventions, whereas Teaching Assistants primarily support learning and classroom management.

What do I need to work in behavioral support staff?

To work as a behavioral support staff member, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant training in behavioral techniques, and sometimes certification such as CPR or first aid. Strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to work with individuals with behavioral challenges are essential, and some positions may require background checks or specific state licenses.

What cities are hiring for Behavioral Support Staff jobs?

Cities with the most Behavioral Support Staff job openings:

What states have the most Behavioral Support Staff jobs?

States with the most job openings for Behavioral Support Staff jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Support Staff jobs?

For Behavioral Support Staff jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Support Staff job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,055 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Behavioral Support Staff

Durham, NC • On-site

Easterseals UCP
Human Resource Programs Administration • 1 - 5K employees

$20/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

At Easterseals PORT Health (ESPH), our mission is rooted in empowering individuals and strengthening communities. We are seeking for full-time passionate Behavioral Support Staff to to join our NC START Team in Durham.

This isn’t just a job — it's a meaningful opportunity to drive change and make a lasting impact in the lives of others as part of our mission to help individuals reach their fullest potential.

**Voted Raleigh’s Best Nonprofit Organization and Raleigh’s Best Mental Health Services two years in a row!**

Your Role in Our Mission

As a Behavioral Support Staff on the team, you will support persons with co-occurring developmental disabilities and mental or behavioral health needs, who are temporarily accessing the START Center for crisis or planned crisis stabilization. This staff participates in the daily routine of the home and provides support for habilitative activities, personal care, health care and other activities. Behavioral Support Staff also help ensure a therapeutic environment at the START Center. START Behavioral Support Staff participate as part of comprehensive START model services that collaborate with individual's primary provider and clinical home, community crisis services, family and others.

Why Join Us? 

As a part of our mission, we help our team members embrace their potential, build resilience, and thrive! You will benefit from ongoing professional growth and development as you work alongside leaders of clinical excellence in mental health services that care about your success. 

Option 1:  Full Time- Over Night-Wednesday-Friday and every Sunday 10:00PM-8:00AM

Option 2:  Full Time- 2nd Shift-Monday and Tuesday 11:30AM-10:00PM, Wednesday 1:30PM-10:00PM and every other Saturday and Sunday 11:30AM-10:00PM

We offer an assortment of benefits for part-time and as-needed positions.

Compensation & Benefits 

  • Competitive salary: $20.00 per hour for this full-time and periodic non-exempt positions
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan 
  •  Employee Assistance Program
  •  Flexible scheduling to include full-time, part-time, and as-needed
  •  On-the-job skill enhancement and growth

 What We’re Looking For 

To join our team, you must be willing to provide care in a supportive environment for individuals who may experience behavioral or mental health crisis, have a passion for helping others, have experience with MS Office suite and data entry, plus strong verbal and written communication skills. We also require the following:

  • Bachelors Degree in Social Work, Psychology or related Human Services Field
    • 2 years experience with supporting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions required
    • Proficiency with EHR systems or technically savvy. 
    • Valid driver’s license, insurance and reliable transportation for work-related travel
    • Recent College Graduates interested in pursuing Graduate Level Programs in Social Work/Psychology/OT/PT or Nursing encouraged to apply

    Ready to Apply?

    Join a team where work isn’t just something you do — it’s a purpose. Bring your expertise to a mission that matters. Apply now at www.eastersealsPORT.com or send your resume to recruiter@eastersealsPORT.com.

    About Easterseals PORT Health  

    Easterseals PORT Health is a trustworthy and compassionate partner, providing exceptional services in disability, mental health, and substance use to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication, and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery. Our 2,600-member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults, and families in 11,000 home, facility, and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia.  

    Easterseals PORT Health is an Inclusive Culture, Different Voices, Embracing Potential, Authentic Self, and Learning and Growing (IDEAL) organization.   

    Applicants of all abilities are encouraged to apply!  Â