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Esdm Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Behavior Interventionist

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$22.75 - $30.50/hr

Knowledge of evidence-based methodologies found to benefit children with ASD preferred, including Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), Treatment and Education of ...

Esdm information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$18K

$97.8K

$156.3K

How much do esdm jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for esdm in Santa Rosa, CA is $97,750.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,400.00 and $107,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by ESDM therapists when implementing individualized treatment plans?

ESDM therapists often encounter challenges such as adapting intervention strategies to fit each child's unique needs and pace of progress. Balancing structured teaching with naturalistic, play-based approaches requires flexibility and creativity. Additionally, maintaining consistent communication with families and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams is essential, but can be complex due to differing perspectives or schedules. Despite these challenges, ESDM therapists find the role rewarding as they observe meaningful developmental gains in the children they support.

What is an ESDM professional?

ESDM stands for Early Start Denver Model, and ESDM professionals are trained therapists or specialists who provide early intervention therapy for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They use a play-based, relationship-focused approach that integrates behavioral and developmental principles to promote language, cognitive, and social skills. ESDM professionals may include psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, or special educators who have received specific training and certification in the ESDM methodology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) therapist?

To thrive as an ESDM therapist, you need a background in psychology, education, or a related field, along with specialized training or certification in the ESDM approach. Familiarity with behavior analysis tools, data collection systems, and ESDM treatment protocols is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and effective communication are vital for engaging young children with autism and collaborating with families. These skills ensure the delivery of evidence-based interventions that support optimal developmental outcomes for children.

What is the difference between Esdm vs Speech-Language Pathologist?

AspectEsdmSpeech-Language Pathologist
CredentialsTypically requires specialized training in Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)Requires a master's degree in speech-language pathology and state licensure
Work EnvironmentPrimarily works with young children with autism in early intervention settingsWorks with individuals of all ages with speech, language, or communication disorders in clinics, schools, or hospitals
Industry UsageUsed mainly in autism early intervention programsWidely used across healthcare, education, and private practice for various communication disorders

While Esdm focuses on early intervention for children with autism using specific behavioral techniques, Speech-Language Pathologists have a broader scope, diagnosing and treating a wide range of speech and language disorders across different age groups. Both roles require specialized training, but their work environments and client populations differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Esdm jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? For Esdm jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Esdm jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Esdm job openings:
Infographic showing various Esdm job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $97,750 per year, or $47 per hour.

Behavior Interventionist

Catalight

Petaluma, CA • On-site

$22.75 - $30.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

If you love working with children and helping them achieve their goals and thrive, you've come to the right place. At Easterseals Northern California, the Behavior Interventionist (BI) is a trusted source of support, education and empowerment for the client and family. Working as a BI you can truly make all the difference for families with a child diagnosed with Autism (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. You will work in collaboration with other behavioral health clinicians to help create a rich learning environment where a child can make progress, meet treatment goals, and maximize their learning potential.
The ideal candidate has prior experience working with children with developmental delays, ASD or other diagnoses, and is empathetic and understanding of the impact of a diagnosis and treatment on the family. As a BI, you will work alongside the family to provide individualized treatment and create an optimal environment for the growth for their child. Joining Easterseals Norther California also means that you want to be part of a culture and community focused on equity and belonging, so people of all abilities can live their best lives and thrive. If this sounds like you, please apply below!

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Under supervision of the Program Supervisor and/or Clinical Manager, implements in-home/community-based intervention in person and/or via teletherapy.
  • Travels to home and other community settings, as required, to deliver services.
  • Responsible for meeting established minimum productivity requirements, while providing efficient and effective service in all areas of performance.
  • Completes necessary documentation within required timeframe, including behavioral data collection and graphing, treatment notes, and other company-related documents and current ABA or other treatment plans for each client.
  • Remains current regarding new research, current trends and developments in ABA and related fields.
  • Attends staff meetings, trainings, and other meetings as requested.
  • Responsible to complete additional job duties as assigned by Supervisors/Management.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education, Experience & Training Equivalent to:

  • High School diploma or equivalent required
  • Relevant experience preferred.
  • RBT Certification preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Sensitivity to working with an ethnically, linguistically, culturally, and economically diverse population.
  • Communicate effectively verbally, hearing and in writing.
  • Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion pertaining to the work environment.
  • Appropriately interpret and implement policies, procedures, and regulations of ESNorcal; training provided.
  • Consistently demonstrate good judgment and decision-making skills.
  • Knowledgeable and skilled in computer/word processing software and excel.
  • Travel to multiple work sites; reliable transportation needed (proof of CA valid driver's license, current auto insurance identification card, and acceptable driving record per NIAC standards is required).

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Recent experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and/or related developmental disabilities in a direct care capacity preferred.
  • Knowledge of evidence-based methodologies found to benefit children with ASD preferred, including Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-Handicapped Children (TEACCH), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), and Pivotal Response Training (PRT)
  • Previous experience providing education, coaching and support to families with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and/or related developmental disabilitiesa plus.
  • American Sign Language or bi-lingual ability.

Physical Requirements:

  • Frequent bending, reaching, squatting, kneeling, twisting in order to observe, assess, and interact with clients.
  • Stand or sit for extended periods of time, stand for up to 6-8 hours a day.
  • Frequent speaking and listening (50%) to clients, staff, and other professionals in meetings and on the phone.
  • Frequent driving (to and from office and client homes)
  • Frequent sitting and maintaining close visual attention to write reports and work at the computer.
  • Occasional lifting, carrying, and loading/unloading toys and materials up to 30lbs used in home visits.
  • Physically implement behavior management strategies including responding to physically aggressive behavior.
  • Visual and auditory ability to work with clients, staff and others in the workplace continuously.
  • Ability to utilize computer, cell phone, iPad.
  • Frequent proofreading and checking documents for accuracy.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively within the workplace, read and write using the primary language within the workplace.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

  • Ability to obtain and maintain criminal record clearance through the Department of Justice. The People & Performance department must analyze DOJ/FBI live scan reports in accordance with applicable federal, State and local laws as well as fitness for position.
  • Must have valid California Driver's License and maintain a clean driving record.
  • Must pass health screenings, obtain vaccinations and clear TB testing based on company policies.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain CPR certificate.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain clearance through the Office of Inspector General.
  • Ability to obtain RBT Certification within 90 days of hire and maintain active certification status.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a National Provider Identifier (NPI).

About Us:

For more than 90 years, Easterseals Northern California (ESNorCal) is leading the way to ensure that individuals and families affected by disabilities can live, learn, work and play to their full potential. As Northern California's premier home and community-based services organization, we're committed to making care delivery easier for those with autism, other developmental disabilities and their families. Our experienced clinical team performs comprehensive assessments and services that are tailored to meet clients' and their families' needs.

We are a member of a family of companies that include Catalight, Easterseals Hawaii, Easterseals Northern California and Xolv Technology Solutions - a diverse, equitable and inclusiveorganization with more than 700 employees working together to break down barriers and biases to create a more equitable world, so people with developmental disabilities and special needs can choose their own paths.

Time Type:

Part timeCompensation:$23.00-$24.50/hour

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas as deemed fit for the organization.


Easterseals Northern California is an equal opportunity employer.