Associate Behavior Specialist + Employment/Direct Support (Dual)

Associate Behavior Specialist Employment/Support Professional (Dual-role) 

Are you seeking a meaningful position that contributes to improving the lives of others? Promote autonomy and positive behavior support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and join a collaborative, interdisciplinary team at ALSO!  

Who We Are:  

Since 1997, ALSO has been committed to fostering independence and community inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through employment support, residential living, and in-home services.   

As an Associate Behavior Specialist, you will: 

Play a crucial role in providing self-directed support for children and adults who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) within ALSO’s Residential, Supported Living, and Community Services programs. You’ll provide essential OIS trainings to new and continuing ALSO advocates as well as the greater community, and assist our small team of Behavior Specialists in implementing behavior support plans and facilitating positive behavioral change for the individuals we support. The position involves supporting individuals in homes and community settings, collaborating with the behavior team, assisting with training advocates, and contributing to the development of functional behavioral assessments (FBA) and positive behavior support plans (PBSP). 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Become a certified Behavior Professional and OIS Instructor, delivering trainings to support team skill development and safety 

• Provide ongoing coaching and training to teams supporting individuals with Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs) 

• Support the development, review, and implementation of FBAs, PBSPs, and ISP-related services 

• Lead and facilitate OIS classes in supported and community settings 

• Review and ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance of service documentation 

• Support and oversee physical skills practice to ensure safe and effective implementation 

• Collaborate with team members, families, and partners to support person-centered outcomes 

• Model ethical decision-making, professional boundaries, and adherence to organizational values and standards 

• Attend meetings 1-2 x/month with outside providers/agencies

In this dual role, you will also assist ALSO's services as an Employment Professional or Direct Support Professional. This role entails supporting people who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities at home with daily living skills or at work through on-the-job training, advocacy, and skill building. Your role is to help ensure successful and meaningful employment relationships between individuals and their employer through oversight, mentorship, and hand-on support. Current Employment Professionals, DSPs, or Employment Specialist at ALSO are also encourage to apply for this as an additional role!

Compensation & Benefits:  

• Starting Pay: Base Employment/Support Professional rate starts at $19-$20 per hour depending on experience, education (min: Bachelor's degree required), and Veteran's status. Associate Behavior Specialist (ABS) rate is $27 per hour. Work will be split initially with 16 hours in ABS and 24 hours as Support Professional. After initial OIS training and certification requirements are met, ABS hours will elevate to 24 hours per week, and Support Professional hours to reduced to 16 hours per week. This position in non-exempt and overtime eligible. 

• Future Growth: This position has the opportunity to be promoted into a full time role as our services continue to expand and we serve more people with positive behavior supports. 
  Paid Training: Earn while enhancing your skills. We will help you become a certified OIS trainer. 

• Paid Holidays: 10 days, including a special “YAY Day” for your birthday. 

• Comprehensive Insurance: Health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.  

• Generous Leave: Vacation and sick time accruals, Paid Time Off with payout option.  

• Referral bonus: Up to $500 per referral!  

• Retirement Plan: Generous employer-matching for traditional or Roth 401k  

• Employee Assistance Program: 24/7 access to counseling, legal, financial advice, and more.  

• Parental Leave  

• Flexible Spending Accounts  

• Employee Recognition Program  

• Career Development  

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible. 

Qualifications:  

• Completed Bachelor’s Degree Program in Social Services related field. 

• Ability to become OIS trainer certified and maintain certification throughout tenure 

• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and ability to be insured under company policy are essential to meeting the travel requirements of this position. Travel between multiple sites within the Portland Metro service area is common, and occasional travel to other services areas within Oregon may be required. 

• Preferred experience in supportive or assistive technology 

• All candidates considered for employment are required to successfully pass a comprehensive background check prior to joining ALSO and ongoing every two years.  

Why Join ALSO?  

At ALSO, we do work of the heart. This meaningful work brings out the bold, the compassionate, and the passionate. By joining our team, you will play a crucial role in helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live fulfilling lives, achieve their goals, and become an integral part of their communities. Join us in making a real difference. Make Heart Work YOUR Work.  

Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and job applicants without regard to age, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.