Behavioral Specialist

Job Title: Behavioral Specialist
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (salary-based, overtime eligible in accordance with Washington State law)
Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports to the Director of Operations and Training

Salary Range: $56,160 – $72,800 annually

This position operates within a structured five-tier compensation and competency framework, with advancement based on demonstrated proficiency, leadership capacity, and impact on outcomes.

Position Summary

The Behavioral Specialist at Community Concept is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously refining individualized behavioral support that promotes emotional regulation, communication, safety, and meaningful engagement in daily life.

This role operates within a fully individualized supported living model and requires deep integration with daily routines, staff practice, and environmental design. Behavioral support is approached as communication, shaped by relationship, trauma history, unmet need, and context.

The Behavioral Specialist functions as both a clinician and a field-based systems leader, ensuring that Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs) are not only compliant but also practical, lived, and effective.

Salary Structure and Tier Framework

The Behavioral Specialist role is divided into five progressive tiers. Movement across tiers is competency-based and tied to demonstrated impact in the field, staff development, and systems integration.

Tier 1 – Behavioral Specialist I

Salary: $56,160 – $59,280

At this level, the Behavioral Specialist is developing foundational competency in assessment, PBSP writing, and staff coaching.

Responsibilities focus on:

• Supporting implementation of existing PBSPs
• Assisting with behavioral observations and data collection systems
• Learning functional assessment processes
• Participating in field coaching alongside senior staff
• Building familiarity with WAC requirements and IISP integration

This level requires close supervision and structured mentorship.

Tier 2 – Behavioral Specialist II

Salary: $59,281 – $62,400

At this level, the Behavioral Specialist demonstrates independent ability to assess, write, and implement PBSPs with moderate complexity.

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting functional assessments independently
• Writing PBSPs that align with IISP and PCSP
• Coaching DSPs and Leads in routine implementation
• Identifying environmental and routine-based triggers
• Supporting incident review processes

The specialist begins to influence team practice but may still require consultation for complex cases.

Tier 3 – Behavioral Specialist III (Advanced Practitioner)

Salary: $62,401 – $66,560

At this level, the Behavioral Specialist demonstrates strong clinical reasoning and consistent field effectiveness.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading PBSP development for high-complexity individuals
• Integrating trauma-informed and Gentle Teaching approaches
• Designing proactive systems that reduce crisis frequency
• Training DSPs across multiple homes
• Leading root cause analyses tied to behavioral incidents
• Aligning behavioral strategies with VOIS and engagement systems

This level reflects full professional competence.

Tier 4 – Behavioral Specialist IV (Senior / Systems Leader)

Salary: $66,561 – $70,720

At this level, the Behavioral Specialist operates as a systems-level leader.

Responsibilities include:

• Overseeing behavioral systems across multiple homes
• Mentoring Tier 1–3 Behavioral Specialists
• Leading agency-wide training initiatives
• Standardizing PBSP quality and implementation practices
• Collaborating with QA and leadership on systemic improvements
• Supporting regulatory readiness and audit compliance

This role significantly influences organizational quality and consistency.

Tier 5 – Behavioral Specialist V (Clinical Lead / Program Architect)

Salary: $70,721 – $72,800

At this level, the Behavioral Specialist functions as a clinical architect and strategic leader.

Responsibilities include:

• Designing and overseeing the agency’s behavioral support framework
• Ensuring alignment with WAC 388-101D-0400 through 0410
• Leading high-level case consultation for complex behavioral profiles
• Integrating behavioral systems with Dignity in Rhythm framework
• Partnering with executive leadership on program design
• Leading innovation in outcome measurement and behavioral supports

This level reflects advanced leadership and system-wide accountability.

Essential Functions

The following functions are considered essential to the role and are required with or without reasonable accommodation:

1. The Behavioral Specialist must be able to conduct in-person assessments within supported living environments, including observing individuals during daily routines, periods of distress, and community activities.

2. The role requires the ability to analyze complex behavioral patterns, synthesize information from multiple sources, and translate that analysis into clear, actionable support strategies.

3. The Behavioral Specialist must effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with DSPs, Leads, families, and interdisciplinary teams, ensuring that behavioral strategies are understood and consistently applied.

4. The position requires the ability to provide real-time coaching and intervention during high-stress situations, including de-escalation support and modeling appropriate responses.

5. The Behavioral Specialist must be able to develop, review, and maintain detailed documentation, including PBSPs, assessment summaries, training materials, and data analysis reports.

6. The role requires consistent travel between supported homes and the ability to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions.

7. The Behavioral Specialist must be able to sit, stand, move, and remain actively engaged in home environments for extended periods.

The position requires the ability to respond to crisis situations in accordance with training, policy, and regulatory standards.

Core ResponsibilitiesBehavioral Assessment and Functional Analysis

Conduct comprehensive assessments that identify the function of behavior within the context of environment, communication, and unmet need.

PBSP Development and Oversight

Develop and maintain PBSPs that are:

• Preventive in focus
• Embedded in daily routines
• Aligned with IISP and PCSP
• Compliant with WAC requirements

Field Coaching and Staff Development

Provide hands-on coaching to DSPs and Leads to ensure consistent, competent implementation of behavioral strategies.

Data Systems and Outcome Measurement

Design and monitor data collection systems that inform decision-making and demonstrate progress.

Systems Integration

Ensure behavioral supports are integrated with:

• Daily routines
• VOIS Activity Tag expectations
• Community activity engagement
• Skill development opportunities

Incident Review and Systems Improvement

Lead structured reviews of behavioral incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective strategies.

Working Conditions

This role operates within individualized supported living homes where each person lives in their own residence with 24-hour support as needed.

The Behavioral Specialist will encounter:

• High variability in home environments
• Situations involving emotional distress or behavioral escalation
• The need for flexible scheduling and responsiveness

QualificationsRequired

· Bachelor’s degree in a related field
Experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities
Knowledge of Positive Behavior Support and trauma-informed care

Preferred

· Master’s degree
BCBA or equivalent credential
Experience within Washington State Supported Living systems

· Education requirements are flexible for this position, as success is driven by demonstrated knowledge, applied learning, and measurable outcomes. In some cases, formal education alone may not fully develop the practical skills and competencies required for effective performance.

Performance Expectations

Performance is evaluated based on:

• Reduction in crisis events
• Increased engagement and quality of life
• Staff competency and consistency
• PBSP effectiveness and usability
• Compliance with WAC and documentation standards

Equal Employment Opportunity

Community Concept is committed to equal employment opportunity in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Pay: $56,160.00 - $72,800.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• Why are you a good fit for this position?

Language:

• English (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's license (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Spokane, WA 99218 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $56,160 - $72,800