Direct Support Professional III - Behavioral Support Specialist 

Advanced Direct Support Role for Individuals with Challenging or Aggressive Behaviors

Location: Dubuque, IA
Schedule: Full-Time | 3-Day or 4-Day Work Week Options
BASE Wage Range: $19.78–$21.78/hour Premium Pay
Average Blended Pay: $23.08–$25.41/hour (based on premium weekend pay)

Not a Typical DSP Role - Please Read Before Applying

The DSP III position is an advanced behavioral support role.
You will work directly with individuals who may display aggressive, challenging, or self-injurious behaviors, requiring structured support, strong emotional regulation, safety awareness, and effective de-escalation strategies.

If you thrive in high-intensity environments, enjoy helping people navigate behavioral challenges, and want to develop behavioral intervention skills, this role is a strong fit.

If you are looking for a traditional caregiving-only DSP position, this role may not be the right match.

DSP III = Behavioral Expertise

This is a hands-on behavioral support position working with individuals who have high behavioral needs, including physical aggression, property destruction, escalation behaviors, and complex emotional regulation needs.

Flexible Schedule Options

• 3-Day Work Week = ~203 Days Off/Year

• 4-Day Work Week = ~152 Days Off/Year

HCBS – Community-Based Group Homes (Dubuque, IA)

DAY SHIFTS:

Sun, Mon, Tue (8AM–8PM) – $19.78 base wage, Sunday pay = $29.67 

Sun, Mon, Wed (8AM–8PM) – $19.78 base wage, Sunday pay = $29.67

Thur, Fri, Sat (8AM–8PM) –$20.53 base wage, Saturday pay = $30.79

Wed, Fri, Sat (8AM-8PM) - $20.53 base wage, Saturday pay = $30.79

Wed, Thur, Fri (8AM-8PM) - $19.78 base wage on ALL 3 weekdays! 

Overnight AWAKE: Thur, Fri, Sat (8PM-8AM) - $20.53 base wage, Saturday pay = $30.79

Overnight AWAKE: Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed (8PM-8AM) - $19.78 base wage, Sunday pay = $29.67

What to Expect in a DSP III Role

Work with clients who may display aggressive, challenging, or self-injurious behaviors

Use behavioral support strategies, including de-escalation and redirection

Implement individualized behavior support plans (BSPs)

Maintain safety through proactive structure, calm responses, and physical/environmental awareness

Support emotional regulation and teach alternative, appropriate behaviors

Serve as part of a higher-level behavioral support team

About the Role

As a Direct Support Professional III at Hills & Dales, you will:

• Support individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities who have significant behavioral support needs

• Teach essential life skills and promote independence

• Provide behavioral intervention, coaching, and structured support

• Create meaningful community experiences and safe daily routines

• Maintain documentation, monitor behavior data, and follow intervention procedures

This is not an entry-level DSP job - this is a behavioral intervention-focused role requiring confidence, patience, and strong communication skills.

What You'll Do

Teach daily living skills: self-care, cooking, cleaning, leisure, communication

Implement and track behavior plans focused on reducing challenging behaviors

Support emotional/behavioral needs using trained interventions

Administer medications (with certification)

Maintain a clean, safe, structured home environment

Plan and participate in meaningful activities and community outings

Document progress, incidents, and behavior interventions

Maintain professionalism, boundaries, and calm in high-stress moments

What You Need

High School Diploma or GED

2 years in behavioral health preferred

Valid driver's license, insurance, and reliable transportation

Strong communication & documentation skills

Ability to lift 35 lbs and manage behavioral escalations

Clean background check and drug screen

Openness to training in safety techniques and behavior management

Why Work at Hills & Dales?

At Hills & Dales, we are passionate about building meaningful lives - for the individuals we support and the team members who support them.
You'll join a caring, skilled team with:

• Real opportunities for advancement

• A supportive environment for learning behavioral strategies

• A schedule designed for work-life balance

• The chance to make a true impact every single day

Apply Today - Build a Career with Purpose!

Offer contingent upon the succressful completetion of a criminal background check, dependernt adult and child abuse background check, and drug screen. 

Salary : $20 - $22