Advanced DSP - Behavioral Support Specialist - 3 day work week
About The Position
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: $19.75–$21.50/hour + Premium Pay Average Blended Pay: $23.04–$25.08/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: Mon, Tue, Wed (9AM–9PM) – $19.75 Sun, Mon, Tue (8AM–8PM) – $19.75 Sun, Mon, Wed (8AM–8PM) – $19.75 Thur, Fri, Sat (8AM–8PM) – $20.25 Wed, Fri, Sat (9AM–9PM) – $20.25 ICF – Residential Facility (1011 Davis St, Dubuque, IA) DAY SHIFTS: Sun (6AM–6PM), Mon, Tue (6AM–7PM) – $17.75 Thur (6AM–7PM), Fri, Sat (9AM–9PM) – $20.25 Wed (6AM–7PM), Fri, Sat (9AM–9PM) – $20.25 Wed, Fri (6AM–7PM), Sat (6AM–6PM) – $20.25 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.
Requirements
- 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
Responsibilities
- 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
Benefits
- 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
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
