Advanced Direct Support Professional - ICF

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)

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.

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.

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

DAY

SHIFTS:

• Sun (6AM‑7PM), Mon, Wed (5AM‑6PM)
  • $19.78 base wage on Mon Wed
  • $29.67 premium wage on Sun
• Sun Mon Tue (9AM‑9PM)
  • $19.78 base wage on Mon Tue
  • $29.67 premium wage on Sun
• Thur, Fri (5AM‑6PM), Sat (6AM‑7PM)
  • $20.53 base wage on Thur Fri
  • $30.79 premium wage on Sat
• Thur (6AM‑7PM), Fri, Sat (9AM‑9PM)
  • $20.53 base wage on Thur Fri
  • $30.79 premium wage on Sat
• Wed (6AM‑7PM), Fri, Sat (9AM‑9PM)
  • $20.53 base wage on Wed Fri
  • $30.79 premium wage on Sat
• Wed, Fri (6AM‑7PM), Sat (6AM‑6PM)
  • $20.53 base wage on Wed Fri
  • $30.79 premium wage on Sat
• Thur (6AM‑7PM), Fri, Sat (8AM‑8PM)
  • $20.53 base wage on Thur Fri
  • $30.79 premium wage on Sat

OVERNIGHT SHIFT:

• Sun, Mon, Tue (5PM‑6AM)
  • $19.78 base wage on Mon Tue
  • $29.67 premium wage on Sun
• Thur, Fri, Sat (5PM‑6AM)
  • $20.53 base wage on Thur Fri
  • $30.79 premium wage on Sat

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

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.

High School Diploma or GED

2+ years in behavioral health preferred

Valid driver's license

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

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

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