Advanced Direct Support Professional HCBS

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

DAY

SHIFTS:

• Sun, Mon, Tue (8AM–8PM) – $19.78 base wage
• Sun, Mon, Wed (8AM–8PM) – $19.78 base wage
• Thur, Fri, Sat (8AM–8PM) – $20.53 base wage
• Wed, Fri, Sat (9AM–9PM) – $20.53 base wage
• Wed, Fri, Sat (8AM-8PM) – $20.53 base wage

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, 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

At Hills & Dales, we are passionate about building meaningful lives - for the individuals we support and the team members who support them.

• 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 successful completion of a criminal background check, dependent adult and child abuse background check, and drug screen.