Lead DSP, Behavior Day Services
- Days
How this pay compares
This posting states $22–$26 an hour. Open direct support professional jobs in California post a median of $20 an hour, the middle half $19.71–$21.25, across 59 jobs that state their pay, so this one is above the middle half of what they post. Direct support professionals employed in California earn a median of $16.50 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025) (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, opens in a new tab).
Direct support professionals in California: pay by town and employer
The Caregivers & Home Health Aides job market: pay, applicant demand and hiring, researched nightly
About the job
Join the BuildAbility Team as the Lead Behavior Support Specialist
Are you someone who finds joy in assisting others in reaching their goals? Do you prefer being out in the community rather than confined to a desk? Currently, we're on the lookout for a Lead Behavior Support Specialists to lend support to participants and staff in our Behavior Day Services.
Why work with us
- Meaningful Mission: Be a part of a team that's transforming lives and empowering individuals within the community. Our mission is to carve out a space for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, encouraging them to envision a life without limitations and then guiding them toward turning that vision into a reality.
- Inclusive Environment: Join an organization that values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy competitive compensation starting at $22.00 - $26.00/hour, along with a generous benefits package for full-time staff.
- If our values align with yours, then this opportunity is tailor-made for you!
Our Behavior Day Services
- The Options Program is our site-based day program; we support adults with developmental disabilities who are on behavior support plans, focusing on positive behavior supports, social inclusion, pre-vocational/life skills, and a range of interests.
- This program also includes community access for people who have developed the skills needed to explore the community safely.
As the Lead Behavior Support Specialist, you will
- Provide direct support to participants through personalized instruction and activities aligned with their unique needs and goals.
- Lead the development of diverse curriculum and weekly programming tailored to their assigned department and aligned with individualized goals.
- Instruct program curriculum and ensure Behavior Specialists are informed, prepared, and supported in delivering planned programming.
- Maintain knowledge and understanding of participant goals to ensure effective support strategies, promote growth, and achieve desired outcomes.
- Provide feedback on goal progress and actively contribute to the development of new goals in collaboration with participants and the Options leadership team.
- Support participants with aspects of daily living, including meals, restroom assistance, and other basic care needs as outlined in the individualized care plan.
- Maintain knowledge of and consistently implement Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), including accurate data collection and documentation in alignment with each plan.
- Document progress notes, behavior tracking logs, and goal implementation data daily in the electronic visit verification system, ensuring accuracy and real-time updates aligned with individual plans.
- Ensure dedicated program space is clean, organized, and maintained in compliance with safety, accessibility, and licensing regulations.
Schedule
- Full-time
- Monday to Friday (8:00 - 4:00 p.m.)
Work location
- San Fernando CA, 91340
Compensation
- Starting at $22.00 - $26.00 /hour (dependent upon prior experience and qualifications).
Benefits (Full-Time Staff)
- 90% coverage for Medical and 100% coverage for Dental and Vision insurance
- 100% Employer Paid Life Insurance for up to 2X the annual salary with Reliance Standard
- Paid vacation
- Paid sick leave
- 12 paid holidays per year
- 403(b) retirement savings plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Opportunity for Career Advancement
Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years’ experience supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Minimum 1 year experience with behavioral day services and/or curricular instruction.
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Certification from CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention required
- CPR/First Aid Certification required
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
- Proof of Criminal Background Clearance.
- Proof of a passing physical exam and TB clearance.
- Proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
Knowledge and Skills
- Able to assist with personal care needs of individuals, including restroom support and feeding.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to build trust and connection with participants, families, and team members across diverse backgrounds.
- Clear and professional written and verbal communication, tailored to a variety of audiences and needs.
- Organized and attentive to detail, with a commitment to accuracy and follow-through.
- Tech-comfortable, with confidence using Microsoft Office Suite and electronic verification systems.
- Committed to confidentiality, discretion, and ethical, person-centered practices.
- Team-oriented and mission-driven, with a strong work ethic and a natural inclination toward collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
BuildAbility is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace environment, stakeholder engagement, and participant support. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
From BuildAbility's job posting, checked Oct 29, 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About BuildAbility
BuildAbility hires mental health staff and caregivers in San Fernando, Sylmar and North Hollywood in California.
Hires in CaliforniaPay on its listings: 88.9% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
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