Job Description

Job Description and Duties

The Behavior Specialist I (BSI) provides direct behavioral and support services to STAR individuals with developmental disabilities and co-occurring psychiatric or behavioral challenges.  The BSI implements applied behavior analysis (ABA)-based programs and interventions under the clinical supervision of a Licensed Psychologist and/or Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).  The position involves both direct care and behavioral service responsibilities, including implementation of individualized behavior plans, data collection, skill training, and participation in interdisciplinary team planning.

The BSI is a mandated reporter of observed or suspected abuse or neglect.

Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three percent in exchange for five hours per month of the Personal Leave Program.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Frequent interaction with individuals who have developmental disabilities and significant behavioral and psychiatric needs.  Work may involve exposure to communicable diseases, blood-borne pathogens, and other conditions common in behavioral and residential care settings.  Must have the physical ability to lift 50 pounds, perform approved physical intervention techniques, and maintain competency in crisis response procedures (e.g., two-person containment).  Travel and mandatory overtime may be required.

This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States. The Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

• The position(s) require(s) a -  Valid Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification,  by the National Behavior Analyst Certification Board.  If you are eligible for certification, have applied for BCBA certification and within one month of receiving certification, you may apply.  You  MUST  include the date you will receive your BCBA certification on your State application.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Knowledge of :  Providing direct care to individuals with developmental disabilities and challenging behavior with a minimum of six months’ experience; basic principles of applied behavior analysis; ethical considerations regarding behavior modification; behavioral assessment and procedures to increase and decrease behavior; managing behavioral emergencies; basic types and characteristics of developmental disabilities; organizational structure of developmental centers and the respective roles and responsibilities of staff.

Ability to :  Demonstrate competency in cultural sensitivity, positive behavior supports, trauma-informed care, and person-centered practices; develop cooperative and harmonious relationships with direct care staff and others; ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team model; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; communicate effectively; provide support services to clients in home and training sites.

Benefits

As a state employee working for the Department of Developmental Services, you and your family will have access to excellent medical, dental and vision insurance benefits in addition to retirement benefits. 

Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment. Additional benefits may also be outlined for specific bargaining units in employee collective bargaining contracts. For more information, please visit the links below:

Benefit information can be found on the  CalHR website and the website.

Additional Information

Electronic application submission is highly encouraged.

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment. This recruitment may be utilized to fill future vacancies that may occur during the life of the certification list.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate may be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the California Department of Human Resources.

If you have not taken the Behavior Specialist I exam/assessment you may find the exam for this classification at the link below. You must take and pass the exam/assessment to obtain eligibility for hire. Click  to gain list eligibility.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Visa sponsorship, Work visa,

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