Behavior Specialist - Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

Your First Step Into a Career That Changes Lives

This isn't just an entry-level job. It's the first step in a mapped-out journey - toward a degree, a promotion, and even leadership. At CSD, we don't just hire people. We invite changemakers who believe that every child deserves to shine.

Starting Pay: $20-$25 per hour, based on experience

What Makes This Role Different:

• Career Compass: clarity from day one with your growth pathway.
• Dreams Come True: free college or tuition reimbursement to help you earn your degree.
• Career Rewards: recognition and milestones as you grow.
• Flexible schedules + paid training so you can learn, earn, and thrive.

What If Growth Wasn't a Mystery? - Introducing CSD Career Rewards!

About Us

At Center for Social Dynamics (CSD), we believe in possibilities. From a child's first session to every milestone after, we're building futures filled with play, progress, and joy.

We meet kids where they are - at home, in schools, in the community - and help them grow through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Every day is about connection, compassion, and celebrating breakthroughs big and small.

We live our TRUE values: Transparency, Respect, Understanding, and Excellence. It's not just how we work - it's who we are.

At CSD, we don't just change lives. We light them up.

About the Opportunity

As a Behavior Specialist, you'll:

• Use play, games, and evidence-based strategies to help kids build communication, social, and life skills.
• Bring energy and compassion to each session - whether it's at a child's home, one of our centers, or out in the community.
• Follow personalized plans designed by our clinical leaders while celebrating small wins that lead to big growth.
• Thrive in a flexible, on-the-go role where no two days look the same.

You don't need prior experience - we'll train you and support you every step of the way.

What Success Looks Like

• Kids smiling because they can now say a new word, share a toy, or join in play; achieving life changing milestones.
• Families feeling hope and relief because they see progress.
• You growing through paid training, coaching, and mapped-out career milestones.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive pay + bonus opportunities
• Paid drive time & mileage reimbursement
• Company-issued cell phone
• Free college or tuition reimbursement (Dreams Come True Program)
• Hands-on training, career advancement, and a vibrant team culture

About You

This role is for you if:

• You love working with kids and making a difference.
• You bring patience, energy, and optimism to every session.
• You thrive in flexible, dynamic environments.
• You're ready to grow your career while helping kids grow, too.

Requirements:

• H.S. Diploma or GED
• Flexible availability (especially Mon-Fri afternoons/evenings + Saturdays)
• Proof of vaccinations (MMR, Varicella, COVID - CA mandated)
• Reliable transportation
• Comfort working with diverse populations
• Willingness to complete training and documentation
• Ability to frequently sit and stand; keeping pace with your client

Ready to Apply?

If you've been looking for a role where your work matters, where kids look forward to seeing you, and where your career path is clear - this is it.

Join us. Let's light up lives together.

CSD is a proud equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

In accordance with the Fair Chance Act, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. CSD is dedicated to ensuring fair hiring practices and encourages all individuals, including those with prior criminal histories, to apply. #LI-Onsite

About Us

At Center for Social Dynamics (CSD), we believe that every child deserves a chance to shine. We're a passionate team on a mission to open up a world of possibilities for individuals with autism and other developmental needs-through science, compassion, and a whole lot of heart.

From our very first session to each milestone we celebrate, we bring the power of play, connection, and evidence-based care to every moment. With services that are as unique as the individuals we support, we meet kids where they are-at home, in schools, and in communities-and guide them on a path toward growth.

We live our TRUE values-Transparency, Respect, Understanding, and Excellence-in everything we do. As a fast-growing leader in the field, we're known for our vibrant culture, hands-on training, and career pathways that help you grow just as much as those we serve.

At CSD, we don't just change lives-we light them up.

About Our Values

• Transparency in the work that we do and the actions we take to achieve our mission. There are no hidden agendas or motives at Center for Social Dynamics. Each family's unique cultures, values, and generational dynamics.
  
• Understanding through tolerance, cooperation, and empathy in the pursuit of our mission. We never lose sight of who we are, the people we serve, and our purpose and meaning.
  
• Respect for all and the value that everyone brings towards accomplishing our mission. No one at CSD is worth more or less, and together we are greater than the sum of our parts.
  
• Excellence in our drive, passion, and commitment to our mission. CSD will always do what it takes to deliver the best, leave no one behind, and champion our cause.
  

CSD is a proud equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Physical requirements may include but is not limited to:

• Constant visual stimulation, including close vision, distance vision, reading, computer work
• Constant sitting; frequent up and down out of chair
• Constant use of telephone, speaking, listening
• Constant document handling, use of copier and fax machine, filing
• Frequent typing, use of computer
• Occasional walking around building
• Occasional bending, reaching, stooping, pulling
• Occasional lifting, carrying, moving of items up to 20 pounds
• Occasional walking to, bending to enter, sitting and using upper and lower limbs to drive car