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Behaviour Support Specialist - ASD Services - Job Opportunity at St Michaels House

Dublin, Ireland
Full-time
Senior
Posted: July 29, 2025
On-site
€55,793–€65,155 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive annual leave package providing enhanced work-life balance above standard market offerings
Cycle to work scheme supporting sustainable transportation and employee wellness with tax benefits
Robust sick pay scheme ensuring financial security during health-related absences
Premium payments for frontline staff recognizing the demanding nature of direct care work
Paid maternity leave exceeding statutory requirements
Pension scheme providing long-term financial security and retirement planning
Employee assistance programme offering confidential counseling and support services
Structured training and CPD opportunities supporting professional development and career advancement
Clear career progression pathways within Ireland's largest disability services organization

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of evidence-based behavioral interventions for autistic adults, directly impacting quality of life outcomes for service users with complex needs
Conduct comprehensive functional behavioral assessments that inform strategic care planning and drive measurable improvements in challenging behaviors
Design and deliver specialist training programs for multidisciplinary teams, building organizational capacity and ensuring consistent high-quality support across services
Collaborate with clinical teams to develop person-centered positive behavior support plans that reduce restrictive practices and promote dignity
Coach and mentor social care staff in implementing behavioral interventions, creating sustainable behavior change through skill transfer and knowledge sharing
Develop adaptive and functional skills training programs that enhance independence and community integration for adults with intellectual disabilities and autism
Facilitate organizational change management initiatives to embed best practices in positive behavior support across service delivery teams
Coordinate decision-making processes across multiple stakeholders including families, clinicians, and care teams to ensure cohesive support approaches

Requirements

Education

Masters Degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis or Undergraduate degree in Psychology, Social Care, Nursing or relevant discipline

Experience

Minimum of four years supervised experience working in behaviour support roles: carrying out functional assessments; developing Positive Behaviour Support plans; supporting and coaching social care staff teams to implement interventions for people with intellectual disabilities and/or Autism

Required Skills

Excellent interpersonal, communication and team-work skills Ability to facilitate change within staff teams and coordinate decision making across multiple stakeholders Excellent written communication and report writing skills Knowledge of current best practice in the areas of Positive Behaviour Support and evidence-based practice for people with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Skills in instructional design, training development and delivery are highly desirable Skills in the implementation of active support within social care services are desirable Knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks, legislation and policies within adult social care e.g., HIQA, New Directions, ADM Act Skills in the design of person-centred services for adults with Intellectual Disabilities and ASD who present with behaviours of concern

Certifications

Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) certification or working towards BCBA certification is desirable Chartered Behavioural Psychologist by PSI
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The disability services sector is experiencing a significant shift toward evidence-based practice and positive behavior support, moving away from restrictive interventions toward person-centered approaches that emphasize dignity and human rights. This transformation is driven by both regulatory changes and growing recognition of the effectiveness of applied behavior analysis in improving outcomes for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. There is an increasing demand for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and behavior support specialists across Ireland and Europe, as organizations recognize the critical need for specialized expertise in supporting individuals with complex behavioral needs. The field is professionalizing rapidly, with higher qualification requirements and more structured career pathways emerging. The integration of technology and data-driven approaches in behavior support is becoming more prevalent, with organizations investing in digital tools for behavior tracking, analysis, and intervention planning. This trend is creating opportunities for specialists who can bridge traditional clinical practice with innovative technological solutions.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of €55,793–€65,155 is competitive for the Irish market and aligns well with HSE pay scales for specialized clinical roles. This represents strong compensation for the disability services sector in Ireland, particularly given the comprehensive benefits package. The salary reflects the senior nature of the role and the specialized qualifications required, positioning it favorably against similar positions in both public and private sectors.

Role Significance

The specialist will likely work with multiple teams across different service areas, potentially influencing 20-30 direct care staff and indirectly impacting the practice of the broader 1,000+ workforce at St Michael's House. The role involves matrix management responsibilities without direct line management, requiring strong influencing and coaching skills.
This is a senior specialist position that combines clinical expertise with leadership responsibilities, requiring autonomous decision-making and the ability to influence organizational practice. The role holder will be recognized as a subject matter expert within the organization and will have significant impact on service quality and staff development.

Key Projects

Development and implementation of organization-wide positive behavior support policies and procedures Design and delivery of comprehensive staff training programs in applied behavior analysis and person-centered planning Leading quality improvement initiatives to reduce the use of restrictive practices across adult services Collaboration on research projects evaluating the effectiveness of behavioral interventions in community settings

Success Factors

Deep clinical expertise in applied behavior analysis combined with practical experience in implementing interventions in real-world settings, as the role requires balancing theoretical knowledge with pragmatic solutions that work within resource constraints and regulatory requirements. Exceptional communication and training skills are critical, as much of the impact will be achieved through building the capacity of existing staff teams rather than direct service delivery. The ability to translate complex behavioral concepts into practical, implementable strategies is essential. Strong collaborative leadership capabilities are vital for success, as the role requires influencing change across multiple teams and stakeholder groups without formal authority. The ability to build consensus and drive improvement through relationship-building rather than hierarchical power is crucial. Adaptability and resilience are important given the challenging nature of supporting individuals with complex behavioral needs and the emotional demands of working in disability services, particularly when interventions may take time to show results.

Market Demand

High demand exists for qualified behavior support specialists, particularly those with BCBA certification or equivalent qualifications. The aging population, increased autism diagnoses, and policy emphasis on community-based care are driving sustained growth in this field, creating excellent job security and career prospects.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Applied Behavior Analysis expertise is absolutely essential as it forms the foundation of all interventions and ensures compliance with international best practices. The ability to conduct functional assessments and develop effective behavior support plans directly impacts service user outcomes and organizational quality metrics. Training and coaching abilities are critical for sustainable impact, as the specialist must build organizational capacity rather than simply providing direct interventions. The ability to transfer knowledge effectively to diverse staff groups with varying educational backgrounds is essential for long-term success. Collaborative leadership skills are vital given the matrix nature of the role and the need to influence practice across multiple teams without direct authority. Success depends on building relationships, gaining trust, and motivating change through expertise rather than positional power.

Beneficial Skills

Research and evaluation skills would enhance the role by enabling the specialist to contribute to evidence-based practice development and potentially publish outcomes, raising both personal and organizational profile within the field Knowledge of assistive technology and digital behavior tracking tools would provide competitive advantage as the field increasingly adopts technological solutions for behavior monitoring and intervention planning Understanding of organizational psychology and change management theory would strengthen the specialist's ability to implement systematic improvements and overcome resistance to new practices

Unique Aspects

The role offers the opportunity to work with Ireland's most comprehensive adult autism services, providing exposure to the full spectrum of support needs and intervention approaches within a single organization
Direct access to multidisciplinary clinical teams including psychologists, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, creating rich collaborative learning opportunities
The position provides a unique combination of clinical practice, staff development, and organizational change management, offering broader skill development than typical behavior support roles
Working within the HSE framework while maintaining the flexibility and innovation of a voluntary organization creates an ideal environment for implementing evidence-based practices

Career Growth

Career progression to senior leadership roles typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing specialists, particularly those who complete BCBA certification and demonstrate measurable impact on service outcomes. The experience gained in this role provides excellent preparation for both clinical and operational leadership positions.

Potential Next Roles

Principal Psychologist or Head of Clinical Services within St Michael's House or similar organizations, leveraging the clinical leadership experience gained in this role Independent consultant specializing in organizational development and behavior support training for disability service providers across Ireland and internationally Academic positions in universities offering applied behavior analysis or disability studies programs, combining practical experience with research and teaching responsibilities Senior policy roles with regulatory bodies such as HIQA or within the Department of Health, influencing national standards and practices in disability services

Company Overview

St Michaels House

St Michael's House is Ireland's largest and most established disability services organization, with over 60 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. The organization operates across Dublin and surrounding areas, providing residential, day, and community-based services to over 1,800 individuals with disabilities.

As Ireland's leading disability services provider, St Michael's House is recognized as an industry leader and innovator, often serving as a model for best practices that are adopted by other organizations. The organization has strong relationships with regulatory bodies, government agencies, and academic institutions, providing staff with exposure to cutting-edge developments in the field.
The organization has a dominant presence in the Dublin metropolitan area and is well-connected to national policy development and international best practice networks. Working for St Michael's House provides excellent networking opportunities and visibility within the Irish disability services sector.
The organization maintains a strong values-based culture emphasizing person-centered support, continuous improvement, and staff development. The work environment is collaborative and mission-driven, with significant investment in professional development and career advancement opportunities for staff who demonstrate commitment to the organization's values.
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