Behavior Therapist, Pediatric ABA - Clinic-Based

North Shore Pediatric Therapy; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 26,174 - 30,996; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

North Shore Pediatric Therapy (NSPT) is seeking a Behavior Therapist to work in a clinic-based ABA setting. You will help kids aged 2–12 improve language and social skills through hands-on, one-on-one sessions and coordinate with BCBA supervision. Starting pay is $19 per hour, rising to $22.50 after RBT certification.

Paid training, weekday shifts, and Saturday availability are included. We offer health, dental, and vision insurance for full-time staff, plus growth opportunities within a

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience with children (babysitting, coaching, camps, classrooms) preferred.
• Willing to complete RBT training and certification.

Responsibilities

• Work 1:1 with kids ages 2–12 to build language and social skills.
• Track progress and take session notes for BCBA review.
• Collaborate with BCBA and multidisciplinary team to adjust plans.
• Support transitions and manage challenging moments with empathy and patience.

Skills

Experience with children

Calm under pressure

Empathy

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Behavior Therapist, Pediatric ABA - Clinic-Based

Starting at $19/hour ($22.50 once RBT certified - all training paid). Paid Training & Certification. Daytime shifts (starting at 8am, 9am, 1pm, or 4pm) & Saturday availability needed.

At North Shore Pediatric Therapy (NSPT), we do more than provide therapy—we create spaces where autistic children are respected, supported, and empowered. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care or outdated models. Our approach is assent-based, neuroaffirming, and team-driven, with deep respect for each child’s individuality, autonomy, and potential.

As a Behavior Technician, you’ll be part of that mission. You’ll help kids build communication, independence, and confidence—and you’ll be supported every step of the way by a team that values your growth just as much as theirs.

What a Day Looks Like:

Being a Behavior Technician is active, hands‑on, and deeply meaningful. You’ll spend most of your day working 1:1 with kids (ages 2–12), helping them build skills that support their growth at home, school, and in everyday life.

Here’s what that actually looks like:

• Playing games on the floor to work on language or social skills
• Helping a child learn how to ask for help, tie their shoes, or transition between tasks
• Managing tough moments like meltdowns or elopement with patience and a calm presence
• Tracking progress and taking session notes so your BCBA can update therapy plans
• Communicating with your team throughout the day to problem‑solve, celebrate wins, and adjust support as needed
• Staying flexible—every child is different, and every day brings something new

It’s not a desk job—it’s a roll‑up‑your‑sleeves, be‑there‑in‑the‑moment kind of role. But if you love working with kids, it’s one of the most rewarding ways to spend your day.

Why North Shore Pediatric Therapy:

• Assent-based care that honors boundaries and centers the child’s voice.
• Collaborative, interdisciplinary teamwork—you’ll work alongside OTs, SLPs, and mental health professionals.
• Supportive leadership and mentorship, with real‑time coaching and thoughtful feedback.
• A people‑first culture where growth is structured, wins are celebrated, and you’re never alone.

How You’ll Grow With Us:

Whether you’re here to learn or build a full career, we make sure your development is intentional and supported. You'll start with paid RBT training and certification in your first month (plus a raise once you pass) and receive performance reviews and raises every 6 months. From there, your path can look like:

• Behavior Therapist (BT) → Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) – Certified with hands‑on experience and real mentorship
• RBT → Clinical Fellowship Student (ACC) → Lead ACC → Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) – For BCBA students, we help with restricted and unrestricted hours, test prep, and becoming a strong, compassionate clinician.
• RBT → Lead RBT – For those who want to grow as leaders without pursuing credentialing as a BCBA, SLP, or OT.

• Real‑time support and mentorship from experienced clinicians
• Flexible schedules (start times at 8am, 9am, 1pm, or 3pm) that fit your life
• Monthly team events, shoutouts, and a clinic culture that genuinely cares
• A career that makes a tangible impact on the lives of kids and families
• Health, dental, and vision insurance for full‑time team members

You're a Great Fit If You:

• Have experience working with children (babysitting, coaching, camps, classrooms, etc.)
• Are calm, flexible, and eager to learn—even in tough moments.
• Believe in supporting kids through respect and empathy, not compliance.
• Want to work somewhere that feels good and does good.
• Are curious about long‑term careers in ABA, education, child psychology, OT, SLP, or mental health.

Requirements:

• Starting at $19/billable hour, with increases for experience, education, and certification. You’ll increase to $22.50 once you receive your RBT certification.
• Must have the physical stamina and mobility to actively engage with children, including sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting up to 45 pounds, and effective visual and auditory communication.
• High school diploma or GED required
• Afternoon/evening (starting at 3pm) and Saturday availability required

At NSPT, we know this work is challenging—but it’s also joyful, meaningful, and deeply rewarding. You’ll be surrounded by people who are passionate about what they do, and who care deeply about the children and team members they work with.

If you’re ready to make a difference, grow a career, and be part of a team that’s changing what care can look like—we’d love to meet you.

Salary: $19 - $22.50 USD per hour.