Behavior Therapist, Pediatric ABA - Clinic-Based

North Shore Pediatric Therapy; Lake Bluff (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Flexible schedules

Team events

Career development

Job summary

North Shore Pediatric Therapy (NSPT) is seeking a Behavior Technician to support autistic children through assent-based, neuroaffirming care. You will work 1:1 with kids, help them communicate, and grow independence, with training and mentorship from a multidisciplinary team.

The role emphasizes respectful, child-centered approaches, ongoing coaching, and opportunities for career growth. Shifts daytime and Saturdays, with benefits and structured development.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience working with children (babysitting, coaching, camps, classrooms, etc.).
• Must have physical stamina to actively engage with children (sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting up to 45 pounds).
• Afternoon/evening (starting at 3pm) and Saturday availability required.

Responsibilities

• Work 1:1 with children aged 2-12 to build communication, independence, and confidence.
• Collaborate with BCBA to update therapy plans and track progress.
• Engage in hands-on activities, manage transitions, and address challenging moments with patience.

Skills

Experience with children

Calm under pressure

Flexibility

Willingness to learn

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Starting at $19/hour ($22.50 once RBT certified - all training paid)

Paid Training & Certification

Daytime shifts (starting at 8am, 9am, 1pm, or 3pm) & 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 We don't believe in one-size-fits-all care or outdated models.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

Why North Shore Pediatric Therapy

We're not your typical ABA clinic—and we're proud of that. At NSPT, we don't force compliance or chase cookie‑cutter milestones. Instead, we prioritize:

• 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.

Perks & Benefits

• 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—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.

Per hour $19 - $22.50 USD