Entry Level Child Autism Therapist

Action Behavior Centers; Shorewood (IL); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading behavior therapy organization in Shorewood, Illinois, is seeking a compassionate Behavior Therapist to work hands-on with children aged 18 months to 8 years. You’ll apply evidence-based ABA techniques to help children with Autism reach their full potential in a fun and supportive environment. The role includes engaging with children through play and effective communication with families and team members. Benefits include guaranteed hours, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive training.

Benefits

10 paid holidays

Health benefits covered at 90%

Free lunch every Friday

Student loan repayment contributions

Annual celebrations and team events

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Reliable transportation and valid driver's license required.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and engage with young children in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Apply ABA therapy principles to support children with Autism.
• Engage children through play and therapeutic activities.
• Communicate with stakeholders to coordinate activities.

Skills

Engagement with children

Multitasking

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED equivalent

RBT certification within 20 days

Job description

Make a difference in a child's life every single day.

We have immediate openings to support families in need.

We're actively hiring kind, enthusiastic individuals who can start right away-or within 4 weeks of accepting an offer. If you're ready to jump in and make a positive impact, we'd love to meet you!

We take every application seriously and value your time.

Our hiring process is fast and thoughtful-we aim to respond within 24 hours of receiving your application. Interviews and offers typically move quickly, and you may even receive a job offer the same day as your interview .

Why Join Us?

At Action Behavior Centers, we're driven by our core values-learning, caring, fun, team, and excellence. We foster a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative environment where creativity thrives, and both personal and professional growth are encouraged.

We believe in the potential of every individual we serve, from helping children reach life-changing milestones to supporting our team's success. In our 1 : 1 ABA setting, you'll work hands‑on with children (18 months to 8 years) using ethical, evidence‑based ABA techniques in a supportive, center‑based environment. With top‑tier supervision, ongoing training, and a passionate team by your side, you'll make a real impact every day!

What you'll be doing as a Behavior Therapist

• Apply the principles of one‑on‑one ABA therapy to help children with Autism reach their full potential by reading treatment plan and program descriptions, implementing treatment in line with written description, collecting data, writing insurance notes, and implementing feedback provided by the supervisor during observation sessions.
• Support the development of children in early childhood (ages 18 months to 8 years old) through engaging and fun therapeutic activities.
• Collaborate with a team of individuals to optimize treatment, safety, and a fun working experience throughout the center.
• Engage with children through play, movement, and imitation. For some kids this includes running, dancing, and singing silly songs. For others, this might look like reading a book, watching a video, or playing with cars. Keeping up with the energy and enthusiasm of the kiddos, actively engaging in play, and fostering a joyful atmosphere.
• Effectively and positively communicate with stakeholders (e.g., peers, families, supervisors) to coordinate activities, celebrate successes, and advocate for personal needs.

Job Requirements

• Lift and move with children in a fast paced environment, which includes the ability to lift up to 30 lbs, bend over to pick items up off the ground, squat, quickly move around on the floor, and run to effectively stay engaged with young children, keep a tidy work environment, and maintain safety.
• Maintain an environment conducive to therapy ensuring the play spaces are tidy, organized, and conducive to a stimulating and enjoyable experience for the children.
• Multitask to balance multiple actions, decisions, or conversations in the moment while assessing prioritization and safety for all parties.
• Support teams by working cohesively as a center, neighborhood, and region. This may include travel to nearby centers to support, when assigned.
• Reliable transportation and valid driver's license required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age and have a Highschool diploma or GED equivalent.
• Complete the RBT certification process within 20 days of employment by passing a 40-hour training curriculum, hands on competency assessment, registering for an exam, and passing the board's exam.

What Our Team Says

We work directly within the Chicago community to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.

ABC is a fantastic place to work, primarily due to its emphasis on teamwork. The collaborative spirit among staff encourages us to share ideas and support each other in our daily tasks. This strong network of support not only improves our clients' outcomes but also makes for a truly enjoyable work environment. I feel fortunate to be part of such a dedicated team. Glassdoor Review - Behavior Therapist, Chicago, IL

The ABC Advantage

Guaranteed Full-Time Hours : Even if patients cancel.

Promotions & Raises : Every 6 months with transparent feedback and goal setting.

Yearly Tenure Bonus : For eligible Behavior Technicians and RBTs.

Small Caseloads for BCBAs : Focused, individualized care for each child and increased oversight by supervisors.

Fully Paid Training : We cover your Registered Behavior Technician certification process.

No-Cost Supervision : No pay deductions for supervision hours.

No Contractual Obligation : Stay because you love it, not because you're required to.

Generous Benefits & Perks

• 10 holidays,10 paid time off days and 2 flex days.
• Health benefits covered at 90%.
• Free lunch every Friday.
• Complimentary subscription to DoorDash DashPass & Calm apps.
• Student loan repayment contributions.
• Annual celebrations, Teammate Appreciation Week, and team events.

Pay Ranges Based on Experience & Education

Associates / High School : $16.60 - $23.50

Bachelors : $17.50 - $27.00

Masters : $19.00 - $28.00

For entry level candidates, your first raise is earned upon certification as RBT, typically within 21 days.

Experience in these fields is a plus!

• Childcare (nanny, babysitter, preschool teacher, tutor, etc.)
• Mental health professionals and advocates (QMHP, behavioral health technicians)
• Camp counselors, volunteers, or Sunday school teachers
• Degrees in teaching, special education, sociology, psychology, or related fields (any degree preferred)
• Experience as paraprofessionals, direct support, or life skills assistants
• Passion for working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Eagerness to join a caring, team‑oriented culture

See what others have said when they made the decision to grow with us on Glassdoor & LinkedIn

We are a Responsive Employer - we will be in touch with you within 24 hours of applying!

Please do not reach out to centers directly about your application status as they are very busy serving clients and families!