North Shore Pediatric Therapy logo
North Shore Pediatric Therapy
Arlington Heights, Illinois

Behavior Therapist, Pediatric ABA - Clinic-Based

CounselorIncludes weekendsFull-Time

Listed compensation

Starting at $19/hr

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, nights and shift pattern and time off.

Posted 3mo ago

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 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 We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care or outdated models.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

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.
  • No matter where you’re headed, we’ll help you get there.

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—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.

  • Per hour
  • $19—$22.50 USD

Key Responsibilities

Provide 1:1 assent-based behavior therapy to children aged 2-12 to build communication, independence, and social skills. Track progress through session notes and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of clinicians to implement therapy plans.

Certifications

Board Certification

Key Skills

Pediatric CareApplied Behavior AnalysisPatient CommunicationCrisis ManagementData TrackingChild DevelopmentFlexibilityCollaboration

Work-Life Balance Analysis

WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Behavior Therapist, Pediatric ABA - Clinic-Based at North Shore Pediatric Therapy a 6.4 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the Above average in Pediatrics (Counseling) — ranked against 64 active Pediatrics (Counseling) listings on WeekdayDoc.

Pediatrics — Counselor Career Context

Of the 50 active Pediatrics listings this role was benchmarked against, 44% are remote, 24% have no call, 72% require no weekends.

Pediatrics pay on WeekdayDoc is up 4.6% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).

Pediatrics by the numbers
MeasureThis jobMarket
Work-life score6.4 / 10 · above average in pediatrics (counseling)ranked against 64 Pediatrics (Counseling) listingslisting-based score, 0–10
Cost of livingIllinois index 100.0US average = 100BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)
Work settingon-sitepeers: 44% remote · 24% no call · 72% no weekends50 benchmarked listings
Pediatrics pay trend+4.6% vs prior quarter—through Sep 2026
Sources: WeekdayDoc live listing index (64 Pediatrics (Counseling) listings), BEA Regional Price Parities (2024); as of Oct 2026. Same values as the Weekday Verdict and Market Insights on this page.

Top Counselor Jobs

40 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution

40 jobs · 25 employers
13
<$75k
14
$75k-90k
4
$90k-105k
4
$105k-120k
5
$120k+

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks

36 jobs · 25 employers
401k / retirement match
92%
Sign-on bonus
50%
CME allowance
33%
Loan repayment
11%
PSLF eligible
11%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

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Work-life snapshot

median 5.1this job 6.4
Better work-life than 70% of Pediatrics (Counseling) listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 64 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • Includes weekends
North Shore Pediatric Therapy logo

About North Shore Pediatric Therapy

Medical Practices
Des Plaines, IL
201-500 employees

Benefits & Perks

Paid RBT training and certification
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Flexible schedules
Mentorship
Career advancement
Monthly team events

Living in Arlington Heights

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$475k
Typical market rent
$1,985/mo
Residents’ average commute
28 min
State income tax
Up to 5%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.