Gracent logo
Gracent
Woodridge, 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 3pm) & Saturday availability needed

At Gracent 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 We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care or outdated models.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 Gracent 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 Gracent, 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 a multidisciplinary team of clinicians to implement therapy plans.

Certifications

Board Certification

Key Skills

ABA TherapyChild DevelopmentPatient ManagementData TrackingCommunication SkillsCrisis ManagementNeuroaffirming CareInterdisciplinary Collaboration

Work-Life Balance Analysis

WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Behavior Therapist, Pediatric ABA - Clinic-Based at Gracent a 6.4 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the Above average in Counseling — ranked against 13,751 active Counseling listings on WeekdayDoc.

Pediatrics — Counselor Career Context

Of the 50 active Pediatrics listings this role was benchmarked against, 58% are remote, 30% have no call, 68% require no weekends.

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

The cost-of-living index for Illinois is 100.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$43k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $43k in an average-cost state. 62.6% of Illinois clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Counselor Jobs

39 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution39 jobs · 24 employers

12
<$75k
11
$75k-90k
4
$90k-105k
5
$105k-120k
7
$120k+

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks37 jobs · 24 employers

401k / retirement match
89%
Sign-on bonus
51%
CME allowance
35%
Loan repayment
14%
PSLF eligible
8%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Clinical Therapist

Counseling Works · Naperville, Illinois

$104k-$127k
#2

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist - LICSW/LPCC/LMFT

LifeStance Health · Saint Louis Park, Minnesota

$74k-$126k
#3

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT, LPC, LCSW)

$92k-$125k
#4

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

$115k-$120k
+ 37 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 6.4this job 6.4
Better work-life than 50% of Pediatrics (Counseling) listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 81 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • Includes weekends

Living in Woodridge

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$419k
Typical market rent
$1,654/mo
Residents’ average commute
30 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.

Gracent logo

About Gracent

Medical Practices
Des Plaines, IL
201-500 employees

Benefits & Perks

Paid Training
RBT Certification
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Flexible Schedule
Monthly Team Events
Performance Reviews Every 6 Months