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Autism Counselor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Friend Health

HRDI-Autism Behavior Therapist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20.50 - $25.25/hr

Perform other duties as assigned Qualifications · Master's degree in social work or counseling · ... Autism Spectrum disorders · Knowledge of ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analyst) · Knowledge of ...

Friend Health

HRDI-Autism Behavior Therapist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20.50 - $25.50/hr

Perform other duties as assigned Qualifications • Master's degree in social work or counseling ... with Autism Spectrum disorders • Knowledge of ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analyst) • ...

Lighthouse Autism Center

Controller

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

Since 2012, Lighthouse Autism Center has provided the highest quality, center-based ABA therapy to ... Maintains financial staff by coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees; planning, monitoring ...

Lighthouse Autism Center

Controller

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

Since 2012, Lighthouse Autism Center has provided the highest quality, center-based ABA therapy to ... Maintains financial staff by coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees; planning, monitoring ...

Lighthouse Autism Center

Controller

Schaumburg, IL · Hybrid

Since 2012, Lighthouse Autism Center has provided the highest quality, center-based ABA therapy to ... Maintains financial staff by coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees; planning, monitoring ...

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All JobsAutism Counselor JobsAutism Counselor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Autism Counselor information

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How much do autism counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for autism counselor in Chicago, IL is $15.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.40 and $17.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an autism counselor?

An Autism Counselor is a trained professional who provides support, guidance, and therapeutic interventions to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. They help clients develop social, communication, and coping skills tailored to their unique needs. Autism Counselors may work in schools, clinics, or private practice, collaborating with other specialists to ensure comprehensive care. Their role often includes creating individualized plans, advocating for clients, and providing education to families and communities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an autism counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Autism Counselor, you need a background in psychology, social work, or counseling, often supported by relevant degrees and licensure. Familiarity with behavioral analysis tools, intervention programs like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and case management software is typically required. Patience, strong communication, and empathy are vital soft skills for effectively supporting individuals with autism and their families. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering personalized interventions and fostering positive outcomes for clients on the autism spectrum.

What are some common challenges autism counselors face when supporting clients, and how are these typically addressed?

Autism Counselors often encounter challenges such as communication barriers, sensory sensitivities, and varying behavioral needs among clients. To address these, counselors employ individualized strategies tailored to each client, use visual aids or alternative communication methods, and collaborate closely with families, educators, and other professionals. Regular training and supervision also help counselors stay current with best practices and adapt their approaches, ensuring effective support and progress for each individual.

What is the difference between Autism Counselor vs Behavior Therapist?

AspectAutism CounselorBehavior Therapist
CredentialsOften requires a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or related field; certifications like BCBA or BCaBA are commonTypically requires a bachelor's or master's degree; certification as a BCBA or BCaBA is often preferred
Work EnvironmentSchools, clinics, private practice, community agenciesHome-based, clinics, schools, community settings
Employer & Industry UsageEducational and mental health organizations, private practicesBehavioral health agencies, schools, autism centers

While both Autism Counselors and Behavior Therapists work with individuals on the autism spectrum, Autism Counselors often focus on emotional support, counseling, and social skills development, whereas Behavior Therapists primarily implement behavioral interventions based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Both roles require relevant certifications and work in similar settings, but their approaches and primary focus areas differ.

How to become an autism counselor?

To become an autism counselor, typically one needs a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, followed by specialized training or certification in autism spectrum disorders. Many positions also require relevant experience working with individuals with autism and may benefit from obtaining certifications such as the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or Board Certified Autism Technician (BCAT).

What are popular job titles related to Autism Counselor jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Autism Counselor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Autism Counselor jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Autism Counselor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Autism Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autism Counselor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 36% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 63% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,098 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

HRDI-Autism Behavior Therapist

Chicago, IL • On-site

Friend Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Friend Healthexternal

$20.50 - $25.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

A Master’s Level professional, who has experience working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Therapist would be responsible for providing direct care services to children and adolescents on the Autism spectrum including completing intakes and referrals for new admissions to the program. This person will also be responsible for providing oversight and supervision during periods of psychiatric or psychological assessment and medication monitoring as needed. 

Clinician will be responsible for providing both offsite and onsite individual therapy, case management, crisis intervention, parent training and support, etc.

JOB DUTIES

1. Completes Mental Health & IMCANS assessments (initial & updates) through a formal process of gathering information regarding a client's mental and physical status, substance use history and presenting problems resulting in the identification of individual needs with appropriate recommendations for service delivery;

2. Completes comprehensive treatment plans (initial and updates) within the required timeframes specified under rule 132

3. Completes crisis planning and discharge planning as specified in rule 132 

4. Assure that the service specified in the treatment plan are being provided and billed for weekly;

5. Regular work attendance required

6. Attend meetings related to individuals recovery and/or treatment such as 504 plans, IEP meetings, etc.

7. Monitor the individual’s status in relation to the treatment plan;

8. Advocate for the individual’s rights and services (school, home, court);

9. Facilitate individual linkages and transfers;

10. Assures that information specified by the treatment specific to rule 132 or 2060 requirements is included in the individual’s record and monitored for compliance;

11. Facilitate intensive stabilization, psychiatric assessment, crisis intervention and case management;

12. Participate in all required trainings as offered in the Child & Adolescent division; or trainings/learning collaboratives specific to Autism Spectrum disorders

13. Initiate and coordinate psychological testing and/or psychiatric evaluating 

14. Provide services related to individual, family, medication monitoring, case management, and group therapy to promote resiliency, independence, and overall healthy well-being 

15. Provide Community Support services to increase social-emotional-vocational skill building activities 

16. Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications 

· Master's degree in social work or counseling 

· Minimum of one year experience in the human service field; minimum of one year experience working with individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorders 

· Knowledge of ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analyst)

· Knowledge of and proficiency in computer programs, i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe, etc;

· Demonstrate a high degree of skill in problem solving and working effectively with people.

· Must be detail oriented and flexible.

· Knowledge of the Department of Mental Health rule 132

· Ability to communicate effectively and serve as a liaison to primary referral sources, families, community partners, school districts, and court systems.

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