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Entry Level Youth Counselor Jobs in Park Ridge, IL

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Entry Level Youth Counselor information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$10

$19

$31

How much do entry level youth counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level youth counselor in Park Ridge, IL is $19.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $22.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level youth counselor do?

An entry level youth counselor works with children and adolescents to provide support, guidance, and supervision in various settings such as schools, group homes, or community centers. Their responsibilities often include facilitating group activities, assisting with conflict resolution, monitoring behavior, and helping young people develop coping and social skills. Entry level youth counselors typically work under the supervision of more experienced counselors and may assist in creating and implementing treatment or intervention plans. The role requires strong communication, empathy, and the ability to connect with youth from diverse backgrounds.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Youth Counselor, you typically need a background in psychology, social work, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with case management software, documentation procedures, and crisis intervention protocols is commonly required. Strong communication, patience, and conflict resolution skills help build trust and effectively support at-risk youth. These abilities are crucial for fostering positive youth development and ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Youth Counselor vs Youth Support Specialist?

AspectEntry Level Youth CounselorYouth Support Specialist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require CPR/First Aid certificationHigh school diploma; certifications vary, often including CPR/First Aid
Work EnvironmentSchools, community centers, juvenile facilitiesCommunity programs, social service agencies, schools
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, government agencies, schoolsSocial services, youth programs, nonprofits
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Entry Level Youth Counselors and Youth Support Specialists often share similar roles in supporting youth in community and educational settings. While both may require similar certifications and work in related environments, Youth Support Specialists may focus more on case management and resource coordination, whereas Youth Counselors typically emphasize direct counseling and mentorship. Understanding these distinctions can help job seekers identify the best fit for their skills and career goals.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level youth counselors, and how can they be managed?

Entry level youth counselors often encounter challenges such as building rapport with diverse youth, managing group dynamics, and responding to behavioral issues. These challenges can be managed by actively listening, maintaining consistent boundaries, and collaborating closely with more experienced team members for guidance. Regular supervision, ongoing training, and open communication within the team are vital for professional growth and effective support of the youth.

What qualifications do I need to be an entry level youth counselor?

Entry level youth counselors typically need a high school diploma or equivalent; some positions prefer or require a college degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. Additionally, they often need CPR and first aid certification, and strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for working with youth and families.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Youth Counselor jobs in Park Ridge, IL? For Entry Level Youth Counselor jobs in Park Ridge, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Youth Counselor jobs in Park Ridge, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Youth Counselor jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:
What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Entry Level Youth Counselor jobs? Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Entry Level Youth Counselor job openings:
Entry Level Youth Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Youth Counselor job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 47% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,855 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Behavior Therapist, Pediatric ABA - Clinic-Based

North Shore Pediatric Therapy

Glenview, IL • On-site

$22.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

North Shore Pediatric Therapy - 1318 Waukegan Rd., Glenview, IL
$19/hour to start. $22.50/hour once RBT certified (paid training)
Multiple schedules available - mornings and evenings, including Saturdays
This is an entry-level ABA therapy position at North Shore Pediatric Therapy. No prior clinical experience required. We're hiring for both full-time and part-time roles, and we will train you, pay for your RBT certification, and give you real mentorship from day one.
What we need is someone who is good with kids, stays calm when things get hard, and wants to build something - a career in behavioral health, child psychology, ABA, special education, occupational therapy, or speech-language pathology.
What a Behavior Technician Does
As a Behavior Technician (BT) at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, you work 1:1 with autistic children ages 2-12. You implement therapy plans built by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and show up consistently, session after session, as a steady, supportive presence in each child's day.
You'll spend the vast majority of your day with kids. You'll be on your feet. You'll be engaged. You'll be the most consistent adult in some of these kids' days, and that matters more than most job descriptions will tell you.
What We Do Differently
At North Shore Pediatric Therapy, we practice assent-based, neuroaffirming care - which means we follow each child's lead, honor their boundaries, and build trust before we build skills. You'll work alongside occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and mental health professionals in a genuinely interdisciplinary environment.
Available Schedules
We have two tracks open at our Glenview location. Both start at $19/hour with the same RBT certification path.
Full-Time:
  • Monday-Friday, 8am or 9am start
  • Full benefits package (see below)

Part-Time:
  • 3pm start + Saturdays required
  • Minimum 15 hours per week
  • Best for: students, career changers, or anyone building toward full-time
Pay, Benefits & Growth
  • $19/hour to start
  • $22.50/hour upon RBT certification (within your first month - fully paid and supported)
  • Performance-based raises every 6 months
  • $500+ referral bonus when someone you refer gets hired
  • Free in-house CEUs for all team members
  • Clear growth tracks: BT → RBT → Lead RBT, or RBT → BCBA pathway with supervised hours and test prep support
Full-Time Benefits
The following apply to full-time team members:
Time Off - 22+ paid days in your first year:
  • 13 accrued PTO days
  • 7 paid holidays (Memorial Day, Labor Day, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day + 1/2 days on New Year's Eve and Christmas Eve)
  • 2 personal days

Health Benefits:
  • Medical insurance - Gracent covers 75% of the premium on average
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Telemedicine for all employees
  • Basic life, AD&D, hospital indemnity, and disability insurance
  • 5 tax-free spending accounts (FSA, HSA, dependent care, and more)

Retirement:
  • 401(k) with 4% company match

Career & Growth:
  • $500+ referral bonus when someone you refer gets hired
  • $1,000+ scholarships for employees pursuing a Master's or PhD in a clinical field
  • Free in-house CEUs for all team members
  • BCBA supervision hours and test prep support for graduate students
  • Clear growth tracks: BT → RBT → Lead RBT or BCBA pathway
Part-Time Benefits
The following apply to part-time team members:
  • Telemedicine access
  • Employee Assistance Program - free counseling for you and your dependents
  • $500+ referral bonus
  • Free in-house CEUs
  • Paid RBT training and certification
  • Performance reviews and raises every 6 months
Who Thrives Here
You don't need a clinical resume. You need real experience with kids - babysitting, coaching, camps, classroom work, tutoring, youth ministry, etc.
You're a great fit for this behavior technician role if you:
  • Stay calm and grounded when things get hard
  • Find meaning in showing up consistently for someone who needs it
  • Can take feedback and use it without getting defensive
  • Are curious about careers in ABA, behavioral health, child psychology, special education, occupational therapy, or speech-language pathology
  • Want a full-time job in Keller, Fort Worth, Southlake, or the surrounding DFW area with real benefits and room to grow

Requirements:
  • High school diploma or GED required; college coursework in psychology, education, or a related field preferred
  • Able to actively engage with children - sitting on the floor, walking, lifting up to 45 lbs
  • Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship

We're hiring now for Behavior Technician positions in Glenview, IL. We review every application and move quickly - apply today.
North Shore Pediatric Therapy | 1318 Waukegan Rd., Glenview, IL
Serving Glenview, Northbrook, Wilmette, Evanston, Skokie, Morton Grove, and the surrounding North Shore communities
Per hour
$19-$22.50 USD

Apply