Pediatric Behavioral Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In our evolving society, the need for Pediatric Behavioral Therapists has never been more significant.

As our understanding of children’s mental health expands, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, foster, and protect our children’s psychological well-being.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Pediatric Behavioral Therapist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of pediatric behavioral therapy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a flexible Pediatric Behavioral Therapist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Pediatric Behavioral Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Behavioral Therapists specialize in assessing and addressing the developmental, emotional, and behavioral issues in children and adolescents.

They provide therapeutic support and interventions to manage a variety of challenges such as ADHD, autism, anxiety, and other behavioral issues.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluating the child’s psychological and behavioral health through various assessment tools and techniques
• Designing individualized treatment plans based on the child’s unique needs and goals
• Implementing therapeutic interventions in one-on-one or group settings
• Teaching and reinforcing desirable behaviors and reducing harmful or disruptive ones
• Collaborating with parents, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals involved in the child’s care
• Monitoring the child’s progress and adjusting the treatment plan as necessary
• Providing education and support to family members to help them better understand and manage the child’s behavioral issues
• Documenting the child’s progress and response to therapy
• Maintaining strict confidentiality of the child’s information and therapy records
• Staying updated with the latest research and developments in pediatric behavioral therapy

 

Pediatric Behavioral Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Pediatric Behavioral Therapist to join our team.

In this role, you will be responsible for providing therapeutic services to children with a variety of behavioral issues including autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and emotional disorders.

The Pediatric Behavioral Therapist will develop and implement individualized treatment plans, conduct regular assessments of child progress, and communicate closely with parents and other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive care.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of children’s behavioral needs
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans
• Provide direct therapeutic interventions to children
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions
• Collaborate with parents and other healthcare providers
• Provide parent education and training
• Document and maintain accurate records of treatment
• Adhere to professional standards and ethical guidelines
• Stay up-to-date with recent developments in pediatric behavioral therapy

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Pediatric Behavioral Therapist or similar role
• Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field
• Licensed to practice as a Behavioral Therapist
• Experience working with children with behavioral issues
• Knowledge of a variety of therapeutic interventions and models
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Behavioral Therapist
• Work Environment: Clinical setting with occasional home visits. May require evening or weekend hours to accommodate families’ schedules.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Therapist or Clinical Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $58,000 minimum to $78,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Behavioral Therapist Do?

Pediatric Behavioral Therapists are specialized professionals who work with children and adolescents who have a range of developmental or behavioral issues.

They employ a variety of therapeutic techniques to help children improve their behavior, communication, problem-solving, and social skills.

These may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy, and behavioral modification techniques.

A significant part of their role involves working closely with the child’s parents or caregivers, providing them with techniques and strategies to manage behaviors and reinforce therapy goals at home.

Pediatric Behavioral Therapists also collaborate with other professionals involved in the child’s care, such as teachers, speech therapists, and physicians, to ensure a comprehensive approach to treatment.

They conduct assessments to determine the nature of the child’s behavioral challenges and set measurable goals for improvement.

They also monitor the child’s progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.

In addition, they are responsible for maintaining detailed records and reports on each child’s behaviors, therapeutic interventions, and progress.

Pediatric Behavioral Therapists play an essential role in helping children reach their developmental milestones, enhance their well-being, and improve their quality of life.

 

Pediatric Behavioral Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Behavioral Therapist should have a combination of technical skills, interpersonal skills, and knowledge about children’s behavior and development.

These may include:

• Understanding of child development and psychology to provide accurate assessments and relevant interventions for children with behavioral issues.
• Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with children and their parents. This includes explaining treatment plans clearly and answering questions in a concise and understandable manner.
• Strong observational skills to monitor children’s behavior and response to therapy, noting any changes or progress.
• Patience and empathy to build rapport with children and their families, understanding that behavioral changes may take time and progress can be slow.
• Problem-solving abilities to develop and implement effective treatment plans, adjust strategies as needed, and resolve any issues that may arise during therapy sessions.
• Experience in using various therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, or Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to address a variety of behavioral issues.
• Knowledge of ethical guidelines and confidentiality protocols when dealing with children and their families.
• Physical stamina and emotional resilience, as working with children with behavioral issues can be physically and emotionally demanding.

 

Pediatric Behavioral Therapist Experience Requirements

Pediatric Behavioral Therapists are typically required to have a Master’s degree in Psychology, Counseling, or a similar field.

Alongside their education, a significant amount of practical experience is also necessary.

Entry-level Pediatric Behavioral Therapists often have 1 to 2 years of experience, typically acquired through internships or part-time roles within a clinical, school, or hospital setting.

This experience allows them to gain valuable hands-on exposure to different types of behavioral disorders and therapeutic approaches.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience may have worked in a variety of settings, such as private practice, community mental health centers, or hospitals.

At this stage, they would have developed a strong understanding of child psychology, therapeutic interventions, and behavioral modification strategies.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have specialized experience in specific areas of pediatric behavioral therapy, such as autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, or anxiety disorders.

Such therapists may also have supervisory or managerial experience, qualifying them for roles as team leaders or heads of therapy departments.

Certification is also a critical aspect of the job role, and therapists must be licensed by the state they practice in.

Additional certifications like Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) could be considered as an advantage when applying for more senior roles.

 

Pediatric Behavioral Therapist Education and Training Requirements

Pediatric Behavioral Therapists usually require a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis, psychology, social work, or a related field.

Most of the programs focus on the study of child development, learning processes, behavioral assessment, and treatment strategies.

Coursework includes research, therapy techniques, and psychology ethics.

Upon completion of the master’s degree, individuals must gain supervised clinical experience, typically one to two years, to qualify for professional certification.

Professional certification is required and is offered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

The board offers credentials at different levels, including the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA).

A state license is typically required to practice as a Pediatric Behavioral Therapist.

Licensing requirements vary by state but often include a master’s degree and passing a state-recognized exam.

To stay updated with the latest treatment methods and research findings, Pediatric Behavioral Therapists often participate in continuing education programs.

These can enhance their skills, offer opportunities for specialization, and keep their certification active.

Many therapists also pursue a doctorate degree in psychology or behavior analysis for further advancement and to conduct research in the field.

 

Pediatric Behavioral Therapist Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Behavioral Therapist earns an average salary of $59,342 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can greatly vary depending on factors such as the therapist’s level of experience, their education, geographical location, and the size and reputation of their employer.

 

Pediatric Behavioral Therapist Job Description FAQs

What are the necessary qualifications for a Pediatric Behavioral Therapist?

Pediatric Behavioral Therapists typically need to have a Master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.

They also need to be licensed in the state they practice in.

Some positions may require additional certifications or specialized training in behavioral therapies.

 

What are the primary responsibilities of a Pediatric Behavioral Therapist?

The main duties of a Pediatric Behavioral Therapist include assessing and diagnosing children with behavioral issues, developing and implementing treatment plans, providing counseling and therapeutic services to children and families, and coordinating with other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care.

They may also conduct regular follow-ups to track progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

 

What skills are necessary for a Pediatric Behavioral Therapist?

Critical skills for a Pediatric Behavioral Therapist include excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with children and their families.

They should have a strong understanding of child development and behavioral therapies.

They must be empathetic, patient, and have excellent problem-solving abilities.

The capacity to handle stressful situations and maintain confidentiality is also necessary.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Behavioral Therapist?

A good Pediatric Behavioral Therapist is compassionate, understanding, and skilled at building trust with children and their families.

They are patient and have a knack for explaining complex concepts in a way that children can understand.

Good Pediatric Behavioral Therapists are also highly observant, allowing them to accurately assess and monitor a child’s behavior and progress.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Behavioral Therapist’s resume?

Look for a Master’s degree in a related field and a valid state license on a Pediatric Behavioral Therapist’s resume.

Additionally, check for any special certifications or training in behavioral therapies.

Experience working with children in a therapeutic setting is a significant advantage.

Skills such as communication, problem-solving, and empathy should also be evident in their resume.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a pediatric behavioral therapist.

Surprise!

It’s not just about teaching good behavior.

It’s about molding the future generation, one child at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive pediatric behavioral therapist job description template and authentic examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to precision-crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every child you help is a part of a brighter future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Pediatric Behavioral Therapist (Complete Guide)

Glide Through Your Workday: Low-Stress Jobs You’ll Love

Prestigious Pursuits: Careers That Elevate Your Standing

The Financially Unfazed: Jobs That Resist Recession Pressures

Earning Like a Boss: A Deep Dive into the Most Lucrative Jobs Today!