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Your First Pediatric Therapy Job: A Complete Guide for New Graduates
Graduating and stepping into your first pediatric therapy role is an exciting milestone! You have worked hard, and now it’s time to put all of your new skills and knowledge into practice. Job postings for pediatric therapists typically increase in the spring and early summer, making it an ideal time to start your search.
Your first job is where you build confidence, develop your clinical style, and learn how to translate everything you studied into real-world care. There are plenty of options, from clinic-based roles to school or home therapy, giving you the flexibility to find the right fit.
So how do you choose? Let’s walk through what to look for, how different pediatric settings compare, and what meaningful support for new grads actually looks like in practice.
What to Look for in a Pediatric Therapy Employer
As a new grad, it’s easy to focus on surface-level factors like location or compensation. While those are important considerations, the foundation of your early career will be shaped by something deeper: the level of support you receive. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Mentorship That Goes Beyond Orientation
One of the biggest differences between employers is how they approach mentorship. A strong organization doesn’t just offer a brief onboarding – it creates an environment where learning is continuous.
Look for:
- Structured onboarding with time to observe and ask questions
- Dedicated mentors or clinical leads
- Regular check-ins, not just annual reviews
Early in your career, having someone you can turn to for guidance, whether it’s about treatment planning, parent communication, or clinical decision-making, can make all the difference.
2. Clinical Support and Ongoing Learning
Pediatric therapy is constantly evolving, and your first job should help you grow alongside it.
Consider whether the organization provides:
- Access to continuing education opportunities
- Financial support or stipends for CEUs
- Collaboration across disciplines like OT, PT, SLP, and ABA
The more exposure you have to different perspectives, the more confident and well-rounded you’ll become as a clinician.
3. A Manageable Start to Your Caseload
It’s natural to want to jump in and make an impact – but starting with too much, too soon can lead to burnout.
A thoughtful employer will:
- Gradually build your caseload
- Set clear, realistic productivity expectations
- Allow space for learning and adjustment
Your first role should challenge you, but it shouldn’t overwhelm you.
4. A Culture That Aligns With Your Values
Culture is often underestimated, but it plays a major role in your day-to-day experience.
Ask yourself:
- Do team members seem collaborative and supportive?
- Is leadership approachable?
- Does the organization prioritize both clinical excellence and employee well-being?
A positive, team-oriented culture creates better outcomes not just for clinicians, but for the children and families you serve.
Understanding Pediatric Therapy Settings
Not all pediatric therapy roles look the same. Your experience will vary significantly depending on the setting, so it’s important to understand your options.
Clinic-Based Therapy
Clinic settings offer a structured and collaborative environment, which can be especially beneficial for new grads.
Why many new grads choose it:
- Consistent schedule and routine
- Immediate access to peers and mentors
- Opportunities for real-time collaboration
- Opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration
Considerations:
- Potential for higher volume in the afternoon and early evening, when children are out of school and have greater availability for appointments
For those who thrive with structure and support nearby, clinic-based care is a strong starting point.
Home-Based (Early Intervention)
Home-based therapy brings you directly into a child’s home.
Benefits include:
- Flexible scheduling
- Possibility for strong caregiver involvement
- Application of skills within the home environment
Considerations:
- Travel between sessions
- More independence in clinical decision-making
- Less opportunity for collaboration, especially between disciplines
- Potential for fluctuating income based on caseload, cancellations, etc.
This setting can be incredibly rewarding, but it typically requires a higher level of autonomy.
School-Based Therapy
Working in schools allows you to support children within their academic environment.
Advantages:
- Predictable schedule aligned with the school calendar
- Collaboration with teachers and educational teams
- Opportunities to support functional, classroom-based goals
Challenges:
- Larger caseloads
- Administrative responsibilities, like IEP documentation and meetings
If you’re passionate about integrating therapy into education, this setting can be a great fit.
How Westside Supports New Clinicians
At Westside, supporting new grads isn’t an afterthought – it’s a core part of how we operate. We understand that your transition from student to clinician is one of the most important phases of your career, and we’ve built our approach around helping you succeed.
A Thoughtful Approach to Mentorship
New clinicians at Westside are never expected to figure things out on their own. From day one, you’re surrounded by experienced team members who are invested in your growth. Whether you need help troubleshooting a session, refining your approach, or building confidence in a new skill, support is always within reach.
A Gradual, Supported Ramp-Up and Manageable Caseloads
We believe confidence comes from experience – but also from having the space to learn.
That’s why new clinicians are given time to ease into their caseloads. Instead of being expected to operate at full capacity immediately, you’ll build momentum at a pace that allows you to focus on quality care and skill development.
Even when you are fully ramped up, we believe in mindfully developed caseloads that provide both clinical continuity as well as an opportunity to connect with all types of learners:
- RBT full caseload: 5-10 clients
- BCBA full caseload: 8-13 clients
A Collaborative, Team-First Environment
One of the most valuable aspects of working in a pediatric setting is the opportunity to collaborate. At Westside, that collaboration is built into the daily experience.
Clinicians regularly connect across disciplines, sharing ideas and perspectives to support each child’s progress. If you ever feel stuck or unsure, there’s always someone available to talk through a case or offer a fresh perspective.
Opportunities for Professional Growth
Westside encourages clinicians to continue developing their skills through ongoing education, mentorship, and exposure to different areas of pediatric therapy. If you are looking to advance your career, there are clear pathways for growth along with the support and guidance to help you reach each next step.
In ABA, for example, opportunities include: Behavior Technician (BT), Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), Lead RBT, Regional RBT Trainer, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), ABA Clinic Director, ABA Regional Director, and senior leadership. We provide paid RBT training, as well as a BCBA Development Program.
Full-Time, Salaried Positions
If you’re seeking full-time employment, we offer salaried positions throughout all disciplines. This means that you don’t need to worry about income gaps if a client cancels or if you’re ramping up your caseload. If you prefer part-time, we have positions available at an hourly rate. You get to choose what works best for you.
Culture: The Westside Way
We pride ourselves on a fun, energetic, and uplifting culture. We call it “The Westside Way”, and you can feel it the moment you walk into one of our clinics. Rather than a rigid or overly serious environment, our spaces are designed to be welcoming and engaging, where therapists, staff, families, and kids are all genuinely happy to be there.
We value our teammates, and make it a priority to celebrate our people. We offer team-building events, holiday celebrations, sponsored outings, and regular recognition. At Westside, your hard work is seen, valued, and appreciated!
Questions to Ask During Your Interviews
Interviews aren’t just about making a good impression – they’re your opportunity to evaluate whether a role is truly the right fit. Remember, you’re interviewing the provider as much as they’re interviewing you!
You bring valuable skills, and the process should leave you feeling confident in your decision, give you the chance to connect with clinicians in your discipline, and ensure your questions are thoroughly answered. By the end of the interview, you should feel excited about the opportunity!
Here are a few questions that can give you valuable insight:
- What does onboarding look like for new graduates?
- How is mentorship structured on a day-to-day basis?
- What can I expect my caseload to look like in the first few months?
- How does your team collaborate across disciplines?
- What opportunities are available for continuing education and growth?
- What career growth opportunities are there for me once I gain more experience?
- Do you host any team-building events or activities?
The answers to these questions will tell you a lot about how much an organization invests in its clinicians.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As you navigate your job search, there are a few pitfalls to watch for:
Focusing only on salary or convenience
While compensation matters, it shouldn’t outweigh the quality of support and mentorship you’ll receive.
Overlooking the importance of onboarding
A strong start sets the tone for everything that follows.
Not asking enough questions
If something matters to you, ask about it. This is your career – you deserve clarity.
Underestimating culture
The people you work with will shape your daily experience more than almost anything else.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Fit
Choosing your first pediatric therapy job is a big decision. Look for a place where you feel supported, challenged in the right ways, and connected to a team that shares your commitment to helping children thrive.
If you’re beginning your search this season, take your time, ask thoughtful questions, and trust what you learn along the way. The right opportunity is out there!
If you’re someone who genuinely cares about children, loves to have fun, and thrives in a team environment, Westside Children’s Therapy could be a great fit! We offer opportunities across a range of disciplines – including ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and counseling. We provide on-the-job training for those who are new to the field.
To learn more about working at Westside and view our current opportunities, click here. We look forward to hearing from you!
