Child Development Specialist

Positive Development • Santa Paula, CA

3d

About The Position

Positive Development is hiring a part-time Child Development Specialist in Santa Paula, California, in the Clinical department. The role involves working one-on-one with autistic children in their homes and/or in a center-based setting, supporting communication, social, and daily living skills through play, conversation, and shared activities. The work uses a relationship-based intervention model and offers practical exposure to evidence-based developmental care.

The position is intended for candidates interested in building skills relevant to careers such as psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, education, counseling, medicine, or health. Experienced clinicians and supervisors provide training, coaching, and mentorship. Schedules are available three, four, or five days per week, Monday through Friday, when most hours are between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., or on Saturday and Sunday, when most hours are between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Direct service pay is $26–$30 per hour based on experience and education; training and administrative work pays $20 per hour. Paid drive time and mileage reimbursement between clients are provided.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• At least one year of volunteer or paid work experience with children.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation, with ability to drive within a 30–40 minute radius.
• Ability to play on the floor or ground for up to two to three hours per session.
• Ability to lift or carry up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to sit, kneel, crouch, or move quickly to ensure child safety.
• Strong communication skills and professionalism with families and teammates.
• Patience, empathy, enthusiasm, emotional maturity, and commitment to a consistent schedule.

Nice To Haves

• Experience or interest in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, education, special education, counseling, medicine, or health.
• Relevant backgrounds may include education or psychology students, pre-med or nursing students, aspiring occupational or speech-language therapists, behavior technicians, camp counselors, teacher's assistants, childcare providers, direct support professionals, and caregivers.

Responsibilities

• Work one-on-one with children in their homes and/or center-based settings.
• Build children's communication, social, and daily living skills through play, conversation, and shared activities.
• Create meaningful connections that help children think, create, and engage with the world.
• Follow a relationship-based intervention model.
• Document session notes and goal outcomes to track progress.
• Collaborate with clinicians and supervisors to develop clinical skills and confidence.
• Complete physical activities such as playing on the floor, lifting or carrying children or items, and moving to ensure child safety.

Benefits

• Paid new-hire training.
• Ongoing coaching and mentorship from expert clinicians.
• Opportunities for role progression and pay increases.
• Performance bonuses.
• $1,000 referral bonus.
• Monthly technology stipend.
• Paid drive time at the administrative rate and mileage reimbursement between clients.
• Strong performers may request letters of recommendation for graduate or professional programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level