Child Development Specialist

Positive Development • Simi Valley, CA

9d • $20 - $30

About The Position

Positive Development is seeking a part-time Child Development Specialist to work one-on-one with autistic children in home-based and/or center-based settings. The role supports children in developing communication, social, and daily living skills through play, conversation, and shared activities. Specialists build meaningful relationships with children, follow a relationship-based intervention model, document session notes and goal outcomes, and collaborate with clinicians and supervisors. The position offers hands-on experience in evidence-based developmental care and is relevant to future careers in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, education, counseling, medicine, and health.

The role requires patience, emotional maturity, reliability, enthusiasm, and comfort working directly with children and families. Candidates receive paid new-hire training, ongoing coaching and mentorship, and opportunities for role progression, pay increases, and performance bonuses. Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and successfully completing training.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• At least 1 year of volunteer or working experience with children.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation, with ability to travel within a 30–40 minute drive radius.
• Strong communication skills and professionalism with families and teammates.
• 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.
• Patience, emotional maturity, commitment to a consistent schedule, and comfort working directly with families.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant backgrounds include education, psychology, pre-medical or nursing studies, occupational therapy or speech-language pathology preparation, behavior technician work, camp counseling, teaching assistance, childcare, direct support, or caregiving.

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.
• Participate in training and ongoing coaching.

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 admin rate and mileage reimbursement between clients.
• Letters of recommendation may be requested by strong performers for graduate or professional programs.

What This Job Offers

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