Child Development Specialist

Positive Development • Ojai, CA

3d

About The Position

Positive Development is hiring a part-time Child Development Specialist to work one-on-one with autistic children in their homes and/or center-based settings. The role uses play-based, relationship-focused interactions to help children build communication, social, and daily living skills. Specialists actively coach and connect with children while learning evidence-based developmental care, documenting progress, and collaborating with clinicians and supervisors. Training, mentorship, and opportunities for role progression are provided. The position is suitable for students balancing classes, internships, or graduate school and requires patience, emotional maturity, reliability, and commitment to a consistent schedule. Employment is contingent on clearing 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 a 30–40 minute driving 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, reliability, and commitment to a consistent schedule.
• Comfort working directly with families in a home-based setting.

Nice To Haves

• Experience or interest relevant to psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, education, special education, counseling, medicine, or health.
• Background as an education or psychology student, pre-med or nursing student, OT/SLP hopeful, behavior technician, camp counselor, teaching assistant, childcare provider, direct support professional, or caregiver.

Responsibilities

• Work one-on-one with children in home 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, coaching, and mentorship.

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