Child Development Specialist

Positive Development • Baltimore, MD

3d • $20 - $28 • Onsite

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 at a center. Using play-based, relationship-focused interactions, the specialist helps children build communication, social, and daily living skills and develop meaningful connections that support engagement with the world. The role follows a relationship-based intervention model and includes documenting session notes and goal outcomes, as well as collaborating with clinicians and supervisors. It offers practical exposure to evidence-based developmental care and is intended to build skills relevant to future careers in fields such as psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, education, counseling, and health care.

Schedules are available three, four, or five weekdays (Monday through Friday), with most available hours between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., or Saturday and Sunday, with most available hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Direct session pay is $22–$28 per hour, based on experience and education; training and administrative work pays $20 per hour. Paid drive time and mileage reimbursement are provided between clients. The employer provides paid new-hire training and ongoing coaching and mentorship. Employment is contingent on clearing a background check and successfully completing training.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, with ability to travel within a 30–40 minute drive radius.
• Ability to complete physical tasks, including playing on the floor or ground for up to two to three hours per session, lifting or carrying up to 40 pounds, and sitting, kneeling, crouching, or moving quickly to ensure child safety.
• Strong communication skills and professionalism with families and teammates.
• Patience, emotional maturity, reliability, and commitment to a consistent schedule.
• Comfort working directly with families in a home-based setting.
• Successful completion of a background check and training.

Nice To Haves

• Passion for working with children and teens.
• Curiosity about human development and learning.
• Enthusiasm and empathy.
• Relevant backgrounds include education, psychology, pre-medical studies, nursing, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, behavior technician work, camp counseling, teaching assistance, childcare, direct support, or caregiving.

Responsibilities

• Work one-on-one with children in their homes and/or at a center.
• 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.
• Learn and apply evidence-based developmental care in practice.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED