Child Development Specialist

Positive Development • Jackson Township, NJ

2d • 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 in Jackson Township, New Jersey. Specialists help children develop communication, social, and daily living skills through play-based, relationship-focused interactions. The work includes active coaching and connection rather than passive observation, following a relationship-based intervention model designed to achieve strong outcomes with fewer session hours, and documenting session notes and goal outcomes.

The role offers practical experience relevant to careers in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, education, counseling, medicine, and health. Experienced clinicians and supervisors provide training, coaching, and mentorship. Candidates must be patient, empathetic, reliable, and comfortable working directly with children and families. Employment is contingent on clearing a background check and successfully completing training.

The position is part-time, with schedules available three, four, or five weekdays (Monday through Friday), generally between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., or Saturday and Sunday, generally between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Direct service pay is $22–$28 per hour based on experience and education; training and administrative work pays $20 per hour. Paid drive time at the administrative rate and mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate are provided for travel between clients.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation; role involves a 30–40 minute drive 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, emotional maturity, empathy, enthusiasm, reliability, and commitment to a consistent schedule.
• Comfort working directly with families in a home-based setting.
• Must clear a background check and successfully complete training.

Nice To Haves

• Passion for working with children and teens.
• Curiosity about human development and learning.
• Experience or background as an education major, psychology student, pre-med or nursing student, OT/SLP hopeful, behavior technician, camp counselor, teacher’s assistant, childcare provider, direct support professional, or caregiver.

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

• 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 between clients.
• Mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate 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
• Education Level: High school or GED