Child Development Specialist

Positive Development • Newbury Park, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Positive Development’s Child Development Specialists work one-on-one with autistic children in their homes and/or center-based settings, helping them build communication, social, and daily living skills through play-based, relationship-focused interactions. The role involves actively coaching and connecting with children, creating meaningful relationships, and supporting their ability to think, create, and engage with the world. Specialists follow a relationship-based intervention model, document session notes and goal outcomes, collaborate with clinicians and supervisors, and learn how evidence-based developmental care is applied in practice. The role offers training, coaching, mentorship, and opportunities for career growth, and may suit students balancing classes, internships, or graduate school. The position is part-time, with schedules of three, four, or five days per week. Available schedules include Monday through Friday, most commonly 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., or Saturday and Sunday, most commonly 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Direct work is paid at $26–$30 per hour based on experience and education; training and administrative work is paid at $20 per hour. Paid drive time and mileage reimbursement are provided between clients. Employment is contingent on clearing a background check and successfully completing training.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• At least one year of volunteer or work experience with children.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation, with the ability to travel within a 30–40 minute drive radius.
• Ability to perform 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, and commitment to the work.
• Reliability and commitment to a consistent schedule.

Nice To Haves

• Passion for working with children and teens.
• Curiosity about human development and learning.
• Empathy and enthusiasm.
• Experience or background as an education major, psychology student, pre-medical or nursing student, prospective occupational or speech-language therapist, behavior technician, camp counselor, teacher's assistant, childcare provider, direct support professional, or caregiver.
• Interest in careers in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, education, special education, counseling, medicine, or health.

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

What This Job Offers

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