Child Development Specialist

Positive Development • Hackensack, NJ

3d • $20 - $28 • Onsite

About The Position

Positive Development is seeking a part-time Child Development Specialist to work one-on-one with autistic children, helping them develop communication, social, and daily living skills through play-based, relationship-focused interactions. Sessions take place in children’s homes and/or center-based settings in Hackensack, New Jersey. This is an active role involving coaching, connecting with children, and supporting their development, with guidance from experienced clinicians and supervisors. The position offers practical experience relevant to careers in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, education, counseling, medicine, and health.

The role is designed for candidates who are passionate about working with children and teens, curious about human development and learning, and patient, empathetic, enthusiastic, reliable, and comfortable working directly with families. Positive Development provides paid new-hire training, ongoing coaching and mentorship, and opportunities for role progression and pay increases. Employment is contingent upon clearing a background check and successfully completing training.

Direct pay is $22–$28 per hour, based on experience and education. Training and administrative work is paid at $20 per hour. Part-time schedules are available three, four, or five weekdays (Monday through Friday), with most available hours from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., or Saturday and Sunday, with most available hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Paid drive time and mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate are provided between clients.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, with the ability to drive within a 30–40 minute radius.
• Ability to play on the floor or ground for up to two to three hours per session.
• Ability to lift and 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, 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

• Interest or experience relevant to psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, education, special education, counseling, medicine, or health.
• Candidates such as education majors, psychology students, pre-med or nursing students, prospective occupational or speech-language therapists, behavior technicians, camp counselors, teacher’s assistants, childcare providers, direct support professionals, and caregivers are encouraged to apply.

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 designed to achieve strong outcomes with fewer session hours.
• Document session notes and goal outcomes to track progress.
• Collaborate with clinicians and supervisors to build clinical skills and confidence.
• Learn how evidence-based developmental care works 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 expert clinicians.
• Opportunities for role progression and pay increases.
• 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