Child Development Specialist

Positive Development • Ventura, CA

3d

About The Position

Positive Development provides one-on-one, play-based, relationship-focused support to autistic children, helping them develop communication, social, and daily living skills. Child Development Specialists work with children in their homes and/or at a center, using play, conversation, and shared activities to build skills and meaningful connections. The role follows a relationship-based intervention model and includes documenting session notes and goal outcomes, as well as collaborating with clinicians and supervisors. The position offers training, coaching, mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth, and is designed to provide practical experience relevant to careers in fields such as psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, education, counseling, and health care.

This is a part-time role with schedules of three, four, or five days per week. Weekday availability is generally between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; weekend availability is generally between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Paid drive time and mileage reimbursement are provided between clients. Direct service pay is $26–$30 per hour, based on experience and education, and training and administrative work pays $20 per hour. 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; the role involves travel within 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, and commitment to a consistent schedule.

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, aspiring occupational or speech-language therapist, 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 experienced 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