Child Development Specialist

Positive Development • Hackensack, NJ

3d • 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, supporting communication, social, and daily living skills through play-based, relationship-focused interactions. The role involves actively coaching, connecting with children, and helping them think, create, and engage with the world. Specialists follow a relationship-based intervention model, document session notes and goal outcomes, and collaborate with clinicians and supervisors while developing clinical skills and learning how evidence-based developmental care works in practice.

This part-time role is suited to people balancing studies, internships, or graduate school. Schedules are 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. The position is onsite in Hackensack, New Jersey, and sessions may take place in clients’ homes and/or at a center. Direct 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.

Paid new-hire training, ongoing clinician coaching and mentorship, and opportunities for role progression, pay increases, and performance bonuses are offered. 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 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 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.
• Employment is contingent upon clearing a background check and successful completion of training.

Nice To Haves

• Passion for working with children and teens.
• Curiosity about human development and learning.
• Patience, empathy, and enthusiasm.
• Reliability and commitment to a consistent schedule.
• Comfort working directly with families in a home-based setting.
• Relevant backgrounds may 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 center-based settings.
• Build 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.
• Track progress by documenting session notes and goal outcomes.
• 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.
• Paid drive time and mileage reimbursement between clients.
• $1,000 referral bonus.
• Monthly technology stipend.
• 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