Child Development Specialist

Positive Development • Broken Arrow, OK

19d

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 Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and surrounding areas. Using play-based, relationship-focused interactions, the specialist helps children build communication, social, and daily living skills and form meaningful connections that support their engagement with the world. The role follows a relationship-based intervention model designed to achieve strong outcomes with fewer session hours.

This active, hands-on role includes documenting session notes and goal outcomes and collaborating with clinicians and supervisors. The specialist receives training, coaching, and mentorship while gaining practical exposure to evidence-based developmental care. The position may suit students balancing classes, internships, or graduate school, as well as people pursuing careers in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, education, counseling, medicine, or health.

The role offers direct pay of $22–$28 per hour, based on experience and education, and training and administrative pay of $20 per hour. Part-time schedules are available three, four, or five weekdays (Monday–Friday), with most available hours between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., or on Saturday and Sunday, with most available hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Paid drive time and mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate are provided for travel between clients. 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 travel within a 30–40 minute radius.
• Ability to complete 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.
• Comfort working directly with families in a home-based setting.
• Successful completion of a background check and training.

Nice To Haves

• Passion for working with children and teens.
• Curiosity about human development and learning.
• Empathy and enthusiasm.
• Experience or interest relevant to psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, education, special education, counseling, medicine, or health.
• Relevant backgrounds may include education or psychology studies, pre-med or nursing studies, aspiring OT/SLP professionals, behavior technicians, camp counselors, teacher’s assistants, childcare providers, direct support professionals, or caregivers.

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

• $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