Child Development Specialist

Positive Development • Pico Rivero, CA

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 center-based settings. The role uses play-based, relationship-focused interactions to help children build communication, social, and daily living skills. Specialists create meaningful connections through play, conversation, and shared activities, and follow a relationship-based intervention model designed to achieve strong outcomes with fewer session hours.

The position provides practical experience in developmental care and may be relevant to future careers in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, education, counseling, medicine, and health. The employee will document session notes and goal outcomes, collaborate with clinicians and supervisors, and receive training, coaching, and mentorship. The role requires patience, emotional maturity, reliability, and commitment to a consistent schedule, as well as professionalism when working with families and teammates.

The position is based in Pico Rivera, California. Schedules are part-time, three, four, or five days per week, Monday through Friday, with most available hours from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; alternatively, Saturday and Sunday, with most available hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Direct pay is $26–$30 per hour based on experience and education, and training and administrative work pays $20 per hour. Paid drive time and mileage reimbursement are provided between clients.

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 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, reliability, and commitment to a consistent schedule.
• Clear a background check and successfully complete training.

Nice To Haves

• Experience or interest relevant to psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, education, special education, counseling, medicine, or health.
• Backgrounds such as education or psychology studies, pre-med or nursing studies, OT/SLP aspirations, 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 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.
• Track progress by documenting session notes and goal outcomes.
• Collaborate with clinicians and supervisors to build clinical skills and confidence.
• Complete physical activities as needed to support children's participation and safety.

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