Child Development Specialist

Positive Development • Ojai, CA

4d • $20 - $30

About The Position

Positive Development is hiring a part-time Child Development Specialist in Ojai, California, 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. It offers hands-on experience relevant to fields such as psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, education, counseling, and healthcare, with support from experienced clinicians and supervisors.

The schedule is three, four, or five weekdays (Monday through Friday), with most available weekday 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. Direct session pay is $26–$30 per hour based on experience and education; training and administrative work is paid at $20 per hour. Paid drive time and mileage reimbursement are provided between clients. 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, with the ability to travel within a 30–40-minute drive radius.
• Strong communication skills and professionalism with families and teammates.
• 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.
• Patience, emotional maturity, empathy, enthusiasm, reliability, and commitment to a consistent schedule.
• Comfort working directly with families in a home-based setting.

Nice To Haves

• Experience or studies in education, psychology, pre-medical or nursing studies, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, behavior technology, counseling, childcare, teaching assistance, camp counseling, direct support, or caregiving.
• Interest in human development and learning.
• Interest in pursuing careers in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, education, special education, counseling, medicine, or health.

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.
• Document session notes and goal outcomes to track progress.
• Collaborate with clinicians and supervisors to develop clinical skills and confidence.
• Participate in training, coaching, and mentorship.

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 for strong performance.
• Strong performers may request letters of recommendation for graduate or professional programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level