Child Development Specialist

Positive Development • Moorpark, CA

17d • Onsite

About The Position

Positive Development is seeking a part-time Child Development Specialist to work one-on-one with autistic children in their homes and/or center-based settings. Using play-based, relationship-focused interactions, the specialist helps children develop communication, social, and daily living skills. The role involves actively coaching and connecting with children, tracking progress, and collaborating with clinicians and supervisors. It provides practical exposure to evidence-based developmental care and may be relevant to future careers in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, education, counseling, medicine, and health.

The position requires patience, emotional maturity, commitment, reliability, and professionalism when working with children, families, and teammates. The organization provides paid new-hire training, ongoing coaching and mentorship, and opportunities for role progression, pay increases, and performance bonuses. Employment is contingent upon clearing a background check and successfully completing training.

Direct work is paid at $26–$30 per hour, based on experience and education; training and administrative work is paid at $20 per hour. Part-time schedules are available three, four, or five days per week, Monday through Friday, with most available hours from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., or on Saturday and Sunday, with most available hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Paid drive time and mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate 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 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.
• Ability to complete a background check and successfully complete 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.
• Backgrounds or interests such as education, psychology, pre-medical or nursing studies, occupational or speech-language therapy, behavior technology, 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 designed to achieve strong outcomes with fewer session hours.
• 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 for strong performers.
• Strong performers may request letters of recommendation for graduate or professional programs.

What This Job Offers

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