Child Development Specialist

Positive Development • Elizabeth, NJ

2d • Onsite

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 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and surrounding areas. The role uses play-based, relationship-focused interactions to help children develop communication, social, and daily living skills. Specialists build meaningful connections, follow a relationship-based intervention model, document session notes and goal outcomes, and collaborate with clinicians and supervisors. The position provides hands-on experience relevant to careers in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, education, counseling, medicine, and health. Training, coaching, and mentorship are provided; expertise is not required. The work requires patience, emotional maturity, professionalism, and a reliable, consistent schedule.

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 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.
• Reliable and committed to a consistent schedule.
• Must clear 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.
• Experience or background as an education major, psychology student, pre-medical or nursing student, aspiring occupational or speech-language therapist, behavior technician, camp counselor, teacher's assistant, childcare provider, direct support professional, or caregiver.

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.
• Complete required training and maintain professional communication with families and teammates.

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 between clients at the administrative rate.
• Mileage reimbursement between clients at the IRS rate.
• 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