Child Development Specialist

Positive Development • Oxnard, CA

4d • $20 - $30

About The Position

Positive Development is hiring a part-time Child Development Specialist in Oxnard, California, in the Clinical department. The specialist works one-on-one with autistic children in their homes and/or center-based settings, supporting communication, social, and daily living skills through play, conversation, and shared activities. The position uses a relationship-based intervention model and offers practical experience in developmental care, with training and ongoing support from clinicians and supervisors.

The role may suit students balancing classes, internships, or graduate school, as well as candidates interested in future careers in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, education, counseling, medicine, or health. Part-time schedules are available three, four, or five weekdays per week, typically between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., or on Saturdays and Sundays, typically between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Direct session pay is $26–$30 per hour depending on experience and education; training and administrative work is paid at $20 per hour. Paid drive time and mileage reimbursement are provided for travel between clients.

Employment is contingent on clearing a background check and successfully completing training. Positive Development is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• At least one year of volunteer or paid work experience with children.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation, with 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 and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to sit, kneel, crouch, or move quickly to ensure child safety.
• 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.
• Relevant experience or background such as education, psychology, pre-medical or nursing studies, occupational therapy or speech-language pathology interests, 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 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, pay increases, and 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