Child Development Specialist

Positive Development • Baltimore, MD

24d • 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 Baltimore, Maryland, and surrounding areas. The role uses play-based, relationship-focused interactions to help children develop communication, social, and daily living skills. Specialists follow a relationship-based intervention model, document session notes and goal outcomes, and collaborate with clinicians and supervisors while building practical clinical skills. The company provides training, ongoing coaching, and mentorship. The work requires patience, emotional maturity, commitment to a consistent schedule, and comfort working directly with families.

Schedules are available three, four, or five weekdays per week, Monday through Friday, with most available hours between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., or on Saturday and Sunday, with most available hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Direct service pay is $22–$28 per hour based on experience and education; training and administrative work is paid at $20 per hour. Paid drive time at the administrative rate and mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate are provided between clients. Employment is contingent on clearing a background check and successfully completing training.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation, with ability to travel within a 30–40-minute drive radius.
• Ability to complete physical tasks, including playing on the floor or ground for up to two to three hours per session; lifting or carrying up to 40 pounds; and sitting, kneeling, crouching, or moving quickly to ensure child safety.
• Strong communication skills and professionalism with families and teammates.
• Patience, emotional maturity, and commitment to a consistent schedule.
• Comfort working directly with families in a home-based setting.
• Must clear a background check and successfully complete training.

Nice To Haves

• Interest or experience in working with children and teens and curiosity about human development and learning.
• Relevant backgrounds may include education, psychology, pre-med, nursing, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, behavior technician work, camp counseling, teaching assistance, childcare, direct support, or caregiving.
• Experience and education may affect direct service pay.

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 encourage children to think, create, and engage with the world.
• Follow the 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 and ongoing 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, 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
• Education Level: High school or GED