Child Development Specialist

Positive Development • Thousand Oaks, CA

9d • $20 - $30

About The Position

The Child Development Specialist works one-on-one with autistic children in their homes and/or center-based settings, helping them build communication, social, and daily living skills through play-based, relationship-focused interactions. The role emphasizes active coaching and connection, supporting children as they think, create, and engage with the world. Specialists follow a relationship-based intervention model designed to achieve strong outcomes with fewer session hours, document session notes and goal outcomes, and collaborate with clinicians and supervisors while developing clinical skills. The position includes paid training, ongoing coaching and mentorship, and opportunities for role progression and pay increases. Employment is contingent upon clearing a background check and successfully completing training.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in a related field.
• At least one year of volunteer or working experience with children.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation, with a 30–40-minute driving 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.
• Patience, emotional maturity, and commitment to a consistent schedule.
• Comfort working directly with families in a home-based setting.
• Successful background check and completion of training.

Nice To Haves

• Experience or interest relevant to psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, education, special education, counseling, medicine, or health.
• Backgrounds such as education majors, psychology students, pre-medical or nursing students, aspiring occupational or speech-language therapists, behavior technicians, camp counselors, teacher's assistants, childcare providers, direct support professionals, or caregivers.
• Passion for working with children and teens; curiosity about human development and learning; patience, empathy, and enthusiasm.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Work directly with children and families in home-based and/or center-based settings.
• Participate in training and ongoing coaching and mentorship.

Benefits

• $1,000 referral bonus.
• Monthly technology stipend.
• Paid drive time between clients at the administrative rate and mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate.
• 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