Child Development Specialist

Positive Development • Moorpark, CA

2d • $20 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

Positive Development is hiring a part-time Child Development Specialist in Moorpark to work one-on-one with autistic children in their homes and/or a center. Using play-based, relationship-focused interactions, the specialist helps children build communication, social, and daily living skills. The role involves active coaching and connection, with support from experienced clinicians and supervisors. It offers practical experience relevant to careers in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, education, counseling, medicine, and health.

Schedules are available three, four, or five weekdays (Monday through Friday), with most available hours from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., or Saturday and Sunday, with most available hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Direct-care pay is $26–$30 per hour, based on experience and education; training and administrative work is paid at $20 per hour. Paid drive time and mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate are provided between clients.

The position includes paid new-hire training and ongoing coaching and mentorship. 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 work experience with children.
• 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.
• Ability to 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.
• Reliability and commitment to a consistent schedule.
• Comfort working directly with families in a home-based setting.
• Relevant backgrounds may include education, psychology, pre-med, nursing, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, behavior technology, camp counseling, teaching assistance, childcare, direct support, or caregiving.

Responsibilities

• Work one-on-one with children in their homes and/or at a center.
• 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 build clinical skills and confidence.
• Learn how evidence-based developmental care works 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