Child Development Specialist

Positive Development • Santa Paula, CA

3d • $20 - $30

About The Position

Positive Development is seeking a part-time Child Development Specialist to work one-on-one with autistic children in their homes and/or center-based settings. The role uses play-based, relationship-focused interactions to help children build communication, social, and daily living skills. Specialists create meaningful connections through play, conversation, and shared activities, following a relationship-based intervention model designed to achieve strong outcomes with fewer session hours.

This is an active, direct-service role—not simply observing and assisting. The specialist documents session notes and goal outcomes, collaborates with clinicians and supervisors, and learns how evidence-based developmental care is delivered in practice. The position includes paid training, ongoing coaching and mentorship, and opportunities for role progression, pay increases, and performance bonuses. Employment is contingent upon clearing a background check and successfully completing training.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• At least 1 year of volunteer or working experience with children.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation, with ability to drive within a 30–40 minute radius.
• 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.
• Strong communication skills and professionalism with families and teammates.
• Patience, emotional maturity, and commitment to consistent scheduling.

Nice To Haves

• Passion for working with children and teens.
• Curiosity about human development and learning.
• Patience, empathy, and enthusiasm.
• Background or interest in education, psychology, pre-medical studies, nursing, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, behavior support, counseling, medicine, or health.
• Experience as a 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.
• Document session notes and goal outcomes to track progress.
• Collaborate with clinicians and supervisors to develop clinical skills and confidence.
• Work directly with families and communicate professionally with families and teammates.

Benefits

• Paid new-hire training.
• Ongoing coaching and mentorship from expert clinicians.
• Opportunities for role progression, pay increases, and performance bonuses.
• $1,000 referral bonus.
• Monthly technology stipend.
• Paid drive time at the administrative rate and mileage reimbursement between clients.
• Strong performers may request letters of recommendation for graduate or professional programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level