Child Development Specialist

Positive Development • Culver City, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Positive Development seeks a 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 develop communication, social, and daily living skills. Specialists build meaningful connections through play, conversation, and shared activities, follow a relationship-based intervention model, document session notes and goal outcomes, and collaborate with clinicians and supervisors. The position provides practical exposure to evidence-based developmental care and is intended to build skills relevant to future careers in fields such as psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, education, counseling, and health care. Training and ongoing mentorship are provided.

This is a part-time role in Culver City, California. Schedules are available three, four, or five days 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 work pays $26–$30 per hour, based on experience and education; training and administrative work pays $20 per hour. Paid drive time and mileage reimbursement are provided between clients. Employment is contingent on passing a background check and successfully completing training.

Requirements

• 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; ability to drive within a 30–40-minute radius.
• Ability to complete physical tasks, including playing 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.
• Patience, emotional maturity, and commitment to the work.
• Reliability and ability to maintain a consistent schedule.
• Comfort working directly with families in a home-based setting.

Nice To Haves

• Passion for working with children and teens.
• Curiosity about human development and learning.
• Empathy and enthusiasm.
• Relevant backgrounds or experience such as education or psychology studies, pre-med or nursing studies, occupational or speech-language therapy aspirations, 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 real-world settings.

Benefits

• $1,000 referral bonus.
• Monthly technology stipend.
• Paid drive time at the administrative rate between clients.
• Mileage reimbursement between clients at the IRS rate.
• Paid new-hire training.
• Ongoing coaching and mentorship from expert clinicians.
• Opportunities for role progression and pay increases.
• 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