Child Development Specialist Jobs

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Child Development Specialist

Positive Development•Hackensack, NJ
•Onsite

About The Position

Positive Development’s Child Development Specialists work one-on-one with autistic children in their homes and/or center-based settings, supporting communication, social, and daily living skills through play-based, relationship-focused interactions. The role involves actively coaching, connecting with children, and helping them think, create, and engage with the world. Specialists follow a relationship-based intervention model, document session notes and goal outcomes, and collaborate with clinicians and supervisors while developing clinical skills and learning how evidence-based developmental care works in practice. This part-time role is suited to people balancing studies, internships, or graduate school. Schedules are available three, four, or five weekdays (Monday through Friday), generally between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., or Saturday and Sunday, generally between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The position is onsite in Hackensack, New Jersey, and sessions may take place in clients’ homes and/or at a center. Direct pay is $22–$28 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. Paid new-hire training, ongoing clinician coaching and mentorship, and opportunities for role progression, pay increases, and performance bonuses are offered. 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 the 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 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.
  • Employment is contingent upon clearing a background check and successful completion of 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-medical studies, nursing, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, 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 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.
  • Track progress by documenting session notes and goal outcomes.
  • Collaborate with clinicians and supervisors to develop clinical skills and confidence.
  • Learn and apply evidence-based developmental care in practice.

Benefits

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

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Common questions about Child Development Specialist careers and jobs.

Based on current job postings on Teal, the average Child Development Specialist salary in the US is approximately $57,000 per year, with a typical range of $46,000 to $62,000.
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