Child Development Specialist
Positive Development
Summary
At Positive Development, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive and every burgeoning professional deserves meaningful work that builds real skills for the future. We work one-on-one with autistic children, helping them build communication, social, and daily living skills through play-based, relationship-focused interactions.
Job description
Our Mission
At Positive Development, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive and every burgeoning professional deserves meaningful work that builds real skills for the future. We work one-on-one with autistic children, helping them build communication, social, and daily living skills through play-based, relationship-focused interactions.
Why This Role is Different
This isn’t a passive “observe and assist” job. You’ll be actively coaching, connecting, and helping children grow; while gaining experience that’s highly relevant for careers in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, education and special education, counseling, and medicine and health. This work is deeply rewarding, but it requires patience, emotional maturity, and commitment. You’ll be supported every step of the way by experienced clinicians and supervisors who are invested in your growth.
What you'll do as a Child Development Specialist
You'll work one-on-one with children in their homes and/or center based to:
- 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 designed to achieve strong outcomes with fewer session hours
- Track progress by documenting session notes and goal outcomes
- Collaborate closely with clinicians and supervisors to build clinical skills and confidence
- Learn how evidence-based developmental care works in real life, not just in textbooks
Pay and Schedules
Direct Pay: $26–$30/hour (based on experience and education). Training / Admin Pay: $20/hour. Part-time schedules: 3, 4, or 5 days per week M-F (most available hours are 3pm-8pm) or Saturday and Sunday (most available hours are between 9a-3pm). Paid drive time + mileage reimbursement (IRS rate) between clients. This role is ideal for students balancing classes, internships, or graduate school.
Training, growth, and career development
We invest in you because strong clinicians start with strong support. You don’t need to be an expert- we’ll train you.
- Paid New Hire Training
- Ongoing coaching and mentorship from expert clinicians
- Opportunities for role progression, pay increases, and performance bonuses
- Exposure to a cutting-edge model of autism care with measurable outcome
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a related field
- At least 1 year of volunteer or working experience with children
- Valid driver’s license
- Reliable transportation (30–40 min drive radius)
- Ability to play on the floor/ground for up to two-three hours per session
- Ability to lift/carry up to 40 lbs
- Ability to sit, kneel, crouch, or move quickly to ensure child safety
- Strong communication skills
- Professionalism with families and teammates
Benefits
- $1000 Referral Bonus
- Monthly Technology Stipend
- Paid Drive Time
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Paid Training
- Coaching And Mentorship
- Career Development Opportunities
- Pay Increases
- Performance Bonuses
- Letters Of Recommendation
Company overview
Positive Development is a mental health care organization dedicated to providing comprehensive behavioral health services to individuals and communities. As a specialized healthcare provider in the mental wellness sector, the company focuses on delivering evidence-based therapeutic interventions, counseling services, and psychological support programs. Their services likely encompass individual therapy, group counseling, family support, and community outreach initiatives aimed at promoting mental health awareness and resilience. Operating within the broader healthcare ecosystem, Positive Development addresses the growing need for accessible mental health services, potentially serving diverse populations across different age groups and backgrounds. The organization's approach appears to emphasize holistic care, combining clinical expertise with compassionate support to help clients achieve positive outcomes and improved quality of life. In today's mental health landscape, such providers play a crucial role in addressing psychological well-being through professional interventions and community-based support systems.