Child Development Specialist

About Positive Development

• Our Mission: Make a real impact. Build real skills. Grow with us.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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 and at least 1 year of volunteer or working experience with children required.
• Valid driver’s license + reliable transportation (30–40 min drive radius).
• Ability to complete physical tasks, including:
• Playing on the floor/ground for up to two-three hours per session

Lifting/carrying up to 40 lbs

• Sitting, kneeling, crouching, or moving quickly to ensure child safety
• Strong communication skills and professionalism with families and teammates

Preferred

• We’re especially excited to meet candidates who are: Passionate about working with children and teens; Curious about human development and learning; Patient, empathetic, and enthusiastic; Reliable and committed to a consistent schedule (kids depend on consistency!); Comfortable working directly with families in home-based setting
• Great fits include: Education majors, psychology students, pre-meds, nursing students, OT/SLP hopefuls, behavior technicians, camp counselors, teacher’s assistants, childcare providers, direct support professionals, and caregivers.

Pay

• Direct Pay: $26-$30 per hour
• Admin/Training: $20 per hour
• Direct Pay: $26–$30/hour (based on experience and education)
• Training / Admin Pay: $20/hour

Benefits

• 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.
• $1000 Referral Bonus
• Monthly Technology Stipend
• Paid drive time at admin rate + mileage reimbursement between clients
• Paid training
• Strong performers may request letters of recommendation for graduate or professional programs

Position Title

Child Development Specialist

Employment Type

Part-Time

Department

Clinical

Location

Thousand Oaks

Equal opportunity

• Positive Development is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
• Employment is contingent upon clearing a background check and successful completion of training.