Positive Development
Child Development Specialist
Positive Development, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
Title: Child Development Specialist
Work Location: University City, Del Mar, Ocean Beach, CA
Job Type: Part time
Pay: $26-$30 per hour
Who We Are At Positive Development we believe every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive. Our team works with children who have autism or other developmental differences, helping them build important life skills through fun and engagement.
What You’ll Do As a Play-Based Autism Professional (also referred to as a Developmental Paraprofessional, or DPP), you’ll work one‑on‑one with children to help them develop communication, social, and daily living skills. Your role is hands‑on—helping kids learn through play and conversation so they can grow in their ability to think, create, communicate, and connect meaningfully with others. You will be expected to document session notes and progress toward goals, and you will work directly with clinicians and supervisors to gain skills and allow for career growth.
Compensation & Schedules
Pay Range: $26-$30 per hour, based on experience and education
Thoughtfully designed schedules: We offer a range of predictable schedules with a single, direct rate of pay, including part‑time roles with flexible 5‑, 3‑, or 2‑day‑per‑week options
Opportunities to pick up additional hours on Saturdays
What We’re Looking For
A passion for working with children and teens and helping them grow!
A positive attitude and willingness to learn
Experience working with children (experience with autism is a plus). Teacher’s Assistants, Camp Counselors, Childcare Specialists, Special Education Teachers/Paraprofessionals, Direct Support Professionals, Behavioral Technicians, and Personal Caregivers are all encouraged to apply!
Patience, empathy and enthusiasm for working with neurodivergent children and adolescents
Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least 1 year of experience working with children required.
Great communication and people skills—you’ll be working closely with children, their families, and teammates
Reliability and commitment to a consistent schedule so kids can get the support they need
A valid driver's license and reliable transportation (within a 30–40‑minute drive radius)
The ability to complete certain physical tasks, including:
Lift and carry up to 40 pounds
Physically position your body with clients including sitting, kneeling, or crouching
Respond to client needs, including running or adjusting positioning quickly to ensure safety and well‑being
Why Choose Positive Development?
We are introducing a new highly successful model of autism care that requires relational interventions and fewer hours in session to improve clinical outcomes
You will receive hands‑on support and coaching from expert clinicians and supervisors
There are opportunities for role progression and hourly pay rate increases after 6 months
Potential for credentialing in Developmental Relationship‑Based Intervention
Paid New Hire Training (20 hours) and ongoing opportunities for additional learning
Periodic bonuses for successful completion of clinical campaigns
We Offer Competitive Benefits and Other Job Perks
Referral Bonus $1000 for successful staff referrals
Monthly technology stipend to offset cellphone or Wi‑Fi charges
Paid drive time between clients and mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate
401(k) with company matching
Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage (available for full‑time roles, 30 hours+)
Generous time off: For part‑time employees, flex days are offered in exchange for Federal Holidays
We can’t wait to meet you and welcome you to the team!
Positive Development is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
*Matches with clients are contingent upon clearing a background check and successful completion of training.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Work Location: University City, Del Mar, Ocean Beach, CA
Job Type: Part time
Pay: $26-$30 per hour
Who We Are At Positive Development we believe every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive. Our team works with children who have autism or other developmental differences, helping them build important life skills through fun and engagement.
What You’ll Do As a Play-Based Autism Professional (also referred to as a Developmental Paraprofessional, or DPP), you’ll work one‑on‑one with children to help them develop communication, social, and daily living skills. Your role is hands‑on—helping kids learn through play and conversation so they can grow in their ability to think, create, communicate, and connect meaningfully with others. You will be expected to document session notes and progress toward goals, and you will work directly with clinicians and supervisors to gain skills and allow for career growth.
Compensation & Schedules
Pay Range: $26-$30 per hour, based on experience and education
Thoughtfully designed schedules: We offer a range of predictable schedules with a single, direct rate of pay, including part‑time roles with flexible 5‑, 3‑, or 2‑day‑per‑week options
Opportunities to pick up additional hours on Saturdays
What We’re Looking For
A passion for working with children and teens and helping them grow!
A positive attitude and willingness to learn
Experience working with children (experience with autism is a plus). Teacher’s Assistants, Camp Counselors, Childcare Specialists, Special Education Teachers/Paraprofessionals, Direct Support Professionals, Behavioral Technicians, and Personal Caregivers are all encouraged to apply!
Patience, empathy and enthusiasm for working with neurodivergent children and adolescents
Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least 1 year of experience working with children required.
Great communication and people skills—you’ll be working closely with children, their families, and teammates
Reliability and commitment to a consistent schedule so kids can get the support they need
A valid driver's license and reliable transportation (within a 30–40‑minute drive radius)
The ability to complete certain physical tasks, including:
Lift and carry up to 40 pounds
Physically position your body with clients including sitting, kneeling, or crouching
Respond to client needs, including running or adjusting positioning quickly to ensure safety and well‑being
Why Choose Positive Development?
We are introducing a new highly successful model of autism care that requires relational interventions and fewer hours in session to improve clinical outcomes
You will receive hands‑on support and coaching from expert clinicians and supervisors
There are opportunities for role progression and hourly pay rate increases after 6 months
Potential for credentialing in Developmental Relationship‑Based Intervention
Paid New Hire Training (20 hours) and ongoing opportunities for additional learning
Periodic bonuses for successful completion of clinical campaigns
We Offer Competitive Benefits and Other Job Perks
Referral Bonus $1000 for successful staff referrals
Monthly technology stipend to offset cellphone or Wi‑Fi charges
Paid drive time between clients and mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate
401(k) with company matching
Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage (available for full‑time roles, 30 hours+)
Generous time off: For part‑time employees, flex days are offered in exchange for Federal Holidays
We can’t wait to meet you and welcome you to the team!
Positive Development is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
*Matches with clients are contingent upon clearing a background check and successful completion of training.
#J-18808-Ljbffr