Child Development Specialist

Job Title

Child Development Specialist

Arlington, Vienna, Falls Church, North Springfield, Alexandria, Herndon, Annandale, Fairfax, Reston, Burke, McLean, and surrounding areas, Virginia

Part time

$22–$28 per hour

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.

Work one‑on‑one with children to help them develop communication, social, and daily living skills. Use play and conversation to grow their ability to think, create, communicate and meaningfully connect with others. Provide hands‑on support during sessions in children’s homes or therapy centers, document session notes and progress toward goals, and collaborate with clinicians and supervisors to gain new skills for career growth.

• Pay Range: $22–$28 per hour, based on experience and education.
• Flexible 5- , 3- or 2‑day‑per‑week options; levels of support with a single, direct rate of pay.
• Opportunities to pick up additional hours on Saturdays.

• A passion for working with children and teens and helping them grow!
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Experience working with children (experience with autism is a plus). Candidate backgrounds include teacher assistants, camp counselors, childcare specialists, special education teachers/paraprofessionals, direct support professionals, behavioral technicians, and personal caregivers.
• Patience, empathy, and enthusiasm for working with neurodivergent children and adolescents.
• High School Diploma or GED; must be 18 years old or older.
• Great communication and people skills; will work closely with children, families, and teammates.
• Reliability and commitment to a consistent schedule so kids can receive support.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation within a 30–40 minute drive radius.
• Ability to complete certain physical tasks.

• Lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Position body with clients including sitting, kneeling, or crouching.
• Respond to client needs quickly to ensure safety and well‑being.

• Leading model of autism care that uses relational interventions and offers fewer hours per session than standard approaches, improving outcomes.
• Hands‑on support and coaching from expert clinicians and supervisors.
• Opportunities for role progression and hourly pay rate increases after six months.
• Potential for credentialing in Developmental Relationship‑Based Intervention.
• Paid New Hire Training (20 hours) and ongoing learning opportunities.
• Periodic bonuses for successful completion of clinical campaigns.

• Referral bonus $500 for successful staff referrals.
• Monthly technology stipend to offset cellphone or WIFI charges.
• Paid drive time between clients and mileage reimbursement at IRS rate.
• 401(k) with Company Matching.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (available for full‑time roles).
• Generous Time Off:
  For part‑time employees, flex days offered in exchange for Federal Holidays.

Entry level

Part‑time

Other

Mental Health Care

Positive Development is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Matches with clients are contingent upon clearing a background check and successful completion of training.