Child Development Specialist

Title: Child Development Specialist

Work Location: Lincoln Heights & surrounding areas

Job Type: Part time

Pay: $26-$30/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 Child Development Specialist (also referred to as a Developmental Paraprofessional), you’ll work one‑on‑one with children, helping them develop communication, social, and daily living skills. Your role is hands‑on—helping kids learn through play and conversation to grow in their ability to think, create, communicate, and meaningfully connect with others. Your day‑to‑day responsibilities will be focused on working directly with children in their homes or in our therapy centers using engaging interaction to help them grow.

You will be expected to document session notes and progress toward goals, and 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
• Designed schedules: part‑time roles with flexible 5‑, 3‑, or 2‑day‑per‑week options
• Opportunity 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). Candidates such as Teacher 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

Physical Requirements:

• 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
• 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 learning opportunities
• Periodic bonuses for successful completion of clinical campaigns

We Offer Competitive Benefits and Other Job Perks:

• Referral Bonus $1,000 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 of 30+ hours)
• Generous time off: for part‑time employees, flex days are offered in exchange for federal holidays

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