Child Development Specialist

Positive Development; Skin Corner (NJ); On-site; USD 30,307 - 38,572; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

$1000 Referral Bonus

Monthly Technology Stipend

Paid training

Job summary

Positive Development in New Jersey is seeking a dedicated Child Development Specialist to work in client homes and center-based locations. This part-time role offers a pay range of $22–$28/hour based on experience, with additional training and admin pay compensation.

The ideal candidate will engage with children through play, developing essential communication and daily living skills. Strong communication, professionalism, and a valid driver's license are required.

Qualifications

• Must be 18+ years old.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.
• Ability to perform physical tasks for up to 3 hours per session.

Responsibilities

• Build communication and daily living skills through play.
• Create meaningful connections that engage children.
• Document session notes and goal outcomes.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Patience

Reliability

Ability to work directly with families

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Title

Child Development Specialist

Work Location

Client homes and/or center-based locations.

Job Type

Part-time

Pay

Direct pay: $22–$28/hour (based on experience and education). Training/Admin pay: $20/hour. Paid drive time and mileage reimbursement between clients.

Our Mission

Grow with us. At Positive Development, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive and every budding professional deserves meaningful work that builds real skills for the future.

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 the following fields:

• Psychology
• Social Work
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Language Pathology
• Education and Special Education
• Counseling
• Medicine and Health

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 a 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.

What You'll Do As a Child Development Specialist

• 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: $22–$28/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 between clients

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED (must be 18+)
• 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

Training, Growth, And Career Development

• 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

Benefits And Perks

• $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

Positive Development is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Employment is contingent upon clearing a background check and successful completion of training.