Child Development Specialist

Description

Title: Child Development Specialist

Work Location: Belleville, O'Fallon, Fairview Heights, IL and surrounding areas

Job Type: Part time (6-12 hours a week)

Pay: $22-$28/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 (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 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 fun and engaging interaction to help them grow. You will be expected to document session notes and progress toward goals. You will also work directly with clinicians and supervisors to gain skills and allow for career growth.

Compensation & Schedules:

Pay Range: $22-$28 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

High School Diploma or GED. You must be 18 years old to apply

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

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 do amazing work:

We are introducing a new highly successful model of autism care which requires relational interventions and fewer hours in session (than standard approaches) 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 $500 for successful staff referrals

Monthly technology Stipend to offset cellphone or WIFI 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.