Child Development Specialist

About the role

At Positive Development, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive and every burgeoning professional deserves meaningful work that builds real skills for the future. We work one-on-one with autistic children, helping them build communication, social, and daily living skills through play-based, relationship-focused interactions.

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 psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, education and special education, counseling, medicine and health. This work is deeply rewarding, but it requires patience, emotional maturity, and commitment. You’ll be supported every step of the way by experienced clinicians and supervisors who are invested in your growth.

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.

Employment type: Part-time  Location: Broken Arrow, OK and surrounding areas (30–40 minute drive radius)

Responsibilities

• Work one-on-one with children in their homes and/or center based to 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

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED (must be 18+)
• Valid driver’s license + reliable transportation
• 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

Qualifications

• 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 home-based setting

Training & Development

• 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 outcomes

Pay

Direct Pay: $22–$28/hour (based on experience and education)

Training / Admin Pay: $20/hour

Paid drive time + mileage reimbursement (IRS rate) between clients

Schedule

• Part-time schedules: 3, 4, or 5 days per week Monday–Friday (most available hours are 3pm–8pm)
• Or Saturday and Sunday (most available hours are between 9am–3pm)

Benefits

• $1,000 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