Child Development Specialist
The Child Development Specialist works part-time on-site to provide one-on-one support to autistic children, focusing on building communication, social, and daily living skills through play-based, relationship-focused interventions. The role involves active coaching, progress documentation, and collaboration with clinicians, offering meaningful experience for careers in psychology, education, and health fields. Candidates receive paid training, mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth while working in home and center-based settings.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Healthcare & Nursing.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview
Confidential Client is hiring a Part‑Time Child Development Specialist to provide one‑on‑one developmental support for autistic children in La Canada Flintridge, CA. This role blends hands‑on intervention, family partnership, and guided clinical coaching — an excellent opportunity for students and early‑career professionals seeking real clinical experience.
Why This Role Matters
You won’t simply observe — you’ll actively coach, connect, and help children build communication, social, and daily living skills through play‑based, relationship‑focused interactions. Work here prepares you for careers in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech‑language pathology, special education, counseling, and health professions.
What You’ll Do
You will deliver relationship‑based developmental supports in home and/or center settings:
- Build communication, social, and daily living skills through play, conversation, and shared activities
- Create meaningful connections that help children think, create, and engage
- Follow a relationship‑based intervention model aimed at strong outcomes with fewer sessions
- 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 is applied in real life
Schedule & Compensation
- Direct pay: $26–$30 per hour (based on experience and education)
- Training / admin pay: $20 per hour
- Part‑time schedules available: 3, 4, or 5 days per week (M–F, most hours 3pm–8pm) or weekend shifts (Sat–Sun, most hours 9am–3pm)
- Paid drive time and mileage reimbursement (IRS rate) between clients
- Ideal for students balancing classes, internships, or graduate school
Who We’re Looking For (Requirements)
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus at least 1 year of volunteer or paid experience with children
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (able to travel a 30–40 minute radius)
- Ability to complete physical tasks: play on the floor for 2–3 hours, lift/carry up to 40 lbs, sit/kneel/crouch, and move quickly to ensure child safety
- Patient, empathetic, enthusiastic, and reliable — kids depend on consistent caregivers
- Strong communication skills and professionalism with families and teammates
- Comfortable working directly with families in home‑based settings
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.
Training, Growth & Support
- Paid new‑hire training — you don’t need to be an expert; we’ll train you
- Ongoing coaching and mentorship from experienced clinicians
- Opportunities for role progression, pay increases, and performance bonuses
- Exposure to a cutting‑edge model of autism care with measurable outcomes
- Strong performers may request letters of recommendation for graduate or professional programs
Benefits & Perks
- $1,000 referral bonus
- Monthly technology stipend
- Paid drive time at admin rate + mileage reimbursement
- Paid training
- Meaningful clinical experience and career development
Employment is contingent upon clearing a background check and successful completion of training.
Confidential Client Statement
This role is posted on behalf of Confidential Client. All interviews and final hiring decisions are made by the client. Careertakes facilitates the recruitment and may provide access to additional matched opportunities.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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