Developmental Play Partner (Home/Center Based) (Herndon)

Title: Developmental Play Partner (Home/Center Based)

Work Location: Herndon, VA (and surrounding areas)

Job Type: Part time

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 Developmental Play Partner (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 roleswith flexible 5-, 3-, or 2-day-per-week options
• Opportunitiesto 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 $500for 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.