Developmental Play Partner (Home/Center Based)

Job Description

About the Company

Positive Development is an organization dedicated to helping children with autism or other developmental differences grow, learn, and thrive. Their core belief is that every child deserves this opportunity, and they work to help children build important life skills through fun and engagement. They utilize a highly successful new model of autism care that emphasizes relational interventions and requires fewer hours in session compared to standard approaches, aiming for improved clinical outcomes. Positive Development is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Job Description

Title: Developmental Play Partner (Home/Center Based), also referred to as a Developmental Paraprofessional (DPP).

Work Location: Springfield, VA, and surrounding areas.

Job Type: This is a Part-time – Permanent (Non-Seasonal) position.

Pay: The pay range is $22-$28/hour, with the specific rate determined by experience and education.

Summary of Role:
As a Developmental Play Partner, you will work one-on-one with children to support their development of communication, social, and daily living skills. The role is very hands-on, focusing on helping children learn through play and conversation to enhance their ability to think, create, communicate, and meaningfully connect with others. Your daily activities will primarily involve working directly with children in their homes or in the therapy centers.

Key Responsibilities:
• Work directly with children, engaging them in fun and interactive play.
• Facilitate the development of communication, social, and daily living skills.
• Document session notes and track progress toward established goals.
• Collaborate directly with clinicians and supervisors to gain new skills and foster career growth.

Compensation & Schedules:
• Pay: $22-$28 per hour, based on experience and education.
• Schedules: Predictable schedules are offered with a single, direct rate of pay. Part-time roles include flexible options for 5-, 3-, or 2-day-per-week commitments.
• Additional Hours: Opportunities are available to pick up extra hours on Saturdays.

What Positive Development is Looking For:
• Passion: A strong passion for working with children and teens and helping them grow.
• Attitude: A positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
• Experience: Prior experience working with children is required, with experience working with autism being a plus. Encouraged applicants include Teacher’s Assistants, Camp Counselors, Childcare Specialists, Special Education Teachers/Paraprofessionals, Direct Support Professionals, Behavioral Technicians, and Personal Caregivers.
• Qualities: Patience, empathy, and enthusiasm when working with neurodivergent children and adolescents.
• Education: A High School Diploma or GED is required. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Communication: Excellent communication and people skills are essential for interacting with children, their families, and teammates.
• Reliability: Commitment to a consistent schedule is crucial to ensure children receive continuous support.
• Transportation: A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are necessary, with the ability to travel within a 30–40-minute drive radius.
• Physical Ability: The role requires certain physical tasks, including:
• Lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds.
• Physically positioning your body with clients (e.g., sitting, kneeling, or crouching).
• Responding quickly to client needs, which may involve running or adjusting positioning rapidly to ensure safety and well-being.

Why Choose Positive Development?
• Impactful Work: Be part of introducing a highly successful new model of autism care focused on relational interventions and improved clinical outcomes with fewer session hours.
• Professional Support: Receive hands-on support and coaching from expert clinicians and supervisors.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for role progression and hourly pay rate increases after 6 months.
• Credentialing: Potential for credentialing in Developmental Relationship-Based Intervention.
• Training: Benefit from 20 hours of Paid New Hire Training and ongoing opportunities for additional learning.
• Bonuses: Receive periodic bonuses for successful completion of clinical campaigns, and a $500 referral bonus for successful staff referrals.
• Financial Perks: Enjoy a monthly technology stipend to offset cellphone or Wi-Fi charges, Paid Drive Time between clients, and Mileage Reimbursement at the IRS rate.
• Retirement: Access to a 401(k) with Company Matching.
• Health Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage are available for full-time roles (30 hours or more).
• Time Off: Part-time employees are offered flex days in exchange for Federal Holidays.

Note: Matches with clients are contingent upon clearing a background check and successful completion of training.