Developmental Paraprofessional - Evening Part-time Hours - job 1 of 2

The Developmental Paraprofessional role at Positive Development involves providing one-on-one, play-based care to children and teens with autism. You’ll work closely with clients in their homes, using our developmental approach to promote emotional and relational skills, guided by our supportive clinical team.

To become a Developmental Paraprofessional at Positive Development, you should have previous experience as a childcare specialist, direct support professional, or similar role. A GED or high school diploma is required, and you must be at least 18 years old. A genuine interest in child development and the ability to commit to at least 12 months are essential.

The schedule for a Developmental Paraprofessional at Positive Development is quite flexible! This micro part-time role typically requires 4-10 hours of work per week, with shifts primarily in the evenings. This allows you to easily balance your professional commitments with personal ones.

At Positive Development, we offer comprehensive paid training for our Developmental Paraprofessionals. As part of your onboarding, you'll learn our unique method of care called DRBI, which centers around play and personal connection, ensuring you have the skills needed to effectively support our clients.

Developmental Paraprofessionals at Positive Development enjoy a range of benefits, including flexible scheduling, accrued paid sick leave, 401K contributions, opportunities for advancement, and a referral bonus program. Additionally, all training is paid, providing a great financial incentive as you learn and grow!

Positive Development emphasizes a supportive company culture focused on both staff and client success. Our Developmental Paraprofessionals are fully backed by the clinical team, receive ongoing learning opportunities, and participate in clinical lectures and team meetings to enhance their skills, all while helping clients achieve their developmental goals.

While previous experience as a childcare specialist or direct support professional is preferred, Positive Development values enthusiasm and willingness to learn. If you possess a passion for child development and meet the basic qualifications, we encourage you to apply even if you have no prior experience.

When answering this question, focus on your passion for child development and your desire to make a positive impact on the lives of children with autism. Mention specific aspects of Positive Development's approach that resonate with you, such as the play-based care model and the opportunity to support families.

In your response, provide a specific example, emphasizing your ability to show empathy, patience, and adaptability. Discuss how you tailored your approach to meet the individual’s needs and the positive outcomes that resulted from your support.

Share strategies you use to address challenging behaviors, such as staying calm, using positive reinforcement, or redirecting the child’s attention. Highlight your understanding of developmental approaches and how they can be effective in nurturing positive behavior.

Be honest about your comfort level, but also express your eagerness to work with various age groups. Discuss any relevant experience you've had and what you enjoy about supporting children in those specific age brackets.

It's vital to communicate clearly and positively with families. Describe your approach to providing regular updates, using specific examples or metrics to show progress and ensuring that families feel involved and informed throughout the process.

Share a specific experience where you collaborated successfully, emphasizing the importance of communication, respect, and shared goals. This will demonstrate your teamwork skills, which are essential when working in a supportive environment like Positive Development.

Discuss key qualities such as patience, empathy, flexibility, and a genuine passion for child development. Providing examples of how you’ve embodied these traits in previous roles can enhance your answer.

Talk about your commitment to continuous learning, including attending workshops, seeking feedback, and staying updated on best practices in child development. This demonstrates your dedication to improving your skills and being an asset to Positive Development.

Express your understanding of the unique challenges faced by children with autism and why you're drawn to support them. Share any personal experiences or insights that have fueled your commitment to this field.

Share your aspirations for growth and development within the role. Discuss how you hope to help children reach their goals while also seeking learning opportunities that align with Positive Development’s mission and values.