Developmental Para ProfessionalAt — Positive Development

Positive Development is seeking dedicated and compassionate interns to join our team as Developmental Paraprofessionals (DPPs). This internship provides hands-on experience in developmental care, working directly with children with autism and other developmental needs. Interns will gain valuable insights into relationship-based care models, therapeutic interventions, and individualized support strategies to promote growth and well-being in clients' home environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide one-on-one developmental support to children with autism and related challenges, fostering meaningful engagement and progress.
• Implement personalized care strategies aligned with Positive Development’s relationship-based model to encourage social-emotional growth.
• Establish and maintain a safe, nurturing, and structured environment that promotes trust and positive interactions.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including therapists and family members, to align developmental goals and intervention strategies.
• Observe, document, and report progress on clients’ developmental milestones and behavioral patterns.
• Participate in training sessions and ongoing professional development to enhance knowledge of developmental care approaches.
• Uphold ethical and cultural considerations, ensuring respectful, inclusive, and individualized care for each child and family.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a degree program in psychology, social work, education, or a related field.
• Passion for working with children with autism and a strong commitment to fostering developmental progress.
• Excellent communication, patience, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
• Willingness to participate in training and adhere to company policies and ethical guidelines.

Interns in the Developmental Paraprofessional (DPP) Internship at Positive Development will engage in a range of hands-on tasks designed to support children with autism and other developmental needs. Under the guidance of experienced professionals, interns will play a key role in fostering growth, communication, and emotional development in a relationship-based care setting.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities:

1. One-on-One Client Support:
- Engage directly with children in home-based or community settings to encourage developmental progress.
- Implement play-based and relationship-driven strategies to build trust and promote engagement.
- Adapt interactions to meet the individual needs, preferences, and comfort levels of each child.

2. Therapeutic Activity Implementation:
- Assist in carrying out structured activities that enhance social, cognitive, and emotional skills.
- Use sensory, motor, and interactive exercises to support developmental goals.
- Monitor the child’s responses to activities and adjust strategies accordingly.

3. Collaboration with Care Teams:
- Work closely with therapists, developmental specialists, and family members to ensure consistency in care.
- Participate in meetings and training sessions to deepen understanding of developmental care approaches.
- Provide feedback on progress and challenges observed during client interactions.

4. Behavioral Observation & Documentation:
- Observe and document children's behavioral patterns, developmental progress, and engagement levels.
- Maintain accurate records of sessions, noting successes and areas for improvement.
- Communicate observations effectively to supervisors and care teams.

5. Creating a Supportive Environment:
- Foster a positive, safe, and structured setting that encourages growth and emotional well-being.
- Support children in navigating emotions, social interactions, and daily routines.
- Utilize patience, empathy, and clear communication to reinforce positive behaviors.

6. Professional Development & Training:
- Attend orientation and ongoing training sessions to build knowledge of relationship-based developmental care.
- Learn and apply evidence-based intervention techniques under professional supervision.
- Engage in self-reflection and skill development to enhance professional competencies.

7. Ethical & Cultural Considerations:
- Adhere to ethical standards and confidentiality guidelines in all interactions.
- Respect and integrate cultural differences in approaches to care.
- Ensure inclusive and personalized support that honors each child’s unique background and needs.

This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to gain experience in developmental care while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. Would you like to refine any of these tasks based on specific internship goals?

Training:

Interns participating in the Developmental Paraprofessional (DPP) Internship at Positive Development will receive comprehensive training to ensure their success in implementing the Developmental, Relationship-Based Intervention (DRBI) model. The training program is designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective developmental support.

- Two-Week Paid Training Program: Interns will undergo an intensive two-week training period focused on mastering the DRBI model, equipping them with foundational knowledge and practical application strategies.

- Weekly Live Virtual Reflection Sessions: Interns will participate in weekly live virtual discussions to reflect on the material learned, ask questions, and gain deeper insights into developmental care practices.

Client Connection & Support System: During the training period, interns will begin establishing connections with clients, case managers, scheduling coordinators, and other key support professionals who will assist them in their role.

Continuous Access to Training Resources: Interns will have access to online guided materials** and a comprehensive repository of training resources throughout the entirety of their internship.

This structured training program ensures that interns are fully prepared to provide high-quality, relationship-based support to children with autism and developmental needs.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the internship, participants will:

• Develop a strong understanding of developmental care models and their application in supporting children with autism.
• Enhance communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with children, families, and care teams.
• Gain hands-on experience in implementing therapeutic techniques and individualized intervention plans.
• Cultivate problem-solving and adaptability skills to address challenges in developmental care settings.
• Reflect on personal and professional growth while building a foundation for future careers in therapy, psychology, social work, or related fields.

Risks:

Will students be working with individuals who pose an elevated risk of harm or injury to them? Yes

Please describe the circumstances under which the interaction will take place. 

The circumstances under which the interaction will take place depend on the specific client each intern is matched with. Interns will primarily work in home-based or community settings, where they will provide one-on-one developmental support.

1. Site Security: Since sessions take place in the client’s home or community settings, security measures vary based on the location. However, paraprofessionals will always have another adult present (such as a parent or caregiver) to ensure safety and provide support if needed.

2. Staff Training on Safety & Crisis Response: Positive Development offers training resources for identifying and responding to situations involving violent individuals or criminal behavior. While the need for such training depends on the specific case, it is available if required.

3. Intern Training on Safety & Crisis Response: If deemed necessary for a particular placement, interns will receive training on safety protocols, de-escalation techniques, and appropriate responses to high-risk situations. This training is provided on an as-needed basis, ensuring that interns are well-prepared if safety concerns arise.

4. Procedures to Mitigate Risk: To ensure a safe working environment, interns will have ongoing supervision and communication with their case manager. If any concerns arise, interns are encouraged to report them promptly so that appropriate measures can be taken to mitigate risks. Additionally, the presence of a family member during sessions provides an added layer of support and security.

This approach ensures that interns have the necessary resources and support to work safely while providing quality care.