Pediatric Position in Neuro-Affirming

Overview

Pediatric Support Position in a Neuro-Affirming Setting

Columbia, Maryland

Ideal for OT / SLP students, related professionals, and students with an interest in working with children with developmental disabilities.

We welcome any applicants with relevant experience or a demonstrated interest in working with neurodivergent children in community, educational, camp, therapeutic, or other related settings. No specific license, credential, or training is required.

•$30+ per hour, dependent on experience

• W-2 employment managed through Fello (formerly The Arc)

This is a neuro-affirming pediatric support role working with elementary-aged children with developmental disabilities within the Maryland DDA Waiver Self-Directed Services program, fiscally administered through Fello (formerly The Arc). This is a fantastic opportunity for upper-class undergraduate or graduate students looking for meaningful, hands-on experience.

This role offers meaningful, hands-on experience for upper-level undergraduate or graduate students seeking applied exposure to neurodiversity-affirming practice outside of traditional clinic-based models.

Many staff members have gone on to professional roles as licensed Occupational Therapists and Special Education professionals and remain involved on a limited basis, providing training and mentorship to new staff members. They cite this position as foundational in developing applied skills in regulation support and child-led engagement within a collaborative, neuro-affirming, and sensory-informed environment.

This position is not suited for practicing behavior technicians, as our work does not align with ABA methodologies. We prioritize neuro-affirming, respectful, and relationship-based approaches.

• Engage in physical and play-based activities while creating a fun, structured, and supportive environment
• Support emotional regulation using co-regulation, movement-based strategies, and visual supports
• Facilitate daily routines, transitions, and community-based activities
• Encourage communication, independence, and participation through responsive support
• Collaborate with a neuro-affirming care team, including an Occupational Therapist, a Functional Support Plan Consultant, a Nurse, a Training & Staff Support Lead, and a Coordinator of Community Services (CCS), and participate in training and feedback.
• Provide flexible support with light meal preparation and support with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as clean-up and routines

Support a joyful, imaginative, energetic 7-year-old child with an elaborate vocabulary, deep love for animals, nature, and sensory play. Support provided using relationship-based, neuro-affirming practices that respects autonomy and individual regulation needs.

• Position 1:
  Afternoon/ evening support (1-2 days per week, schedule flexible; finalized after training)
• Position 2:
  As-needed/backup support (after initial training, potential weekends, summer hours, and back-up support)

Additional hours may become available after onboarding.

• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Vaccinations current for school/hospital settings, including annual flu
• Ability to pass a federal background check, fingerprinting, and CPS child abuse clearance
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, insurance, and reliable vehicle for possible transportation
• This is not a direct-pay private household employment arrangement.

Please email your resume, 2-3 references, and availability to: