Associate Director-Child First

Posted Monday, February 2, 2026 at 5:00 AM

Wheeler's vision is that all people will have the opportunity to grow, change and live healthier, productive lives. Our mission is to provide equitable access to innovative care that improves health, recovery and growth at all stages of life.

The Associate Director oversees the development, implementation, and effectiveness of all Child First services at Wheeler, including DCF and OEC-funded services. The Associate Director focuses on promoting mental health, preventing and reducing risk factors, and providing early intervention for vulnerable children and their families.

$88,000

Master's or Doctoral degree in Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, Counseling, or other human services related field.

Minimum of five years’ experience working psychotherapeutically with young children (0-5 years) and their families using a relationally based model. Significant experience working in in-home and community-based settings is also required.

Minimum of 3 years’ experience providing supervision to Master’s level Clinicians.

Displays excellent leadership and team-building skills (organized, self-motivated and flexible).

Credential(s)

Required:

Connecticut License (LCSW, LPC, LMFT or Psychologist)

Bristol, CT

Full time

At Wheeler, we're committed to not only supporting your career growth but also ensuring your well-being and security. Here's how we invest in you:

Nurture Your Health:

• Comprehensive medical and prescription insurance through Centivo
• Comprehensive dental and vision insurance through Cigna
• Access to wellness programs to support your physical and mental health

Secure Your Future:

• Enjoy peace of mind with company-paid life and AD&D insurance
• 403(b) Plan, with contributions from the company
• Pursue your educational goals with our Education Reimbursement Program
• Access training and development opportunities
• Receive a productivity incentive to recognize your hard work and dedication
• Get reimbursed for licensure/certification expenses

Maintain Work-Life Harmony:

• Recharge with generous paid time off, including:
  • 15 vacation days per year to explore and recharge
  • 8 sick days per year for your well-being
  • 2 personal days per year for your personal needs
  • 2 floating holidays per year to celebrate what matters to you
  • 9 paid company holidays to spend with loved ones
• Access free and confidential counseling through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Supervise all components of operations and set program policy and procedures for Child First teams of Masters and Bachelors level staff.

Provide Child First group reflective supervision and case conference meetings on a weekly basis, using videotape as appropriate.

Provide weekly reflective supervision with each identified Clinician, Care Coordinator, and Clinical Team.

Provide administrative oversight for all Child First teams and staff and ensure that program meets all funding and model defined program benchmarks.

Supervise and manage staff to support that they are meeting all program expectations including meeting home visit completion benchmarks and data documentation requirements.

Maintain an “open door” policy for staff supervision, consultation, and support, as needed.

Review progress notes, formulations, and clinical diagnoses for all children and families.

Review and sign all identified Child and Family Plans of Care (Treatment Plans).

Build and maintain cohesive, supportive, reflective, respectful relationships among staff.

Review all process data on a monthly basis with staff and discuss areas for improvement, and respond to clinical areas of need with specific training for staff.

Coordinate, prepare, and submit required reporting for DCF and OEC Child First teams and review outcome data on a quarterly basis with staff and discuss areas for improvement, and respond to clinical areas of need with specific training for staff.

Use the Child First Fidelity Framework with all staff to maintain fidelity to the Child First model.

Lead all site-based quality enhancement…