Child Development Specialist - Extended Day Treatment

Child Development Specialist - Extended Day Treatment

The Village for Families & Children is hiring a Child Development Specialist for its Extended Day Treatment program.

Hourly rate: $20.50 per hour. $1,000 sign‑on bonus for candidates with a current Public Passenger Endorsement CT Driver’s License – V endorsement or once the requirements for the endorsement are met.

The Child Development Specialist participates as a key member of a multi‑disciplinary treatment team in the treatment and/or education of children with significant emotional, behavioral and learning disabilities. She/He ensures that the children’s physical and emotional needs are met on a daily basis and supports their academic learning by focusing on the enhancement of their social, recreational and behavioral functioning. The float position requires staff to travel, as needed, to all site locations including Hartford, Manchester, Meriden and Middletown.

• Maintain the safety of children in all situations through the use of supervision and the implementation of various therapeutic techniques, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention.
• Maintain a safe, clean and dignified milieu environment.
• Serve as a healthy role model.
• Demonstrate techniques that enhance problem‑solving abilities and enable growth and maturity.
• Understand and relay relevant information.
• Record and document critical information in a timely manner.
• Communicate with parents/guardians in a professional and timely manner.
• Communicate with coworkers in a professional and timely manner.
• Communicate with external professionals (e.g., Teachers, DCF Workers) in a professional and timely manner.
• Manage and assist in the modification of child behavior.
• Maintain appropriate certifications (see Licensure Requirements below).
• Provide safe transportation to and from program activities.
• Conduct oneself in a professional, courteous manner in all job‑related interactions.
• Interact with children in a positive, nurturing, therapeutic manner.
• Facilitate or co‑facilitate therapeutic groups.
• Participate in program meetings, agency meetings, supervision and training events as deemed appropriate by supervisor.
• Conduct any other related work to ensure that the physical and emotional needs of the children are met and that the program continues to operate effectively.
• May be required to work in other programs as needed.

• Educational Requirements:
  
  Bachelor’s Degree strongly preferred;
  Associate’s Degree or high school diploma considered.
• Licensure/Certification Requirements:
  Minimum age 21. Valid driver’s license for at least three years and the capacity to attain or maintain a Public Service License, Medication Administration Certification, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certification, American Red Cross First Aid and CPR Certification, Defensive Driving Certification, Safe Food Handling Certification.
• Experience Level: Three years in the human services field or experience working with special‑needs children.
• Specific skills, knowledge and ability requirements:
  Knowledge of basic child development and issues related to the effects of abuse and neglect.
• Must be able to work as a member of a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Must be culturally competent to serve a diverse population.
• Must have the ability to manage stress and to respond to emergency situations safely and calmly.
• Proficient with word processing and spreadsheet applications. Solid general computer skills, including ability to work in a Windows environment. Familiarity with specific applications used by The Village is a plus.
• Physically able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations, i.e., able to supervise groups of children and perform physical intervention if required; able to move freely from place to place without restriction.

Keyword:
Child Development Specialist, Direct Care; youth, children, human services, non‑profit.

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at The Village for Families & Children by 2x.