Child Development Specialist; Fri - Mon

The Village for Families and Children

Job Location: Hartford, CT •
Job Type: Part‑Time •
Salary: $20.50 per hour (differential 3 PM‑7 AM)

Our Mission:
The Village was one of the first agencies in the country to provide homes for neglected children. Today we continue to achieve our mission “to build a community of strong, healthy families who protect and nurture children” by providing behavioral health, early childhood, youth development, substance use treatment and support services for children, adults and families in Greater Hartford, Connecticut.

Named a Connecticut Top Workplace for five consecutive years with national distinction for workplace culture, diversity, equity and inclusion practices, you can be sure you’re joining an organization that’s committed to your success as we are to those we serve.

Starting hourly rate: $20.50 per hour with differential pay for hours worked between 3 PM‑7 AM.

• Staff of the Month (gift card rewards), perfect attendance awards, staff appreciation events throughout the year with food and prizes, and weekly newsletter shout‑outs.
• Culture and Connection Committee – staff‑driven group that creates and participates in staff engagement activities and collaborates on a supportive work environment.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• On‑floor coaching and development.
• Opportunity for career growth and mentorship.
• Regular upward assessments to provide feedback on employee needs.
• Employee Assistance Program – free counseling services.

The Child Development Specialist I is a key member of a multidisciplinary treatment team that supports children with emotional, behavioral, and learning disabilities. The specialist ensures the physical and emotional needs of children are met daily and supports their academic learning by enhancing social and recreational functioning.

Eagle House, a 24‑bed psychiatric residential treatment facility, serves as a step‑down from inpatient hospitalization for children ages 6‑12 with severe emotional and behavioral difficulties stemming from trauma. The facility provides intensive clinical support through ongoing psychiatry, nursing evaluations, individual, group, and family therapy, case management, and special education services. Youth typically stay for about four months, receiving a trauma‑informed model of care that builds therapeutic relationships to stabilize and improve functioning, preparing them for transition to community‑based treatment or family/foster care.

• Maintain the safety of children in all situations using supervision and implementation of therapeutic techniques, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and dignified environment.
• Serve as a healthy role model.
• Demonstrate problem‑solving techniques that foster growth and maturity.
• Relay relevant information in a timely manner.
• Record and document critical information promptly.
• Communicate professionally and timely with parents/guardians, coworkers, and external professionals (e.g., teachers, DCF workers).
• Assist in modifying child behavior and 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 directed by a supervisor.
• Perform any other related work required to meet the physical and emotional needs of children and ensure program effectiveness.
• 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
:
Valid driver’s license and 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.

Experien…