Training and Development Specialist - Diversion First

Training and Development Specialist - Diversion First

New Haven, CT, USA

Waterbury, CT, USA

Posted Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 4:00 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.

Diversion First is a state-wide effort to ensure all youth in Connecticut can have the opportunity to be diverted away from formal processing in the juvenile justice system for low level offenses which did or otherwise result in a referral to juvenile court, and thus improving their long-term outcomes.

Diversion First will utilize the Youth Diversion Team (YDT) model, a reimagined Juvenile Review Board which has evolved in Connecticut for over 40 years. This is a restorative justice approach designed to focus on repairing harm and offering supported supervision to address underlying needs. Youth take accountability for their actions, repairing the harm while community accountability ensures that the youth's needs are met.

Shared accountability reinforces the youth's connection to the community and engagement in pro-social behaviors.

The Training and Development Specialist assists the Program Managers with training and coaching team members and completes documentation in an accurate, timely, and compliant manner consistent with regulatory guidelines.

$60,320

Master's Degree in juvenile/criminal justice, community planning or social work administration with at least 1-2 years’ experience with restorative justice, trauma informed, behavioral health service delivery to children, adolescents and families is required. Supervisory and program management experience is strongly preferred.

Must have valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation.

Demonstrates model fidelity on an on-going basis. Demonstrates strong leadership qualities as identified by positive interpersonal relationships with peers, leadership, and external partners, involvement as peer mentor, and participates in Wheeler and/or external committees.

New Haven and Waterbury, 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:

• 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

• 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

• 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)

Supports the Program Managers and Supervisors in training team members in the model, agency expectations, ongoing topics relevant to the work, and areas identified by the consultant and/or child welfare. May also provide agency orientation training in Restorative Justice and Trauma Informed approaches as needed.

Utilizes reports and data in DCF and CYSA tracking systems to support their training objectives.

Assists Program Managers and Supervisors in tracking training attendance/certification through Med Trainer.

May collaborate with supervisors to create team strategies in meeting productivity goals.

Provides outreach in the community to present the model to key stakeholders and establish linkages to new community supports.

Att…