Youth Specialist; Hrly

Job Details

Job Location:

Wolcott, CT 06716

Position Type:
Full Time

Salary Range: $19.31 Hourly

Job Shift: Any

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of youth? We are seeking compassionate, dependable, and motivated individuals to join our Residential Services team as a Youth Specialist. In this role, you will help create a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment for children and adolescents in a residential treatment setting while supporting their emotional, behavioral, and developmental growth.

Position Summary

The Youth Specialist works collaboratively with Residential Supervisors and clinical staff to support the daily operations of a Therapeutic Group Home. This position provides direct care, supervision, crisis intervention, behavior management, and recreational programming for youth in care. The ideal candidate is team-oriented, trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and committed to helping youth thrive in a structured therapeutic environment.

• Provide a safe, nurturing, and supportive living environment for youth in care
• Implement treatment plans and therapeutic programming as part of daily activities
• Supervise residents and provide proactive behavioral interventions and crisis management
• Document resident behaviors, responses to care, and daily progress accurately and timely
• Participate in recreational, educational, and developmental activities with residents
• Administer medications as scheduled and prescribed in accordance with agency and DCF guidelines
• Respond appropriately to crisis situations, including the use of therapeutic restraints when necessary
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe residential environment
• Collaborate with Residential Supervisors, clinical staff, schools, and treatment teams
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and agency meetings
• Follow all agency policies, procedures, and incident reporting protocols

• High school diploma required;
  Associate degree preferred
• Minimum of 3–4 years of experience working with children and adolescents, or equivalent education and experience
• Strong crisis intervention and behavior management skills
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Understanding of childhood development, trauma-informed care, and cultural diversity preferred
• Working knowledge of the Greater Waterbury area preferred
• Bilingual Spanish/English candidates are encouraged to apply

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain:

• CPR and First Aid Certification
• DCF Medication Administration Certification
• DCF-approved Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) Certification
• DCF Background History Check (CPA)
• Physical and PPD testing as required