Child Development Specialist- 3rd Shift; Sun-Thurs

The Village for Families and Children

Location:

Hartford, CT

Job Level: Any

Education:

High School/GED

Job Type: Full-Time/Regular

Experience:

Any

Starting Date: ASAP

Salary: $20.50 per hour (additional $1.50 for hours worked between 3 pm‑7 am)

Starting hourly rate $20.50 including an additional $1.50 for hours worked between 3pm-7am

Sub-Acute Crisis Stabilization Child Development Specialist

The Subacute Crisis Stabilization program (SACS) serves youth/young adults ages 5‑18 years of age who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis, requiring more than 24 hours for full stabilization and no more than a 14‑day stay. Trauma‑informed treatment through the SACS program is designed to support youth who are experiencing challenging life stressors (disruptive behaviors within the home/community, suicidal or homicidal thinking or are at high risk for using substances).

Holistic family‑focused treatment will be provided to address such mental health stressors and support youth in transitioning back to their homes, schools and communities while reducing the need for hospitalizations/re‑hospitalizations or emergency department use.

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. This staff ensures that the children's physical and emotional needs are met daily and supports the children's academic learning by focusing on the enhancement of their social, recreational, and behavioral functioning.

• Maintain the safety of children in all situations using 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
  :
  Valid driver's license 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 human service field or experience working with special needs children.
• Specific Skills, Knowledge and Ability Requirements
  :
  Knowledge of basic child development, 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. Possess solid general computer skills, including ability to work in a Windows XP environment. Familiarity with specific applications used by the Village a plus.
• Physical…