Child Development Associate Jobs in Hartford, CT

About us: 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 a full range of behavioral health, early childhood and youth development, substance use treatment and support services for children, adults and families in the Greater Hartford, Connecticut region.

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

Hourly rate: $20.50 per hour.

Work Schedule: 10am-6pm Monday - Friday 

**   Must have a  clean and valid CT driver's license and three consecutive years of driving experience.

$1,000 sign-on bonus for candidates that have a current Public Passenger Endorsement CT Driver's License- V endorsement or once the requirements for the Endorsement are met. 

JOB SUMMARY

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 the children's academic learning by focusing on the enhancement of their social, recreational and behavioral functioning. The float position will require staff to travel, as needed, to all site locations including Hartford, Manchester, Meriden and Middltown.

Extended Day Treatment (EDT) Child Development Specialist

Child Development Specialists (CDS) are selected based on formal skills, training and real-world experience working with children and youth with and without special needs.  In selecting Child Development Specialists, the program also strives to address issues of cultural and linguistic competence.  The Child Development Specialist is a key member of the treatment team. He/she is responsible for maintaining a healthy and safe environment for the participants in his/her care. The Specialist uses nurturing relationships and various therapeutic and socio-recreational activities in guiding participants. The Child Development Specialist acts as a healthy role model, using established therapeutic techniques, while concentrating on behavior management and behavior change. With proper attention being paid to individual needs and differences among participants, the Specialist promotes social growth and development. The Specialist demonstrates professional competency with proper utilization of supervision and consultation with other professionals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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 matter.
• Communicate with parents/guardians in a professional and timely matter.
• Communicate with coworkers in a professional and timely matter.
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

•  Educational Requirements: Bachelor's Degree strongly preferred; Associates Degree or High School diploma considered.
• Licensure/Certification Requirements:  Must be a minimum age of 21 year old. 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 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.
•  Physically able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations, i.e. must be able to supervise groups of children and perform physical intervention if required; must be able to move freely from place to place without restriction.