Adolescent Support Specialist

cjr; West Torrington (CT); On-site; USD 39,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Low-cost Medical Insurance

Dental and Vision Insurance after 30d

401(k) with Company Match

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Time

Holiday and Floating Holidays

Tuition Assistance

EAP and PSLF opportunities

Job summary

CJR is seeking an Adolescent Support Specialist in Winsted, CT to provide direct care and supervision for youth. You will help implement individualized treatment plans, facilitate groups, and deliver therapeutic programming under supervision.

This role emphasizes safety, empathy, and resilience in a trauma-informed setting. Responsibilities include crisis intervention, documentation, coordinating transportation, and mentoring youth in life skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months of experience with court-involved or at-risk youth.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver’s license to use company vehicle.
• Ability to work the listed schedule, including night shifts.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and supervise adolescents.
• Facilitate groups and therapeutic programming under supervision.
• Complete documentation and reports promptly.
• Ensure safety and crisis intervention as needed.
• Coordinate transportation for youth and families.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Driver's license

Schedule adherence

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree or 60 college credits

Job description

Adolescent Support Specialist - Job #72 40 hours per week - 10-hour shifts $20.00 per hour

Winsted, CT06098 - 10 Minutes from Torrington

About This Job

The Adolescent Support Specialist position will provide direct care, supervise, and assist the adolescents (during school and group times), and act as a role model reinforcing the adolescent’s individualized treatment plan. In addition, the Adolescent Support Specialist will facilitate groups as appropriate and will conduct therapeutic programming under the supervision of the Clinician and Shift Supervisor. The Adolescent Support Specialist must be sensitive to unique issues such as mental health, suicide and contraband.

• Ensure the physical safety of youth, conduct routine headcounts and bed checks, and provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Maintain professional boundaries and develop respectful, supportive relationships with youth.
• Plan, lead, and facilitate organized daily activities and therapeutic groups, including Restorative Justice Practices and DBT-Lite.
• Interpret program goals and treatment plans to youth and their families.
• Complete all required documentation and reports accurately and promptly.
• Monitor and support youth with physical or emotional needs to ensure safety.
• Provide transportation for youth and families, including to school, jobs, activities, and appointments.
• Reinforce and role-model individualized youth needs and treatment plans.
• Foster independence, resilience, empathy, and teamwork among youth.
• Support youth in developing life skills such as time management, food preparation, personal accountability, and good study habits; mentor them in these areas.
• Assist with preparing youth for school, morning routines, meals, evening routines, and maintaining a clean, organized home environment.
• Engage youth in recreational and prosocial activities such as fishing, hiking, YMCA visits, go-karts, movies, laser tag, basketball, and more.
• Provide care for up to four youth, many referred by DCF, within a low staff-to-youth ratio (1:2 up to 1:4) in a trauma-informed, therapeutic group home environment.
• Participate in ongoing training, team meetings, and supervision.
• Provide support, guidance, and a home-like setting to promote youth development and make a positive impact in their lives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 months of experience working with court-involved, at-risk, or similar youth populations -Required
• High school diploma or equivalent -Required
• Associate's degree or 60 college credits -Preferred
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Valid driver’s license to utilize a company-provided vehicle during work hours -Required
• Ability to work the listed schedule - Required

Shift and Rate of Pay

• Full-time 40 hours per week $20.00 per hour
  • Saturday 8pm - Sunday 6am
  • Sunday 8pm - Monday 6am
  • Monday 8pm - Tuesday 6am
  • Tuesday 8pm - Wednesday 6am
• Time and a half/overtime available

Benefits

• Low-cost Medical Insurance Plan option
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance offered after 30 days of employment
• Company Paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Generous Paid Vacation Package (unused time eligible for carry over)
• Generous Paid Sick Time (unused time eligible for carry over)
• Paid Holiday Time (separate from vacation time)
• Floating Holidays (separate from paid vacation time and paid holiday time)
• Annual monetary incentives
• Tuition Assistance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
• Career Growth Opportunities
• Company Celebrations & Employee Recognition Program
• Employee discounts (cell phone, computer)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Qualified Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer Federal Student Aid
• 10%-20% tuition discount at many local educational institutions, including those listed by the CT Nonprofit Alliance

About CJR

At CJR, we focus on ensuring that every young person has an opportunity to thrive. CJR reaches across the state of Connecticut to deliver a broad continuum of care through our residential, education, wellness, and community-based programs. At CJR, you will experience a fulfilling career with an employer that encourages advancement, respects diversity, and rewards excellence.

CJR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in the industry. We embrace the competitive advantage of diversity.