Child Development Specialist - Extended Day Treatment-Middletown CT

The Youth Counselor; Middletown (CT); On-site; USD 28,240; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly Rate of $20.50

$1,000 Sign-On Bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

A community-focused organization is seeking a Child Development Specialist in Middletown, CT, to support children facing emotional and behavioral challenges. In this role, you will create a safe, nurturing environment while applying therapeutic techniques. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree, driving experience, and a commitment to encouraging children's development. The position offers a competitive hourly rate of $20.50 and a $1,000 sign-on bonus for qualified applicants. Join us to make a positive impact on families and children.

Qualifications

• Clean, valid CT driver’s license with three consecutive years of driving experience.
• Ability to obtain/maintain Public Service License, Medication Administration Certification, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certification, First Aid & CPR, Defensive Driving Certification.
• At least three years in the human services field or working with children with special needs.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment for all children in care.
• Use established therapeutic techniques to support emotional and behavioral regulation.
• Serve as a positive, healthy role model for children.
• Document critical information accurately and promptly.
• Facilitate therapeutic groups and activities.

Skills

Understanding of child development and the impact of abuse/neglect

Ability to remain calm and effective in crisis situations

Cultural competence and commitment to serving diverse populations

Strong communication and teamwork skills

Basic computer proficiency (Word, Excel)

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Associate Degree or High School Diploma

Job description

Child Development Specialist - Extended Day Treatment-Middletown CT

The Village for Families & Children – Middletown CT

Hourly Rate: $20.50/hour$1,000 Sign-On Bonus (for candidates with a currentPublic Passenger Endorsement – V endorsement, or once requirementsare met)

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 10am–6pm

Clean, valid CT driver’s license withthree consecutiveyears of driving experience

About Us

The Village was among the first agencies in the nation toprovide safe homes for neglected children—and that spirit ofinnovation and compassion still drives us today. Our mission issimple and powerful: to build a community of strong, healthyfamilies who protect and nurture children.

We serve children, adults, and families across Greater Hartfordthrough a comprehensive range of behavioral health, early childhood,youth development, and substance use treatment services.

As a Connecticut Top Workplace for six consecutiveyears, recognized nationally for our culture and ourcommitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, you’ll be joining anorganization that invests in your growth just as we investin the well-being of our community.

Position Overview

The Child Development Specialist (CDS) plays avital role on a multidisciplinary treatment team, supportingchildren with significant emotional, behavioral, and learningchallenges. You’ll help ensure each child’s physical and emotionalneeds are met while fostering social, recreational, and behavioral growth.

If you’re passionate about helping children thrive—and you bringpatience, creativity, and a commitment to trauma-informed care—thisis a meaningful opportunity to make a lasting impact.

What You’ll Do

Maintain a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment forall children in your care

Use established therapeutic techniques, includingTherapeutic Crisis Intervention, to supportemotional and behavioral regulation

Serve as a positive, healthy role model

Support children’s problem-solving, social skills, anddevelopmental growth

Document critical information accurately and promptly

Communicate professionally with parents/guardians,coworkers, teachers, DCF workers, and other external partners

Facilitate or co-facilitate therapeutic groups and activities

Provide safe transportation for program activities

Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing training

Collaborate with a diverse, multidisciplinary team to ensurehigh-quality care

Step into other program areas as needed to support agency operations

Experience and Skills

What You Bring

Education

Bachelor’s Degree strongly preferred

Associate Degree or High School Diploma considered

Licensure & Certifications

Clean, valid CT driver’s license with threeconsecutive years of driving experience

Ability to obtain/maintain:

Public Service License

Medication Administration Certification

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certification

First Aid & CPR (American Red Cross)

Defensive Driving Certification

Experience

At least three years in the human servicesfield or working with children with special needs

Skills & Abilities

Understanding of child development and the impact of abuse/neglect

Ability to remain calm and effective in crisis situations

Cultural competence and commitment to serving diverse populations

Strong communication and teamwork skills

Basic computer proficiency (Word, Excel; familiarity withVillage systems a plus)

Physical ability to supervise groups and performinterventions when necessary

Why Join The Village?

A mission-driven culture rooted in compassion and equity

Nationally recognized workplace excellence

Supportive supervision and ongoing professional development

Opportunities to grow within a respected, community-focused organization

The chance to make a real difference in the lives ofchildren and families

If you’re ready to help build stronger families and brighterfutures, we’d love to meet you.

Apply today and become part of a team that believes in thepower of hope, healing, and human connection.

As a Village employee, you should feel confident that your healthand well-being is one of our highest priorities.

The Village offers a comprehensive flexible benefits packagedesigned to aid in the health and well-being of our employees andtheir dependents.

https://thevillage.org/careers/our-benefits/