Child Development Specialist (Sat&Sun 7am-3:30pm)

The Village for Families & Children; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff recognition programs

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Job summary

The Village For Families & Children in Hartford, CT, seeks a Child Development Specialist to join a 24-bed psychiatric residential treatment facility for youth ages 6-12. You will support trauma-informed care, implement behavior management, and assist with education and daily routines while promoting safety and emotional regulation.

As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will help youth develop coping skills, participate in therapy, and facilitate group activities in a structured, supportive

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; an Associate's or Bachelor's degree is a plus.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Experience in human services or with children with special needs preferred.
• Knowledge of child development and trauma, abuse, and neglect.
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Support treatment and educational needs of children with trauma-related challenges.
• Implement therapeutic behavior management strategies with youth.
• Foster healthy coping skills aligned with treatment goals.
• Oversee daily routines and supervise safety.
• Facilitate recreational group activities and transport clients as needed.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Cultural competence

Crisis management

Emotional regulation

Valid driver's license

Education

High school diploma

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Our Mission

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.

Our Mission

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

Starting hourly rate $20.50 per hour

Shift schedule

Sat & Sunday 7am-3:30- includes a 30 minute unpaid meal break

About Eagle House

Program Overview

• 24-bed psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) serving children ages 6-12
• Functions as a step-down or diversion from inpatient hospitalization
• Serves youth with severe emotional and behavioral challenges related to significant trauma
• Average length of stay: ~4 months
• Goal: stabilize youth and prepare them for transition to community-based care, family, or foster placement
• Provides intensive, trauma-informed care focused on relationship-building and skill development
• Services include:
• Psychiatry and nursing evaluations
• Individual, group, and family therapy
• Case management
• Therapeutic recreation
• Special education services

Emphasis on helping youth build emotional regulation, coping skills, and positive interactions with peers and adults

Position Overview - Child Development Specialist

• Key member of the multidisciplinary treatment team
• Supports treatment and educational needs of children with trauma-related challenges
• Implements therapeutic behavior management strategies
• Teaches and reinforces healthy coping skills aligned with treatment goals
• Oversees daily routines (e.g., hygiene, meals, structure)
• Facilitates and participates in recreational group activities
• Provides continuous supervision to ensure physical and emotional safety
• Builds therapeutic relationships to support emotional regulation, prosocial skill development, and overall behavioral functioning
• Transports clients to appointments or to and from community activities

Employee Benefits & Engagement

• Staff recognition programs, including awards and incentives for staff of the month, perfect attendance, and appreciation events throughout the year
• Tuition reimbursement
• Ongoing coaching, training, and professional development opportunitie

Keyword: Human Services, Child Development, Special Needs, Trauma-Informed Care, Abuse & Neglect, Behavioral Health, Case Management, Team Collaboration, Multidisciplinary Team, Cultural Competency, Crisis In

Qualifications & Skills

• High school diploma required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field is a plus
• Valid driver's license required
• Experience in human services or working with children with special needs preferred
• Knowledge of child development and the impact of trauma, abuse, and neglect
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Strong cultural competence and ability to work with diverse populations
• Ability to remain calm, manage stress, and respond safely in crisis or emergency situations
• Physically able to supervise children and perform job duties, including physical interventions (holds) when necessary (with or without reasonable accommodation)

Required Certifications (or Willingness To Obtain)

• Medication Administration Certification
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI)
• First Aid & CPR (American Red Cross)
• Defensive Driving
• Safe Food Handling
• Situational Awareness
• Risking Connection

From: The Village For Families & Children