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

The Village for Families & Children; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Staff recognition programs

Career development opportunities

Job summary

The Village for Families & Children is seeking a Child Development Specialist to join a 24-bed psychiatric residential treatment facility serving youth ages 6-12 in the Greater Hartford area. The role supports trauma-informed, family-centered care within a multidisciplinary team and emphasizes emotional regulation, coping skills, and safety.

Starting at $20.50 per hour with Saturday and Sunday shifts, the position participates in treatment plans, supervision, and group activities while building

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 (hygiene, meals, structure).
• Facilitates and participates in recreational group activities.
• Provides continuous supervision to ensure safety.
• Builds therapeutic relationships to support emotional regulation and prosocial skills.
• Transports clients to appointments or to community activities.

Skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Crisis management

Cultural competence

Calm under pressure

Transportation to appointments

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.

Job Description

Starting hourly rate $20.50 per hour

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

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 safetyBuilds 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

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

Benefits

Our benefits package supports your whole life with comprehensive health coverage, generous paid time off, and employer matched retirement savings. We also invest in your growth through tuition assistance (Loan Forgiveness Program – NHSC, tuition reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment). https://thevillage.org/careers/our-benefits/

Keyword

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