Child Development Specialist- Sub Acute Stabilization - Per Diem All shifts

The Village for Families & Children; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 23,298 - 33,182; Part time

Job summary

A family support organization in Connecticut is seeking a part-time Child Development Specialist to work in a sub-acute stabilization program for youth. The role requires maintaining child safety, facilitating support for academic and social development, and documenting important information. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree, experience with special-needs children, and the ability to obtain required certifications. This position is part-time, offering a starting hourly rate of $20.50 plus additional pay for specific shifts. Responsibilities include therapeutic intervention and maintaining a safe environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, associate’s degree or high school diploma considered.
• Must obtain various certifications within specified timeframes.
• Three years experience in human services or with special-needs children.

Responsibilities

• Maintain child safety using therapeutic techniques.
• Serve as a role model and demonstrate problem‑solving techniques.
• Document critical information promptly and professionally.

Skills

Basic child development

Cultural competence

Stress management

Emergency response

General computer skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Associate’s Degree or High School Diploma

Tools

Word processing software

Spreadsheet software

Job description

Child Development Specialist – Sub Acute Stabilization (Per Diem All Shifts)

Starting hourly rate $20.50 with an additional $1.50 for hours worked between 3 pm–7 am.

Job Summary

The Subacute Crisis Stabilization Program (SACS) serves youth and young adults ages 5‑18 who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis, requiring more than 24 hours for full stabilization and a maximum stay of 14 days. Trauma‑informed, holistic, family‑focused treatment is provided to address mental health stressors and support youth in transitioning back to home, school, and community while reducing hospitalizations and emergency department use. As a Child Development Specialist, you will be a key member of a multi‑disciplinary treatment team responsible for the daily physical and emotional needs of the children and for supporting their academic and social development.

Responsibilities

• Maintain child safety in all situations using supervision and therapeutic techniques, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention.
• Maintain a safe, clean, dignified milieu environment.
• Serve as a healthy role model and demonstrate problem‑solving techniques that promote growth and maturity.
• Record and document critical information in a timely manner.
• Communicate professionally and promptly with parents/guardians, coworkers, and external professionals (e.g., teachers, DCF workers).
• Assist in modifying child behavior and provide safe transportation to/from program activities.
• Conduct oneself in a professional, courteous manner in all 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 directed.
• Perform any related work to ensure the children’s physical and emotional needs are met and the program operates effectively.
• May be required to work in other programs as needed.

Required Experience

• Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree strongly preferred; associate’s degree or high school diploma considered.
• Licensure/Certification: Valid driver’s license; ability to obtain and maintain a Public Service License, Medication Administration Certification, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certification, American Red Cross First Aid and CPR Certification, Defensive Driving Certification, and Safe Food Handling Certification.
• Experience Level: Three years in human services or experience working with special‑needs children.
• Knowledge/Skills: Basic child development, understanding of abuse and neglect effects, cultural competence, stress management, emergency response, proficiency with word processing and spreadsheets, general computer skills.
• Physical Ability: Able to supervise groups of children and perform physical interventions if required.

Certification Requirements

• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) – within 2 months of hire.
• First Aid / CPR – within 2 months of hire.
• Public Service License (PSL)/V Endorsement – within 2 months of hire.
• DCF Medication Certification – within 6 months of hire.

Employment Details

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Part‑time

Job function: Other – Civic and Social Organizations