Trauma-Informed Child Development Specialist

The Village for Families and Children; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Staff recognition programs

Health benefits

Job summary

The Village for Families and Children in Hartford, CT is seeking a part-time Child Development Specialist to join our multidisciplinary team. You will support treatment and educational needs of children with trauma-related challenges, and help create a safe, therapeutic environment for youth in our 24-bed program.

Qualifications include a high school diploma (college degree preferred), a valid driver's license, and certifications in CPR/First Aid, TCI, and medication administration.

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 (with or without reasonable accommodation)

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 (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

Skills

Driver's license

Human services experience

Trauma-informed care

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Cultural competence

Crisis management

Physical intervention

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Medication Administration Certification

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI)

First Aid & CPR

Defensive Driving

Safe Food Handling

Situational Awareness

Risking Connection

Job description

The Village for Families and Children in Hartford, CT is seeking a part-time Child Development Specialist to join our multidisciplinary team. You will support treatment and educational needs of children with trauma-related challenges, and help create a safe, therapeutic environment for youth in our 24-bed program.

Qualifications include a high school diploma (college degree preferred), a valid driver's license, and certifications in CPR/First Aid, TCI, and medication administration.