Trauma-Informed Child Development Specialist

The Youth Counselor; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Paid time off

Employer matched retirement savings

Tuition assistance

Loan Forgiveness Program – NHSC

Student Loan Repayment

Job summary

The Village is a leading behavioral health and youth development agency in the Greater Hartford region, offering a 24-bed PRTF for children ages 6–12. The Child Development Specialist supports treatment, enforces routines, and leads therapeutic activities in a multidisciplinary team.

Starting hourly rate $20.50 with differential pay for night hours. Shift is Sun-Thurs 2:00-10:30, 8.5 hours with a half-hour break. Benefits include health coverage and tuition assistance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; college degree preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Experience in human services or with children with special needs preferred.
• Knowledge of child development and trauma impact.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Cultural competence with diverse populations.
• Ability to stay calm in crisis situations.

Responsibilities

• Supports treatment and educational needs of children with trauma-related challenges.
• Implements therapeutic behavior management strategies.
• Teaches coping skills aligned with treatment goals.
• Oversees daily routines (hygiene, meals, structure).
• Facilitates recreational group activities.
• Provides continuous supervision to ensure safety.
• Builds therapeutic relationships to support emotional regulation and prosocial skills.
• Transports clients to appointments or community activities.

Skills

Valid driver’s license

Experience in human services

Knowledge of child development

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Cultural competence

Crisis management

Physical supervision

Education

High school diploma

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

The Village is a leading behavioral health and youth development agency in the Greater Hartford region, offering a 24-bed PRTF for children ages 6–12. The Child Development Specialist supports treatment, enforces routines, and leads therapeutic activities in a multidisciplinary team.

Starting hourly rate $20.50 with differential pay for night hours. Shift is Sun-Thurs 2:00-10:30, 8.5 hours with a half-hour break. Benefits include health coverage and tuition assistance.