Child Development Specialist - Extended Day Treatment-Middletown CT

The Village for Families & Children - Middletown CT

Hourly Rate: $20.50/hour $1,000 Sign-On Bonus (for candidates with a current Public Passenger Endorsement - V endorsement, or once requirements are met)

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm

Clean, valid CT driver's license with three consecutive years of driving experience

About Us

The Village was among the first agencies in the nation to provide safe homes for neglected children-and that spirit of innovation and compassion still drives us today. Our mission is simple and powerful: to build a community of strong, healthy families who protect and nurture children.

We serve children, adults, and families across Greater Hartford through a comprehensive range of behavioral health, early childhood, youth development, and substance use treatment services.

As a Connecticut Top Workplace for six consecutive years, recognized nationally for our culture and our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, you'll be joining an organization that invests in your growth just as deeply as we invest in the well-being of our community.

Position Overview

The Child Development Specialist (CDS) plays a vital role on a multidisciplinary treatment team, supporting children with significant emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges. You'll help ensure each child's physical and emotional needs are met while fostering social, recreational, and behavioral growth.

If you're passionate about helping children thrive-and you bring patience, creativity, and a commitment to trauma-informed care-this is a meaningful opportunity to make a lasting impact.

What You'll Do

Maintain a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment for all children in your care

Use established therapeutic techniques, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, to support emotional and behavioral regulation

Serve as a positive, healthy role model

Support children's problem-solving, social skills, and developmental growth

Document critical information accurately and promptly

Communicate professionally with parents/guardians, coworkers, teachers, DCF workers, and other external partners

Facilitate or co-facilitate therapeutic groups and activities

Provide safe transportation for program activities

Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing training

Collaborate with a diverse, multidisciplinary team to ensure high-quality care

Step into other program areas as needed to support agency operations Experience and Skills

What You Bring

Education

Bachelor's Degree strongly preferred

Associate Degree or High School Diploma considered Licensure & Certifications

Minimum age: 21

Clean, valid CT driver's license with three consecutive years of driving experience

Ability to obtain/maintain:

Public Service License

Medication Administration Certification

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certification

First Aid & CPR (American Red Cross)

Defensive Driving Certification

Safe Food Handling Certification Experience

At least three years in the human services field or working with children with special needs Skills & Abilities

Understanding of child development and the impact of abuse/neglect

Ability to remain calm and effective in crisis situations

Cultural competence and commitment to serving diverse populations

Strong communication and teamwork skills

Basic computer proficiency (Word, Excel; familiarity with Village systems a plus)

Physical ability to supervise groups and perform interventions when necessary Why Join The Village?

A mission-driven culture rooted in compassion and equity

Nationally recognized workplace excellence

Supportive supervision and ongoing professional development

Opportunities to grow within a respected, community-focused organization

The chance to make a real difference in the lives of children and families

If you're ready to help build stronger families and brighter futures, we'd love to meet you.

Job Benefits

As a Village employee, you should feel confident that your health and well-being is one of our highest priorities.

The Village offers a comprehensive flexible benefits package designed to aid in the health and well-being of our employees and their dependents.