Child Development Specialist - Extended Day Treatment-Middletown CT

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 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
• 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

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. Visit our careers page for more details.