Child Development Specialist- Sub Acute Stabilization (various shifts)

About the role

The Subacute Crisis Stabilization program (SACS) serves youth/young adults ages 5-18 years of age who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis, requiring more than 24 hours for full stabilization and no more than a 14 day stay. Trauma informed treatment through the SACS program is designed to support youth who are experiencing challenging life stressors (disruptive behaviors within the home/community, suicidal or homicidal thinking or are at high risk for using substances). Holistic family focused treatment will be provided to address such mental health stressors and support youth in transitioning back to their homes, schools and communities while reducing the need for hospitalizations/re-hospitalizations or emergency department use.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the safety of children in all situations using supervision and the implementation of various therapeutic techniques, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention.
• Maintain a safe, clean and dignified milieu environment.
• Serve as a healthy role model.
• Demonstrate techniques that enhance problem solving abilities and enable growth and maturity.
• Understand and relay relevant information.
• Record and document critical information in a timely matter.
• Communicate with parents/guardians in a professional and timely matter.
• Communicate with coworkers in a professional and timely matter.
• Communicate with external professionals (e.g. Teachers, DCF Workers) in a professional and timely manner.
• Manage and assist in the modification of child behavior.
• Maintain appropriate certifications (see Licensure Requirements below).
• Provide safe transportation to and from program activities.
• Conduct oneself in a professional, courteous manner in all job-related 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 deemed appropriate by supervisor.
• Conduct any other related work to ensure that the physical and emotional needs of the children are met and that the program continues to operate effectively.
• May be required to work in other programs as needed.

Requirements

• Required Experience: Three years in human service field or experience working with special needs children.
• Specific Skills, Knowledge and Ability Requirements: Knowledge of basic child development, issues related to the effects of abuse and neglect. Must be able to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. Must be culturally competent to serve a diverse population. Must have the ability to manage stress and to respond to emergency situations safely and calmly. Proficient with word processing and spreadsheet applications. Possess solid general computer skills, including ability to work in a Windows XP environment. Familiarity with specific applications used by the Village a plus. Physically able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations, i.e. must be able to supervise groups of children and perform physical intervention if required; must be able to move freely from place to place without restriction.

Certifications

• Certification Timeframe: 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.

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.