Child Development Specialist (Sun-Thurs 2pm-10:30)
The Village was one of the first agencies in the country to provide homes for neglected children. Today, we continue to achieve our mission to build a community of strong, healthy families who protect and nurture children by providing a full range of behavioral health, early childhood and youth development, substance use treatment and support services for children, adults and families in the Greater Hartford, Connecticut region. Named a Connecticut Top Workplace for six consecutive years with national distinction for workplace culture and diversity, equity and inclusion practices.
About the Role
Child Development Specialist at Eagle House, a 24-bed psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) serving children ages 6-12. This program functions as a step-down or diversion from inpatient hospitalization for youth with severe emotional and behavioral challenges related to significant trauma. The average length of stay is approximately 4 months, with the goal of stabilizing youth and preparing them for transition to community-based care, family, or foster placement.
The program provides intensive, trauma-informed care focused on relationship-building and skill development, including:
- Psychiatry and nursing evaluations
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Case management
- Therapeutic recreation
- Special education services
Emphasis is placed on helping youth build emotional regulation, coping skills, and positive interactions with peers and adults.
Responsibilities
- Key member of the multidisciplinary treatment team supporting treatment and educational needs of children with trauma-related challenges
- Implement therapeutic behavior management strategies
- Teach and reinforce healthy coping skills aligned with treatment goals
- Oversee daily routines (e.g., hygiene, meals, structure)
- Facilitate and participate in recreational group activities
- Provide continuous supervision to ensure physical and emotional safety
- Build therapeutic relationships to support emotional regulation, prosocial skill development, and overall behavioral functioning
- Transport clients to appointments or to and from community activities
Requirements
- High school diploma required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred
- 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)
Certifications
Required certifications (or willingness to obtain):
- Medication Administration Certification
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI)
- First Aid & CPR (American Red Cross)
- Defensive Driving
- Safe Food Handling
- Situational Awareness
- Risking Connection
Benefits
- Comprehensive health coverage
- Generous paid time off
- Employer-matched retirement savings
- Tuition reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment
- Loan Forgiveness Program (NHSC)
- Ongoing coaching, training, and professional development opportunities
- Staff recognition programs, including awards and incentives for staff of the month, perfect attendance, and appreciation events throughout the year
Pay
Starting hourly rate: $20.50 per hour with differential pay for hours worked between 3 PM-7 AM.
Schedule
Sun-Thurs, 2:00 PM - 10:30 PM (scheduled for 8.5 hours with a 0.5-hour break).