Child Development Specialist/ Paraprofessional- Extended Day Treatment- ($1,000 sign on bonus) - The Village For Families & Children

Our Mission:

Hourly rate is $20.50
$1,000 bonus for candidates that have a current Public Passenger Endorsement CT Driver’s License- V endorsement

JOB SUMMARY

The Child Development Specialist participates as a key member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team in the treatment and/or education of children with significant emotional, behavioral and learning disabilities. She/He ensures that the children’s physical and emotional needs are met on a daily basis and supports the children’s academic learning by focusing on the enhancement of their social, recreational and behavioral functioning.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain the safety of children in all situations through the use of 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 insure 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree strongly preferred; Associates Degree or High School diploma considered.
• Licensure/Certification Requirements: Must be a minimum age of 21 year old. Valid driver’s license for at least three years and the capacity to attain or maintain a Public Service License, Medication Administration Certification, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certification, American Red Cross First Aid and CPR Certification, Defensive Driving Certification, Safe Food Handling Certification.
• Experience Level: 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.