State of Connecticut Executive Branch

In a state childcare facility or program this class is accountable for independently performing specialized services for the treatment and care of delinquent, emotionally disturbed or neglected and abused children and youth and for performing individual and group counseling.

Works under the limited supervision of a unit supervisor or other professional employee of higher grade.

• Conducts group counseling sessions; 
• Participates in implementation of behavior modification programs including therapeutic recreation programs; 
• Leads group interaction (Guided Group Interaction or motivational sessions) meetings with residents of unit; 
• Confers with parents regarding behavior and progress of residents; 
• Attends meetings with unit staff to discuss behavioral problems and progress of residents in unit; 
• Recommends other professional services, doctors, dentists, social workers, etc. for residents; 
• Explains institutional programs, rules and regulations to residents and parents; 
• Determines appropriate awards for behavior modification program and dispenses accordingly; 
• Performs first aid and emergency medical procedures; 
• Writes progress reports on residents; 
• Trains and advises Children Services Workers in care of residents; 
• Attends parent visits with residents on grounds; 
• Works with caseworkers and/or social workers and other professional staff in making decisions through evaluation of residents’ progress and adjustment; 
• Assists professional staff with advanced level tasks; 
• May perform related duties as required.

• Considerable knowledge of
  • physiological and perceptual disorders such as learning disabilities, perceptual handicaps, etc.; 
  • problems of adolescents and influences of environment; 
• Knowledge of
  • psychosis, personality disorder, psycho-pathology and violence; 
  • processes of normal human behavior such as motivation, emotion, neurosis, etc.; 
  • individual and group therapy techniques such as client centered, behavior modification techniques; 
  • crisis intervention;
  • first aid procedures in case of injury and life saving techniques as a result of choking, shock, etc.; 
  • various symptoms caused by non-prescription drugs; 
• Considerable interpersonal skills; 
• Clinical skill in recognizing non-verbal communication such as cues and body language; ability to assess individual behavior and observe changes in clients; 
• Ability to
  • mediate problems between staff members and clients; 
  • logically analyze problem situations and come to workable solutions; 
  • assess client behavior in terms of desired objectives and in relation to others.

• Three (3) years in the care of residents in an institution or facility for emotionally disturbed or delinquent children at the level of Children Services Worker including the utilization of therapy techniques to achieve behavioral change.
• A Bachelor's degree in health, human services, mental health or recreation therapy may be substituted for one (1) year of the General Experience.

• Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American sign language.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain residents and may have significant exposure to risk of injury from assaultive and/or abusive residents.

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Children Services Specialist (37.5 Hour) in Salary Group XN 20 approved effective June 23, 1995. (Revised to add Acknowledgement section and modify content) Final No. 23-071