STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Children Services Worker (40 Hour)

Recruitment #190930-1923FK-001

Introduction



Are you interested in a career where you can make a difference, do what you are passionate about and receive personal fulfillment?

The State of Connecticut, Department of Children and Families (DCF), Solnit South campus in Middletown, CT, is recruiting for a full time Children Services Worker. Hours are 2nd shift, 40 hours per week, 2:45pm - 11:15pm. This position is located in PRTF/ Lakota Unit. The schedule is week one Saturday, Sunday and Thursday off, week two Tuesday off.

The Albert J. Solnit Children's Center is part of the Department of Children and Families, widely recognized as a center of excellence for family-centered treatment of children and youth with serious emotional disturbances. This state-administered Psychiatric facility provides comprehensive care to children and adolescents under the age of eighteen, with severe mental illness and related behavioral and emotional problems who cannot be safely assessed or treated in a less restrictive setting. The South Campus consists of four co-ed hospital units and three female adolescent psychiatric residential treatment facility cottages (PRTF).

Our 67-acre campus is centrally located in Middletown, Connecticut overlooking the Connecticut River. The Solnit Center facilities support our dedication to helping youth improve their individual and social competencies. The campus includes: two schools, an indoor pool, playgrounds, a ball field, two gyms, recreation rooms, 4 hospital units and 3 inpatient psychiatric residential units, and an outdoor picnic area. Reference – 44932.

Selection Plan

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee of the Department of Children and Families, who has permanent state status*, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.

*For employees in the classified service, permanent status is obtained after successful completion of a working test period. For employees in the unclassified service, permanent status is obtained after serving in a position for at least six months (full-time or full-time equivalent).

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Jennifer Bradley at jennifer.bradley@ct.gov or 860-704-4388.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state child care facility or program this class is accountable for performing a full range of basic counseling and custodial activities for residents.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Counsels and advises residents individually on such matters as purpose of institutionalization, problems, progress in unit and placement plans; participates in maintaining a therapeutic milieu by meeting psychological and physical needs of residents; oversees daily living activities to insure proper care of residents; teaches residents in unit self support skills such as basic money management, daily living habits, hygiene, etc.; dispenses rewards to residents as a result of behavior; oversees recreational activities for residents; writes reports of significant events in unit such as runaways and accidents; checks temperatures of residents and dispenses selected medications; records daily activities in log book; escorts residents to destinations on and off grounds, to and from meals, class, infirmary, court, placements, etc; disciplines children who are acting out and follows up with appropriate action; attends staff meetings and training sessions to improve treatment and therapy skills; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of human behavior and emotions; knowledge of behaviors characteristic of clients with emotional and/or behavioral disorders; knowledge of proper procedures in threatening or emergency situations; considerable interpersonal skills; ability to foster self worth and self identity in clients; ability to counsel and motivate clients in coping with problems and setting achievable goals; ability to use good judgment and assess situations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of paraprofessional experience in an applied treatment program for emotionally disturbed, delinquent, behaviorally disordered, educationally deficient or intellectually disabled children or youth.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  1. An Associate's Degree in the health, human services or mental health areas may be substituted for the General Experience.
  2. Thirty (30) college credits in a course of study leading to a Bachelor's Degree in the behavioral sciences may be substituted for one (1) year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants with experience in a congregate care treatment program(s) with adolescents preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  1. Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
  2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and maintain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
  3. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

WORKING CONDITIONS

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

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.