STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Lead Children Services Worker (40 Hour)

Recruitment #190214-1922FK-001

Introduction

                                       

The State of Connecticut, Department of Children and Families, Solnit South campus in Middletown CT, is recruiting for a full time Lead Children Services Worker. This position will be located in the Hosptial on the Acadia Unit. Hours are 2nd shift (2:45 pm - 11:15pm). Schedule is Week 1- Friday & Monday off, Week 2 - Saturday & Sunday Off.

The Albert J. Solnit Children's Center is part of the Department of Children and Families (
DCF), 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, seven program-specific residential units, and an outdoor picnic area.

Selection Plan

All applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of your application.

If selected to interview, please bring the following at the time of interview:

Non-State Employees:

  • List of 3 supervisory references name and contact information

State Emloyees:

  • Two most recent performance evaluations in lieu of references
  • College transcripts

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Amy Morris at amy.morris@ct.gov. Please note that due to the high volume of applicants, notices are sent via email from the State of Connecticut Job Aps system. Reference #114115.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state child care facility or program this class is accountable for the administration of a shift of one or more assigned areas of residential living or program activity and for leading staff responsible for the treatment and care of an assigned group of children and youth.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Leads and advises staff in care, custody and therapeutic treatment of residents in unit; provides for adequate coverage of unit and takes necessary action in case of absences; provides for maintenance of a therapeutic milieu by assuring residents psychological and physical needs are met; assists in development of recreational activities and programs for residents; supervises recreational activities for residents; schedules unit for maintenance; participates in implementation of behavior modification programs in unit; works with caseworkers and/or social workers and other professional staff in making decisions through evaluation of residents progress and adjustment; attends meetings with unit staff and/or residents families in order to discuss behavioral problems and progress of residents in unit; writes progress reports on residents; reviews and signs reports of significant happenings in unit; maintains monthly supply and weekly clothing inventory; checks temperatures of residents and dispenses medications; assists security personnel in apprehension and return of runaways; initiates contraband searches to insure residents safety; may perform emergency medical procedures; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of general procedures concerning routine functioning of institution; considerable knowledge of problems of adolescents and influences of environment; knowledge of security procedures regarding contraband and runaway searches, etc.; knowledge of disciplinary techniques and guidelines for use; knowledge of how to transport clients in a controlled and safe way; knowledge of fire safety procedures; knowledge of principles and practices of family therapy; knowledge of basic first aid techniques and materials; considerable interpersonal skills; ability to assess situations and use good judgment; ability to lead staff; ability to efficiently organize time, manage work and coordinate programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of experience as a Children Services Worker.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants with experience in a congregate care treatment program 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 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.