STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Children Services Worker (40 Hour)

Recruitment #200508-1923FK-001

Introduction

Are you interested in a career where you can make a difference in the lives of children and adolescents?

 

The State of Connecticut, Department of Children and Families (DCF), Albert J. Solnit Children's Center South Campus is recruiting for anticipated Children Services Workers, to fulfill second shift vacancies in Middletown, CT. Candidates must have a valid Driver’s License.

 

Schedules will be based on operational needs and will include non- standard start and end times, holidays and weekends. Example of schedule as follows:

 

40 hours: Week 1 – Friday & Wednesday off, Week 2 – Saturday & Sunday off  2nd shift

 

Albert J. Solnit Children’s Center is widely recognized as a center of excellence for family-centered treatment of children and youth with serious emotional disturbances. The Albert J. Solnit, South Campus in Middletown consists of four co-ed hospital units and three female adolescent psychiatric residential treatment facility cottages (PRTF). 

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. Components of the program include: comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment; 24-hour supervision and monitoring; individual, group and family therapy; medication evaluation and management; intensive case management; and in-home support.

State of Connecticut employees participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off. 

*New hires to state services will start at $25.30 per hour. Upon completion of the initial working test period the incumbent’s salary will be increased to the standard pay plan for this job class. Ref: 44462, 44625, 4395.

Selection Plan

  • Applicants invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
  • Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience most closely meets the preferred requirements of the position. 
  • Candidates must clearly specify their qualifications in their application.
  • Candidates will be required to successfully pass an extensive background check to include State Police check, Federal background (fingerprint), pre-employment physical, drug screen, DMV check and TB Test.
  • Candidates may be required to attend more than one interview during the selection process.

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

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

  • Experience in congregate care treatment programs.
  • .Experience in behavioral health, medical or hospital setting.
  • Experience as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team.
  • Experience documenting significant events, critical incidents and/or interventions.
  • Experience advocating and teaching self-support skills to youth, reinforcing positive behaviors and/or applying therapeutic interventions.

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

Due to the volume of applications anticipated, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be provided through your JobAps portal account. Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.

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.