Lead Children Services Worker (40 Hour)

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 North campus in East Windsor, CT, is recruiting for a full-time Lead Children Services Worker. Hours are second shift, 40 hours per week.  The schedule is week one: Saturday, Sunday off, week two: Friday, Monday off. 

The Albert J. Solnit Children's Center – North Campus provides treatment to adolescent males between the ages of 13 and 17 by utilizing a strength based, family-centered relational approach based on youth-adult partnerships with a program model designed to focus on treatment strategies which are trauma informed and gender responsive.

Located in East Windsor, CT the program is designed to be the bridge from hospital to home and community or as a diversionary placement to avoid the need for a hospital stay, providing an educational program, work experience opportunities and rehabilitation, including therapeutic recreation and occupational and music therapies. 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.

Reference – 44289

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).

Please ensure that your application is complete and you have included your resume within the "Resume Tab" of your application.  You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps system. 

Should you have questions regarding this recruitment please contact Jennifer Bradley, Jennifer.Bradley@ct.gov, (860) 704-4388.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.