Children Services Worker

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).

Applicants invited to interview may need to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include; performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., and other documents 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 that includes; State Police check, Federal background (fingerprint), pre-employment physical, drug screen, DMV check, and TB Test.

Multiple rounds of interviews may occur during the selection process. This posting may be used to fill future vacancies. For questions about this job opening please contact Ethan Ives at ethan.ives@ct.gov.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.