Introduction
Are you a current DCF employee and looking to grow within your career in state service? If so, we invite you to explore this internal opportunity!
The State of Connecticut, Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking to internally fill multiple positions on second shift for the title of Lead Children Services Worker in Middletown, CT.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
- LOCATION: Middletown, CT
- SHIFT: Full-time | 40 Hours per week | second shift
- NOTE: This position is open to current DCF employees only. Please see selection plan for additional details.
- SCHEDULE (BASED ON POSITION):
PCN 44853 - 2nd shift Hospital - Passaic - Week 1 Off
Fri/Mon; Week 2 Off Sat/Sun
PCN 114116 - 2nd shift Hospital - Sachem - Week 1 Off Fri/Wed; Week 2 Off
Sat/Sun
PCN 138757 - 2nd shift Hospital - Sachem - Week 1 Off Sat/Sun; Week 2 Off
Fri/Mon
PCN 138758 - 2nd shift Hospital - Passaic - Week 1 Off Sat/Sun; Week 2 Off
Fri/Tues
BENEFITS AND BALANCE AT THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT
As a current state employee, you will continue to receive benefits, including:
- State Employee Retirement System;
- A variety of medical and dental plans;
- Sick and personal leave;
- The State of CT is an eligible Public Services Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service.
Visit the State Employee Benefits Overview page to learn more!
In addition, the State puts an emphasis on:
- Providing limitless opportunities;
- Hiring for diverse and fresh perspectives;
- Performing meaningful work and;
- Encouraging a healthy work/life balance!
Our state has a lot to offer - from fun activities for all ages, to great food and shopping, to beautiful state parks and forests, to our diverse cultures and rich history. Connecticut is a great place to live! Learn more about Connecticut here.
YOUR ROLE
Duties of the Lead Children Services Worker may include:
- 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;
- Other related duties.
More details about this position can be found within the 'Example of Duties' and the class specification.
ABOUT US
DCF has a mission to work together with families and communities so that children can grow up healthy, safe, smart, and strong. Region 2 serves children and families in the territories of New Haven and the surrounding areas. We are very proud of our diverse and dedicated workforce who strive every day to meet the needs of those we encounter. Our family-centered, strength-based approach to our work seeks to improve the well-being of the children and families we serve.
START WITH US. STAY WITH US. GROW WITH US.
Selection Plan
In order to be considered for this job opening you must be a current State of CT employee of the agency listed above for at least six (6) months of full-time service or full-time equivalent service, absent any applicable collective bargaining language, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.
NEW: Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply!
Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THIS RECRUITMENT:
- Please include any related endorsements and/or certification and licensure credential details within your application.
- Be sure to select all locations you are interested in and commutable to.
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
- Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
- Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
- Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
- Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
- Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
- Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
- Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
- NEW: Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.”
- Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
- Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
- Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
- The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
- Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Samantha Rivera at Christopher.Lavalle@CT.Gov
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a state childcare 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 ensure 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;
- problems of adolescents and influences of environment;
- Knowledge of
- security procedures regarding contraband and runaway searches, etc.;
- disciplinary techniques and guidelines for use;
- how to transport clients in a controlled and safe way;
- fire safety procedures;
- principles and practices of family therapy;
- basic first aid techniques and materials;
- Considerable interpersonal skills;
- Ability to
- assess situations and use good judgment;
- lead staff;
- 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
- A Bachelor's degree in health, human services or mental health may be substituted for one (1) year of the General Experience.
- 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
- Experience in hospital and residential treatment programs
with adolescents.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
- 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.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.