Introduction

Are you a current employee with the Department of Children and Families? Are you an experienced leader with a passion for developing high-performing teams and improving the lives of children and youth? If so, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) invites you to bring your expertise to our team as a Director of Residential Care!
The State of Connecticut, Department of Children and Families (DCF) – Albert J. Solnit Children’s Center – PRTF – South Campus – is accepting applications from qualified agency employees for the position of Director of Residential Care in Middletown, CT.
In this impactful leadership role, you will oversee the residential care department, serving as the manager in charge of residential operations and reporting directly to the Superintendent. You will lead and mentor Operations and Unit Supervisors while driving the vision, strategic direction, and day-to-day management of residential services.
As Director of Residential Care, you will have the opportunity to coordinate and enhance program operations, establish goals and policies that support quality care, lead recruitment and staff development initiatives, oversee program resources and budgets, and build strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Your leadership will help ensure safe, therapeutic, and supportive environments where children and youth can thrive. If you are ready to inspire teams, champion continuous improvement, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of Connecticut's children and families, we encourage you to apply today.
Position Highlights: PCN 44328
- This position is for current employees of the Department of Children and Families only.
- Full-time | 40 Hours per week
- Monday – Friday | 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
What we can offer you:
- View our State Employee Benefits Overview page!
- Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities.
- A healthy work-life balance to all employees!
- The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Click here for more information.
Why Join Us:
We are an ambitious team dedicated to making a difference, engaging in meaningful work that positively impacts children and families. Together, we collaborate with a diverse group of professionals and community partners, encouraging connections that drive success. We benefit from professional growth opportunities and a nurturing work environment that supports our development. As a forward-thinking organization, we value innovation and excellence, striving to make a lasting impact with everything we do.
We hope you take this opportunity to join our team and continue serving your state!
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.
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:
- 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 Rocky Young at Rocky.Young@ct.gov
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a Department of Children and Families facility this class is accountable for directing a residential program.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Directs staff and operation of a residential program;
- Coordinates, plans and manages program activities;
- Formulates program goals and objectives;
- Develops or assists in development of related policy;
- Interprets and administers pertinent laws;
- Evaluates staff;
- Prepares or assists in preparation of program budget;
- Maintains contacts with individuals within and outside of program who might impact on program activities;
- Maintains regular contact and responsibility for each child and youth care unit, group home and halfway house;
- Determines need for and requisitions supplies and equipment;
- Functions as acting assistant and/or superintendent as required;
- Represent facility at meetings of professional and community organizations;
- Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
- Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
- Considerable knowledge of
- principles and practices of residential child and adolescent care;
- normal and abnormal child and adolescent development;
- treatment modalities used with emotionally disturbed and behaviorally disordered children and adolescents;
- Knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and practices;
- Considerable
- interpersonal skills;
- oral and written communication skills.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Two (2) years of experience in direct care in a supervisory or administrative capacity in a residential child or adolescent care facility.
NOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a Children Services Unit Supervisor.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Supervisory experience in a hospital or residential treatment setting.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
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.