The Village for Families & Children – Middletown CT
Hourly Rate: $20.50/hour$1,000 Sign-On Bonus (for candidates with a current Public Passenger Endorsement – V endorsement, or once requirements are met)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 10am–6pm
The Village was among the first agencies in the nation to provide safe homes for neglected children—and that spirit of innovation and compassion still drives us today. Our mission is simple and powerful: to build a community of strong, healthy families who protect and nurture children.
We serve children, adults, and families across Greater Hartford through a comprehensive range of behavioral health, early childhood, youth development, and substance use treatment services.
As a Connecticut Top Workplace for six consecutive years, recognized nationally for our culture and our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, you’ll be joining an organization that invests in your growth just as deeply as we invest in the well-being of our community.
The Child Development Specialist (CDS) plays a vital role on a multidisciplinary treatment team, supporting children with significant emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges. You’ll help ensure each child’s physical and emotional needs are met while fostering social, recreational, and behavioral growth.
If you’re passionate about helping children thrive—and you bring patience, creativity, and a commitment to trauma-informed care—this is a meaningful opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Maintain a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment for all children in your care
Use established therapeutic techniques, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, to support emotional and behavioral regulation
Serve as a positive, healthy role model
Support children’s problem-solving, social skills, and developmental growth
Document critical information accurately and promptly
Communicate professionally with parents/guardians, coworkers, teachers, DCF workers, and other external partners
Facilitate or co-facilitate therapeutic groups and activities
Provide safe transportation for program activities
Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing training
Collaborate with a diverse, multidisciplinary team to ensure high-quality care
Step into other program areas as needed to support agency operations
Bachelor’s Degree strongly preferred
Associate Degree or High School Diploma considered
Minimum age: 21
Clean, valid CT driver’s license with three consecutive years of driving experience
Ability to obtain/maintain:
Public Service License
Medication Administration Certification
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certification
First Aid & CPR (American Red Cross)
Defensive Driving Certification
Safe Food Handling Certification
At least three years in the human services field or working with children with special needs
Understanding of child development and the impact of abuse/neglect
Ability to remain calm and effective in crisis situations
Cultural competence and commitment to serving diverse populations
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Basic computer proficiency (Word, Excel; familiarity with Village systems a plus)
Physical ability to supervise groups and perform interventions when necessary
A mission-driven culture rooted in compassion and equity
Nationally recognized workplace excellence
Supportive supervision and ongoing professional development
Opportunities to grow within a respected, community-focused organization
The chance to make a real difference in the lives of children and families
If you’re ready to help build stronger families and brighter futures, we’d love to meet you.
Apply today and become part of a team that believes in the power of hope, healing, and human connection.
As a Village employee, you should feel confident that your health and well-being is one of our highest priorities.
The Village offers a comprehensive flexible benefits package designed to aid in the health and well-being of our employees and their dependents.
https://thevillage.org/careers/our-benefits/