Youth Development Specialist

Job OpportunityIs participating in caring, treating, and rehabilitating adolescents from 12-21 years of age something that interests you? They need therapeutic relationships to develop and grow while struggling with behavioral health issues and co-occurring complex physical health needs. That special person could be you!We are looking for someone to work 40 hours a week primarily 2nd shift. Full time employees are eligible for our attractive benefits that include: Health, dental, and vision insurance, Life insurance, 401k plus a match, 13 Paid Holidays, 3 Weeks' Vacation, Parental Leave, Employee Assistance Program, and an Employee Referral Program. We are also currently offering a $1,000 sign on bonus.Klingberg is a private non-profit multi service agency who provides help to thousands of people across Connecticut each year. Our goal is to extend hope and healing to children and families whose lives have been traumatized by abuse and/or neglect in its various forms, severe family problems and mental health issues.Webster House, located in New Britain CT, is a separate accessible equipped home on the Klingberg New Britain Campus. It serves both boys and girls ages 12 to 21 who struggle with behavioral health issues and co-occurring complex physical health needs.Webster House provides a caring and supportive environment where both behavioral and medical health can be treated as part of an integrated system of care.Typical Duties:Serves as primary childcare worker to assigned clients.Participates in the development of individual treatment plans for those clients and facilitates implementation of the plans.Maintains familiarity with and implements approved individual treatment plans and programs for all clients assigned to the group home and consults with other staff to assure consistency and continuity of individual treatment programs.Fosters a stable and therapeutic environment by maintaining the values and principles of the group home's treatment philosophy.Interacts with clients in a manner marked by a controlled, non-judgmental tone of voice and body language, promoting individual responsibility and self-esteem.Implements treatment plans, behavioral system and other means of structure in a therapeutic, caring, and respectful manner.Fosters a positive, communicative environment for client families, guardians, and representatives.Fosters the development of meaningful group and individual relationships within the group home among both clients and staff.Provides a variety of services to clients, including transportation, assistance and instruction in hygiene, assistance in the development of daily living skills, and maintenance of other personal needs.Assists in the teaching and development of life skills.Ensures adequate care for the clothing, shelter (cleanliness of bedroom), and other basic needs of clients.Participates in and/or plans recreational activities as assigned by the Supervisor and/or Assistant Supervisor. This participation includes motivation of clients, hobby and skills instruction and support, and the fostering of a positive, enthusiastic, and therapeutic play environment.Participates in maintenance of a safe, clean, secure, and orderly environment.Reports unsafe or unhealthy situations to a supervisor and to maintenance personnel.Ensures the safety of clients by properly following emergency procedures and maintaining required trainings and certifications.Obtains and maintains Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training certification.Participates in physical intervention of clients as required in a manner consistent with policy and procedures.Education/Experience/Other Requirements:Bachelor's Degree preferred, High School Diploma required.Experience working in a therapeutic group preferred.Maintain certification in TCI, CPR and First Aid.Must have a valid driver's license.Assisting residents with physical transfers and physical care, pulling or pushing wheelchairs, toileting or showering residents when necessary and appropriate. Carrying up to 20 lbs.Klingberg Family Centers (and its Affiliates) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, learning or physical disability, past or present history of mental disorder, developmental disabilities, veteran status, or any other category protected by state, federal or local law.We are an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.Primarily 2nd shift. 40 hours a week.