FAMILY TIME SPECIALIST

Job Description

Job Description

???? Family Time Specialist – Quality Parenting Center (QPC)

???? Hamden, CT | ???? Full-Time | Non-Exempt

Make a Difference Every Day

Since 1833, The Children's Center of Hamden has been dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families. We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Family Time Specialist to join our Quality Parenting Center (QPC) Program —a role where your guidance, coaching, and support will strengthen relationships between children and their biological parents/caregivers following DCF involvement. The QPC is a community-based supervised visitation program utilizing a parent empowerment model designed to support families whose children have been removed from their care and placed in foster or relative/kinship care. The Family Time Specialist facilitates meaningful family connections, provides real-time parenting coaching, and supports reunification and permanency goals.

Why Join Us?

At The Children's Center of Hamden, you'll be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team that values compassion, professional growth, and family-centered care.
???? Comprehensive Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness programs, employer-paid medical premium contributions, and Health Savings Account (HSA) funding.
????️ Generous Paid Time Off – Vacation, sick, personal days, and paid holidays.
???? Retirement & Long-Term Security – 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.
???? Professional Growth & Development – Agency training opportunities, professional development, and career advancement support.
???? Supportive, Mission-Driven Culture – Join a team dedicated to strengthening families and improving outcomes for children and youth.

What You'll Do

As a Family Time Specialist, you will:

• Facilitate supervised child/parent visits following DCF removal in accordance with the Quality Parenting Center model.

• Conduct pre- and post-visit meetings with parents/caregivers to establish goals, address concerns, and ensure children’s needs are prioritized.

• Prepare parents for children’s reactions during visits and support appropriate interactions.

• Provide real-time coaching by recognizing parent strengths and improving parenting skills.

• Assist parents with emotions and challenges before and after visits.

• Develop visitation plans and goals in collaboration with DCF, caregivers, and families.

• Maintain accurate documentation of visits using required narrative formats.

• Support discharge meetings and final visits when permanency goals are achieved.

• Maintain professional boundaries and provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive family support.

• Report safety concerns affecting the care, welfare, and security of children served.

• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, workshops, conferences, and supervision.

• Successfully complete CPI training and utilize approved physical intervention techniques only as a last resort when necessary.

What We're Looking For

• Associate degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Knowledge of child welfare, CPS practices, family systems, visitation dynamics, legal issues, and support systems.

• Experience working with children and families preferred.

• Strong communication, documentation, organization, and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to collaborate with DCF, caregivers, parents, and multidisciplinary teams.

• Commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and equitable family services.

• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite, CareLogic, OnShift, and Paycom.

• Valid Connecticut driver’s license with a clean driving record.

• CPR/First Aid certification required.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

Ability to perform essential job functions, including light to moderate lifting, standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching, repetitive motion, and driving as required. Potential exposure to bodily fluids, waste, allergens, and irritant conditions common in community-based service settings.

Core Competencies

• Values & Ethics: Acts with integrity, respect, and professionalism while treating all individuals equitably.

• Communication: Communicates clearly and effectively with families, colleagues, and community partners.

• Conflict Resolution: Supports prevention and resolution of conflict while maintaining positive relationships.

• Organization: Manages multiple responsibilities and prioritizes tasks effectively.

• Teamwork: Collaborates with others by sharing information and respecting diverse perspectives.

• Technology Skills: Uses computer systems effectively and learns required software platforms.

• Decision Making: Makes timely decisions aligned with policies and organizational expectations.

• Leadership: Models professionalism and contributes to a positive team environment.

• Strategic Thinking: Identifies needs and solutions that support children and families.

Join Our Team

If you are passionate about supporting families, strengthening parent-child relationships, and helping children achieve permanency and well-being, we invite you to apply for the Family Time Specialist – Quality Parenting Center position.

???? The Children's Center of Hamden is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.