Adolescent Support Specialist

CJR•Torrington, CT

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Adolescent Support Specialist position will provide direct care, supervise, and assist the adolescents (during school and group times), and act as a role model reinforcing the adolescent’s individualized treatment plan. In addition, the Adolescent Support Specialist will facilitate groups as appropriate and will conduct therapeutic programming under the supervision of the Clinician and Shift Supervisor. The Adolescent Support Specialist must be sensitive to unique issues such as mental health, suicide and contraband. Ensure the physical safety of youth, conduct routine headcounts and bed checks, and provide crisis intervention as needed. Maintain professional boundaries and develop respectful, supportive relationships with youth. Plan, lead, and facilitate organized daily activities and therapeutic groups, including Restorative Justice Practices and DBT-Lite. Interpret program goals and treatment plans to youth and their families. Complete all required documentation and reports accurately and promptly. Monitor and support youth with physical or emotional needs to ensure safety. Provide transportation for youth and families, including to school, jobs, activities, and appointments. Reinforce and role-model individualized youth needs and treatment plans. Foster independence, resilience, empathy, and teamwork among youth. Support youth in developing life skills such as time management, food preparation, personal accountability, and good study habits; mentor them in these areas. Assist with preparing youth for school, morning routines, meals, evening routines, and maintaining a clean, organized home environment. Engage youth in recreational and prosocial activities such as fishing, hiking, YMCA visits, go-karts, movies, laser tag, basketball, and more. Provide care for up to four youth, many referred by DCF, within a low staff-to-youth ratio (1:2 up to 1:4) in a trauma-informed, therapeutic group home environment. Participate in ongoing training, team meetings, and supervision. Provide support, guidance, and a home-like setting to promote youth development and make a positive impact in their lives.

Requirements

Minimum of 6 months of experience working with court-involved, at-risk, or similar youth populations.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Valid driver’s license to utilize a company-provided vehicle during work hours.
Ability to work the listed schedule.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree or 60 college credits.

Responsibilities

Provide direct care, supervise, and assist adolescents.
Act as a role model reinforcing the adolescent’s individualized treatment plan.
Facilitate groups and conduct therapeutic programming.
Ensure the physical safety of youth, conduct routine headcounts and bed checks, and provide crisis intervention.
Maintain professional boundaries and develop respectful, supportive relationships with youth.
Plan, lead, and facilitate organized daily activities and therapeutic groups.
Interpret program goals and treatment plans to youth and their families.
Complete all required documentation and reports accurately and promptly.
Monitor and support youth with physical or emotional needs to ensure safety.
Provide transportation for youth and families.
Reinforce and role-model individualized youth needs and treatment plans.
Foster independence, resilience, empathy, and teamwork among youth.
Support youth in developing life skills such as time management, food preparation, personal accountability, and good study habits.
Assist with preparing youth for school, morning routines, meals, evening routines, and maintaining a clean, organized home environment.
Engage youth in recreational and prosocial activities.
Provide care for up to four youth in a trauma-informed, therapeutic group home environment.
Participate in ongoing training, team meetings, and supervision.
Provide support, guidance, and a home-like setting to promote youth development.

Benefits

Low-cost Medical Insurance Plan option
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance offered after 30 days of employment
Company Paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Generous Paid Vacation Package (unused time eligible for carry over)
Generous Paid Sick Time (unused time eligible for carry over)
Paid Holiday Time (separate from vacation time)
Floating Holidays (separate from paid vacation time and paid holiday time)
Annual monetary incentives
Tuition Assistance
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
Career Growth Opportunities
Company Celebrations & Employee Recognition Program
Employee discounts (cell phone, computer)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Qualified Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer Federal Student Aid
10%-20% tuition discount at many local educational institutions, including those listed by the CT Nonprofit Alliance