Direct Support Professional I - Child Care Specialist

Seven Hills Foundation•Barre, MA

22h•$21 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Child Care Specialist provides direct care and supervision to children and adolescents in a structured residential treatment setting. In this role, the Child Care Specialist builds supportive relationships with students, serves as a positive role model, and helps create a safe, consistent, and therapeutic living environment.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
High School Diploma, HiSET, GED, or equivalent required.
Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
Ability to pass required background checks, including CORI, DCF Abuse and Neglect, Sex Offender Registry, and federal fingerprinting.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to use basic math, reasoning, and problem-solving skills in daily work.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain professional boundaries, and work effectively as part of a team.
Ability to remain awake, alert, and attentive while on duty.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including participation in CPI physical restraint with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with youth in residential, behavioral health, or human services settings.
Demonstrated ability to be an engaged, reliable, and collaborative member of a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

Provide direct care and supervision to students in a structured residential treatment setting, ensuring safety and meeting students’ daily physical, emotional, and developmental needs.
Serve as a positive role model by reinforcing appropriate behavior, healthy routines, and life skills using trauma informed practices aligned with the ACORN treatment model.
Maintain constant visual and auditory supervision of students and implement daily schedules, routines, and program activities.
Respond to student behavior using approved behavior management strategies using Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Non-Violent Crisis Intervention techniques, including participation in physical intervention when necessary.
Support student participation in recreational, skill building, on campus, and approved off campus activities.
Collaborate with treatment team members and serve as a student advocate as assigned.
Complete required documentation accurately and in a timely manner, including shift notes, incident reports, and behavioral tracking.
Maintain a safe, clean, and organized living environment and respond appropriately to student health and safety needs.
Attend required trainings, meetings, and maintain current CPR, First Aid, and CPI certifications.
Maintain reliable attendance, professional conduct, and teamwork to support a safe and therapeutic environment.
Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position.