Lead Children Services Worker (40 Hour)

State of Connecticut•Middletown, CT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The State of Connecticut, Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking to internally fill multiple positions on second shift for the title of Lead Children Services Worker in Middletown, CT. This position is open to current DCF employees only. The role involves leading and advising staff in the care, custody, and therapeutic treatment of residents, ensuring adequate unit coverage, maintaining a therapeutic environment, and assisting in the development and supervision of recreational activities. DCF's mission is to work together with families and communities so that children can grow up healthy, safe, smart, and strong, serving children and families in New Haven and surrounding areas with a family-centered, strength-based approach.

Requirements

Current State of CT employee of the agency for at least six (6) months of full-time service or full-time equivalent service
Two (2) years of experience as a Children Services Worker
Considerable knowledge of general procedures concerning routine functioning of institution
Considerable knowledge of problems of adolescents and influences of environment
Knowledge of security procedures regarding contraband and runaway searches, etc.
Knowledge of disciplinary techniques and guidelines for use
Knowledge of how to transport clients in a controlled and safe way
Knowledge of fire safety procedures
Knowledge of principles and practices of family therapy
Knowledge of basic first aid techniques and materials
Considerable interpersonal skills
Ability to assess situations and use good judgment
Ability to lead staff
Ability to efficiently organize time, manage work and coordinate programs

Nice To Haves

Experience in hospital and residential treatment programs with adolescents
Bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language
May be required to travel

Responsibilities

Leads and advises staff in care, custody and therapeutic treatment of residents in unit
Provides for adequate coverage of unit and takes necessary action in case of absences
Provides for maintenance of a therapeutic milieu by assuring residents’ psychological and physical needs are met
Assists in development of recreational activities and programs for residents
Supervises recreational activities for residents
Schedules unit for maintenance
Participates in implementation of behavior modification programs in unit
Works with caseworkers and/or social workers and other professional staff in making decisions through evaluation of residents’ progress and adjustment
Attends meetings with unit staff and/or residents’ families in order to discuss behavioral problems and progress of residents in unit
Writes progress reports on residents
Reviews and signs reports of significant happenings in unit
Maintains monthly supply and weekly clothing inventory
Checks temperatures of residents and dispenses medications
Assists security personnel in apprehension and return of runaways
Initiates contraband searches to ensure residents’ safety
May perform emergency medical procedures
Performs related duties as required