Youth Specialist (PT/PD)

DescriptionYouth Specialist

Residential Services Program

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of youth? We are seeking compassionate, dependable, and motivated individuals to join our Residential Services team as a Youth Specialist. In this role, you will help create a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment for children and adolescents in a residential treatment setting while supporting their emotional, behavioral, and developmental growth.

Position Summary

The Youth Specialist works collaboratively with Residential Supervisors and clinical staff to support the daily operations of a Therapeutic Group Home. This position provides direct care, supervision, crisis intervention, behavior management, and recreational programming for youth in care. The ideal candidate is team-oriented, trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and committed to helping youth thrive in a structured therapeutic environment.

Key Responsibilities

Provide a safe, nurturing, and supportive living environment for youth in care
Implement treatment plans and therapeutic programming as part of daily activities
Supervise residents and provide proactive behavioral interventions and crisis management
Document resident behaviors, responses to care, and daily progress accurately and timely
Participate in recreational, educational, and developmental activities with residents
Administer medications as scheduled and prescribed in accordance with agency and DCF guidelines
Respond appropriately to crisis situations, including the use of therapeutic restraints when necessary
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe residential environment
Collaborate with Residential Supervisors, clinical staff, schools, and treatment teams
Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and agency meetings
Follow all agency policies, procedures, and incident reporting protocols

QualificationsQualifications

High school diploma required; Associate degree preferred
Minimum of 3–4 years of experience working with children and adolescents, or equivalent education and experience
Strong crisis intervention and behavior management skills
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Understanding of childhood development, trauma-informed care, and cultural diversity preferred
Working knowledge of the Greater Waterbury area preferred
Bilingual Spanish/English candidates are encouraged to apply

Required Certifications/Training

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain:

CPR and First Aid Certification
DCF Medication Administration Certification
DCF-approved Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) Certification
DCF Background History Check (CPA)
Physical and PPD testing as required