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.
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.
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Provide a safe, nurturing, and supportive living environment for youth in care
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Implement treatment plans and therapeutic programming as part of daily activities
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Supervise residents and provide proactive behavioral interventions and crisis management
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Document resident behaviors, responses to care, and daily progress accurately and timely
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Participate in recreational, educational, and developmental activities with residents
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Administer medications as scheduled and prescribed in accordance with agency and DCF guidelines
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Respond appropriately to crisis situations, including the use of therapeutic restraints when necessary
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Maintain a clean, organized, and safe residential environment
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Collaborate with Residential Supervisors, clinical staff, schools, and treatment teams
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Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and agency meetings
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Follow all agency policies, procedures, and incident reporting protocols
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High school diploma required; Associate degree preferred
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Minimum of 3–4 years of experience working with children and adolescents, or equivalent education and experience
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Strong crisis intervention and behavior management skills
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Ability to maintain professional boundaries and work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills
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Understanding of childhood development, trauma-informed care, and cultural diversity preferred
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Working knowledge of the Greater Waterbury area preferred
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Bilingual Spanish/English candidates are encouraged to apply
Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain:
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CPR and First Aid Certification
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DCF Medication Administration Certification
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DCF-approved Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) Certification
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DCF Background History Check (CPA)
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Physical and PPD testing as required
