DIRECT CARE WORKER - EXTENDED DAY TREATMENT PROGRAM
Job Description
???? Hamden, CT | ???? Full-Time | Non-Exempt
Make a Difference Every DaySince 1833, The Children's Center of Hamden has been dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families. We are seeking compassionate and dedicated Direct Care Workers to join our Extended Day Treatment (EDT) Program. In this role, you will provide direct support to youth ages 5–17 who require intensive behavioral health services beyond traditional outpatient counseling while helping create a safe, structured, and trauma-informed environment that promotes emotional growth, resilience, and success.
Why Join Us?At The Children's Center of Hamden, you'll be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team that values compassion, teamwork, and professional growth.
???? Comprehensive Benefits – Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage, employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and wellness programs.
????️ Generous Paid Time Off – Vacation, sick, personal days, and 12 paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving.
???? Retirement & Long-Term Security – 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.
???? Professional Growth & Development – Interest-free tuition loans, CEU-accredited training, and career advancement opportunities.
???? Supportive, Mission-Driven Culture – Join a collaborative team where your work makes a meaningful difference for youth and families every day.
As a Direct Care Worker – EDT, you will:
Supervise recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities for youth in the Extended Day Treatment Program.
Support emotional, social, academic, and behavioral development using trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches.
Assist clinicians in implementing individualized treatment plans and therapeutic interventions.
Provide crisis prevention, intervention, and behavioral support while maintaining a safe and structured environment.
Monitor youth during program activities and crisis situations.
Assist with meals and other daily program responsibilities.
Maintain accurate documentation, including group notes, incident reports, and required records.
Participate in treatment team meetings, staff meetings, trainings, and professional development.
Build positive relationships with youth and families while maintaining professional boundaries.
Promote culturally responsive, respectful, and inclusive interactions.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum of 2 years of experience working with children and adolescents in a behavioral health, residential, educational, or related setting required.
Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Health or a related field preferred.
Experience facilitating groups and implementing behavioral support strategies preferred.
Strong communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork skills.
Ability to maintain safety, structure, and therapeutic boundaries.
Demonstrated compassion, patience, flexibility, and commitment to trauma-informed care.
Ability to perform light to moderate lifting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, and other physical activities as required.
Ability to respond appropriately during behavioral crises and maintain a safe therapeutic environment.
Potential exposure to environmental conditions common in behavioral health treatment settings.
If you're passionate about supporting children and adolescents through compassionate, hands-on care, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help create safe, supportive environments where youth and families can thrive.
???? The Children's Center of Hamden is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
School Session: Mon - Fri, 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Summer Session: Mon - Fri, 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
