Develop and supervise specialized rehabilitation programs tailored to the individualized treatment goals of male youth in a secure residential setting. Collaborate with clinical staff to monitor client progress and utilize de-escalation techniques to maintain safety.
Requirements summary
Requires a Bachelor's degree in rehabilitation/recreation therapy or equivalent experience working with youth with emotional or mental challenges. Must possess a valid CT driver's license and be able to complete a mandatory 120-hour training curriculum.
LOCATION: Hamden, CT AGENCY DESCRIPTION One of the oldest organizations of its kind in the country, Community Partners in Action (CPA) was founded nearly 150 years ago to champion criminal justice reform and advocate for preserving the dignity of those in and out of prison. Through our programs that include reentry and housing, youth initiatives, a nationally recognized Prison Arts Program, and holistic alternatives to incarceration, we provide a long-term impact that positively transforms individuals and society at large. Annually serving over 4,000 individuals throughout Connecticut, our work is possible due to partnerships with and support from individuals, government, private funders, organizations, and businesses. CPA is guided by our BEDI (Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) culture. WE ARE COMMITTED to building and maintaining an inclusive, equitable workplace and COMPELLED to have a constructive impact on criminal justice reform in CT that ends racial inequities and ensures the humanity and dignity of those interacting with the system. Read more about our BEDI culture at https://cpa-ct.org/our-bedi-journey/ PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The REGIONS Site Secure Program is a secure residential treatment program for up to 16 male youth. The mission of the program is to provide a home-like environment with a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, gender-specific, linguistically appropriate, strengths-based, and relationship-driven milieu for the youth to help them improve their social, physical and emotional well-being. Our vision is to therapeutically intervene in the cycle of offending to reduce the youth’s risk factors and prevent them from transitioning into the adult justice system. Our treatment philosophy is one that is individualized, designed to help the youth develop a positive self-image, learn effective coping skills, experience success, gain confidence, build positive relationships, achieve behavioral changes and re-enter their communities better equipped to succeed. The high-risk youth in this program will likely have a history of violence and be of significant risk for future violence. They may be a significant risk to public safety and demonstrate chronic and persistent patterns of violent or public safety offenses. The youth may present with multiple complex needs that are challenging to treat and a history of poor treatment attitude and response. The youth may exhibit escalating antisocial sophistication. Their AWOL risk is high in context of low treatment amenability and if they elope, they will likely engage in violent or public safety offenses. POSITION REQUIREMENTS The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree related to rehabilitation/recreation therapy and experience in a residential treatment program. Equivalent work experience and training in therapeutic rehabilitation with children and adolescents with emotional or mental challenges will be considered. Understanding and knowledge of gender-specific, trauma-informed, culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate issues and needs; knowledge of behavior motivation and psychosocial interventions; knowledge of child psychology and development. Strong emotional intelligence; ability to interact with multi-cultural populations; crisis management skills; leadership, decision making, communication, interpersonal and organizational/ prioritization skills, adaptability, flexibility and resourcefulness. Must share the belief that people can change and individuals in need deserve quality services and an opportunity to succeed. Familiarity with relevant state and federal laws. Must have and maintain a valid CT driver’s license and reliable transportation. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. Candidates with lived experience are encouraged to apply. Training Requirements and Work Environment Conditions Selected candidates will be required to complete and pass a mandatory 120-hour training curriculum within their first year of employment.
Training sessions will be conducted during standard hours (8:00
AM to 4:00 PM). Thereafter, employees must complete a minimum of 40 hours of training annually. The training program includes Safe Crisis Management, which involves both verbal de-escalation techniques and physical restraint methods used to maintain the safety of both youth and staff during crisis situations.
Work
Environment
Note: Candidates should be aware that the position may involve exposure to assaultive or abusive behavior from youth, and there is a potential risk of injury. Exposure to communicable diseases is also possible due to the nature of the work.
Responsibilities
Develop and supervise specialized programs that target individualized treatment goals. Collaborate with clinical and operations staff on the development and delivery of programs Oversee the implementation of therapy programs Monitor client progress to determine appropriate therapeutic modality analyze and evaluate the accomplishment of program objectives Perform quality assurance audits to ensure program compliance with all standards Establish and maintain professional boundaries with all staff, youth and providers. Serve as a role model to youth and staff modeling pro-social behaviors As necessary, utilize approved verbal and/or physical de-escalation techniques to eliminate youth's harm to self, harm to others, significant property/program destruction and escape, maintaining communication with necessary parties Work collaboratively with internal and external providers. An Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Affirmative Action
In Connecticut, rehabilitation therapist openings often reflect steady demand in youth-serving behavioral health and education settings, where employers look for candidates who can support clients with emotional or mental challenges. These roles are competitive because they combine a relevant degree or equivalent experience, a valid CT driver's license, and completion of a mandatory 120-hour training curriculum. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your license status and training readiness before applying.
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