Developmental Specialist

JOB SUMMARY: The program model utilizes a Person Centered Approach and includes structured activities and interventions that provide instruction and support in 5 key areas. These include accommodating changes in physical functioning, cognitive ability, Executive Functioning areas, behavior and emotion regulation, and language and communication development. A high degree of structure exampled by scheduling, routine and visual and auditory adaptations is combined with a commitment to individualization, community inclusion and skill acquisition to provide participants the opportunity to achieve the highest degree of independence and growth possible.

The program model provides intensive, community and site-based services in a number of critical areas.

• Social Skill Training
• Personal Care
• Leisure Time Exposure & Development
• Behavior Programming and Anger Management
• Emotion Regulation Techniques
• Community Integration & Inclusion
• Physical Exercise & Mobility Training
• Pre-vocational Skill Development

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Agency Mission/Quality Services

• Understand and perform all job functions based on the mission and philosophical principles of Opportunity Works.
• Adhere to the Ethical Code of Conduct for all employees.
• Ensure the health, safety, well being, and human rights of all people supported by following all agency policies and procedures.
• Create a positive, team-oriented, holistic, and compassionate work environment that focuses on quality service delivery and program development.
• Adhere to the agency timelines/schedule regarding attendance and participation at all mandatory trainings and scheduled trainings.
• Act as a role model for people supported by demonstrating a professional manner in all aspects of job performance.
• Promote and model Positive Behavior Supports.

Clinical Support

• Provide support and counseling to people supported to assist them with developing their problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Identify interfering behavior and implement behavioral interventions and protocols and/or to provide counseling to people as needed.
• Participate in regular team meetings and clinical discussions regarding people supported with the manager and behavior consultant monthly.
• Engage in supervisions with the Program Manager that focus on support and improvement in job performance. This will be discussed with the behavioral consultant as needed.

Implementation of Support Plan Goals through Teaching and Training

• Understand and implement Day Habilitation support plan and person centered goals and strategies.
• Provide ongoing training and support to people supported by implementing skills development groups and trainings that promotes independence and skill development.
• Develop interesting and creative skills development groups that will engage people supported to learn and grow.
• Provide feedback and adjustment of techniques as a means to assist people supported to attain their personal goals and provide individualized support when necessary.
• Assess the abilities of people supported and provide constructive input in the completion of assessment tools and support plan documentation.

Advocacy/Communication

• Support and foster the growth and independence of people supported.
• Participate in support plan meetings by providing information that is based on the person centered plan.
• Promote increased participation in community activities and in the use of community resources.
• Communicate all issues and concerns regarding people supported to the Program Manager and/or appropriate person.
• Support people according to their individual communication styles and respectful of their support needs.
• Empower people supported to make choices and exercise their human rights.

Occupational Exposure Tasks/Procedures
The following is a list of procedures and tasks performed at Opportunity Works in which occupational exposure may occur:

Assistance with personal care including toileting, changing people who are incontinent of urine and/or feces, or cleaning people who have vomited. May also come in contact with semen/vaginal secretions or saliva

• Behavioral interventions that may involve a personal becoming incontinent of urine and/or feces or situations in which interventions may involve saliva or vomit
• Assessment of illness of a person that may involve body fluids
• Blood sugar testing (task normally performed by licensed nurses)
• Administering injections (task performed by licensed nurses)

Documentation

• Ensure that all information regarding people supported is maintained with the highest level of confidentiality based on the policies and procedures regarding peoples protected health information.
• Complete required documentation that is accurate completed within established timelines, and within a manner based on dignity and respect to people supported including data sheets, case notes, incident reports, seizure records, etc.
• Provide case management for assigned people and complete the support planning process documentation.
• Keep daily data on behavior plans and protocols as agreed upon by the clinical team.

General
Adhere to all personnel policies, especially regarding the importance of good attendance and punctuality.
Follow through on all assigned tasks.

• Work cooperatively with all team members and agency personnel.
• Supervise people supported at all times including their arrival and departure.
• Assist people with their personal care needs.
• Ensure a clean and safe environment and to report any health or safety concerns promptly to the appropriate person based on policies and procedures.
• Assist transportation by driving or monitoring with morning and afternoon runs.
• Complete other duties as assigned. This may include assisting in other departments and may be outside your normal tasks.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum high school diploma or equivalent
• at least 2 years of experience working with the Developmental Disabled and/or Brain Injured population.
• A college degree and/or a C.N.A. certification is preferred.
• Valid drivers license and the ability to drive a van required.
• Crisis intervention training (i.e. PABC) is favorable
• CPR, First Aid and MAP certificates are preferred