Developmental Services Adult Services Specialist (37.5 Hour)

DDS West Region • Waterbury, CT

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The State of Connecticut, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) – West Region – is accepting applications for a Developmental Services Adult Services Specialist to support the Private Administration Community Companion Homes Division located in Waterbury, CT. Join a dedicated team committed to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives within our communities aligned with the principles of person-centered care. This position is highly visible to individuals receiving supports and services from DDS, as well as to community organizations, advocacy groups, and Companion Homes.

Requirements

• Six (6) years of experience in providing direct service to individuals with an intellectual disability and related conditions.
• College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
• Two (2) years of experience as a Developmental Services Adult Services Instructor or its equivalent may be substituted for the General Experience.
• Knowledge of current practices and trends in services and supports for individuals with an intellectual disability and related conditions.
• Knowledge of state agencies and community organizations and programs as they relate to services for individuals with an intellectual disability and related conditions.
• Knowledge of program funding.
• Knowledge of processes and materials used in specific vocations and trades.
• Knowledge of community job market.
• Knowledge of relevant equipment and emergency procedures.
• Considerable interpersonal skills.
• Considerable oral and written communication skills.
• Considerable behavior management of individuals skills.
• Considerable ability to utilize teaching and/or training techniques for individual needs.
• Considerable ability to conduct community resources analysis and to develop resources.
• Ability to gather data independently and prepare reports.
• Ability to develop positive relationships with individuals.
• Ability to work cooperatively with individuals and other staff.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to maintain CPR, PMT, Medication Administration and First Aid Certificates.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in recruiting for community-based support services, preferably in the field of developmental disabilities.
• Experience with Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) regulations and guidelines.
• Experience with effectively engaging with potential candidates and community partners.
• Experience using various recruitment methods, including social media, job boards, and networking events, to attract diverse candidates.
• Experience in conducting thorough candidate assessments, including background checks and reference verifications.
• Experience with implementing and knowledge of person-centered planning principles and practices to ensure alignment with the needs and preferences of individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Experience working collaboratively with internal teams, external agencies, and stakeholders to meet recruitment goals and support the mission of community companion homes.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the placement of individuals in suitable community companion homes where each can receive person-centered supports, services, and integration opportunities.
• Cultivate relationships with community organizations, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to expand the pool of potential licensees.
• Organize and facilitate informational sessions, workshops, and recruitment events to promote the benefits of becoming a CCH licensee.
• Utilize social media platforms and online channels to reach a wider audience of potential CCH licensees.
• Collaborate with internal marketing and communications teams to develop promotional materials and campaigns to support recruitment efforts.
• Establish mentorship programs pairing potential licensees with experienced CCH providers to guide them through the licensing process and offer insights into the role.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external agencies to facilitate the review and approval of CCH license applications in a timely manner.
• Monitor the status of CCH license renewals, communicating time-sensitive renewal requirements to licensees, and facilitating the renewal process as needed.
• Develop and maintain a database of CCH licenses and applicants to track application status and renewal deadlines.
• Provide technical assistance and troubleshooting support to applicants navigating the online application system.
• Provide ongoing support and mentorship to current CCH licensees, offering training opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Generate reports summarizing key metrics, outcomes, and performance indicators related to CCH licensing and training activities.
• Present complex information, such as findings and recommendations, in a clear and accessible format to Agency leadership and stakeholders to foster decision-making and strategic planning efforts.
• Evaluate existing processes and procedures related to CCH recruitment, licensing, and training, identifying opportunities for streamlining and improvement.
• Develop and implement quality assurance measures to ensure consistency, accuracy, and efficiency in all aspects of CCH operations.
• Ensures provision of quality services and supports to individuals.
• Conducts individual assessments using standardized instruments for evaluation.
• Assesses adherence to private provider contracts through on-site visits, individual feedback, case manager and family input.
• Assists providers with corrective action plans.
• Reports non-compliance to appropriate regional or central office contact for action.
• Participates in development of Individual Plans (IPs).
• Develops or revises teaching strategies consistent with goals of Individual Plan (IP).
• Participates in or acts as a lead in developing or revising individual centered planning to achieve desired outcomes as it relates to day service programs.
• Provides support for individual specific needs with private providers, volunteer groups, residential facilities, inter-disciplinary teams, educators and other state agencies.
• Assesses individual interests.
• Identifies and develops appropriate community resources.
• Promotes community inclusion through development of community relationships for individuals.
• Identifies and connects individual to any services and supports needed upon secondary school graduation.
• Partners with families, students, school systems and adult service agencies to plan for and prepare student for transition from secondary school to adult life.
• Coordinates interaction and paperwork flow between agency, families, and other state, public and private agencies.
• Participates in interagency collaboration projects and/or programs with various state agencies and local government, community and private provider agencies.
• Coordinates operational supports such as transportation and maintenance requests.
• Transports individuals based on need.
• Serves as a resource to private providers on proper maintenance of individual paperwork and other related records.
• Assists agency or provider staff with proper preparation of paperwork.
• Coordinates supplies and equipment procurement.
• Maintains records for individual payroll and other required documentation.
• May operate a commercial enterprise employing individuals.
• May conduct investigations.
• Performs related duties as required.

Benefits

• Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities.
• A healthy work-life balance to all employees.
• State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loan forgiveness after 10 years of service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level