320P-01 Developmental Specialist - Part Time

Venture Community Services Inc•Sturbridge, MA

About The Position

The Developmental Specialist directly supports individuals with developmental and other disabilities served through Habilitation Services. The role implements individuals’ Day Habilitation Service Plan (DHSP) objectives and documents their progress. Compensation is hourly. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with weekends and holidays off. Paid training is provided.

Requirements

High school degree or GED.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Maintain First Aid, CPR, AED, and Safety Care certifications.
Maintain training specific to individual programmatic issues.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and lift; physical flexibility.
A valid driver’s license.
Daily use of a car on site is preferred but not required.

Nice To Haves

Daily use of a car on site.

Responsibilities

Safeguard the dignity, rights, and liberties of individuals served, and demonstrate respect for their cultural values, expectations, and goals.
Interact professionally, courteously, empathetically, and cooperatively with individuals, families, staff, community members, and others.
Prioritize consumer satisfaction and regularly seek feedback and input from people served.
Maintain confidentiality and discuss individual concerns only with appropriate people in private settings.
Listen actively and communicate clearly and directly.
Implement Day Habilitation Service Plan (DHSP) objectives, following each person’s learning style and implementation strategy.
Assist individuals in identifying, developing, and participating in meaningful activities that increase functional independence.
Support individuals in making and expressing choices, including through a total communication system, and build on their strengths and interests.
Help individuals participate in community and in-house activities according to their needs and wishes.
Plan weekly schedules with individuals and carry out designated activities, incorporating therapeutic goals into daily activities.
Document progress toward DHSP objectives in daily logs, data books, and quarterly progress notes; report daily activities and unusual incidents to the Manager and submit quarterly notes to the Case Manager according to schedule.
Complete data sheets for Physical, Occupational, Speech, and Behavioral Therapists, and complete incident reports as necessary.
Ensure individuals participate in activities to the best of their ability, providing hand-over-hand assistance when needed.
Provide physical assistance as needed, including toileting, lifting and transferring individuals, eating assistance and monitoring, grooming, hygiene, and walking assistance.
Intervene verbally and physically during behavioral incidents as appropriate and follow emergency evacuation plans.
Support individuals’ health, safety, well-being, hygiene, and dietary orders, including food consistency requirements.
Maintain a safe, clean, and stimulating environment and inform the Manager of potential consumer problems or unmet needs.
Follow established communication channels concerning individuals’ needs and concerns.
Support community participation through community-based habilitation and therapeutic experiences, including social, recreational, and volunteer opportunities.
Transport individuals as assigned for community-based activities.
Follow Venture policies and procedures and attend and participate in staff meetings, training, and development.
Work as a team member to accomplish tasks, resolve issues, and plan for change.
Promote community accessibility for people with disabilities by identifying and addressing existing and potential barriers.
Handle related duties in accordance with Agency policy, maintain effective relationships with other departments, and perform other job-related duties as assigned.