Developmental Specialist- 6025

Venture Community Services Inc•Dudley, MA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Developmental Specialist directly supports individuals with developmental and other disabilities through Habilitation Services. The role implements individuals’ Day Habilitation Service Plan (DHSP) objectives and documents their progress. It is compensated on an hourly basis and is part-time, based in Dudley, Massachusetts. Weekends and holidays are off. Paid training is provided.

Requirements

High school degree or GED.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Valid driver’s license.
Available by telephone for daily contact.
At least two years of experience in a training program for people with developmental disabilities.
Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and lift.
Maintain First Aid, CPR, AED, and Safety Care certifications.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Maintain training specific to individual programmatic issues.

Nice To Haves

Daily use of a car on site is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Safeguard the human dignity, rights, liberties, health, safety, and general well-being of individuals served.
Treat individuals, families, staff, and others with respect and sensitivity to their cultural values, expectations, and goals.
Communicate clearly, listen actively, maintain confidentiality, and interact professionally and cooperatively with individuals, families, staff, and community members.
Implement DHSP objectives and follow each person’s learning style and implementation strategy.
Help individuals identify, develop, and participate in meaningful activities that build functional independence, strengths, interests, and choice-making.
Plan weekly schedules with individuals and carry out designated activities, incorporating therapeutic goals into daily activities.
Support participation in community-based and in-house activities, including social, recreational, and volunteer opportunities, according to each individual’s needs and wishes.
Document progress toward DHSP objectives in daily logs and data books, report daily activities and unusual incidents to the Manager, and submit quarterly progress notes to the Case Manager on schedule.
Complete required data sheets for Physical, Occupational, Speech, and Behavioral Therapists, as well as incident and behavioral incident reports when necessary.
Provide physical assistance as needed, including restroom assistance, lifting or transferring individuals, and helping with grooming, hygiene, walking, and eating.
Monitor and support individuals’ eating needs and ensure compliance with diet orders, including food consistency requirements.
Intervene verbally and physically during behavioral incidents as appropriate and follow emergency evacuation plans.
Maintain a safe, clean, stimulating environment and ensure individuals maintain hygiene.
Keep the Manager informed of potential problems or unmet consumer needs and follow established communication channels.
Transport individuals, as assigned, for community-based activities.
Promote community accessibility for people with disabilities by identifying and addressing potential barriers.
Adhere to Venture policies and procedures; attend and participate in staff meetings, trainings, and development; and work as a team member to resolve issues and plan for change.
Handle related duties in accordance with agency policy, maintain effective relationships across departments, and perform other job-related duties as assigned.