Developmental Specialist Transitions Program

AMERICAN TRAINING INC•Lowell, MA

1d•$26 - $0•Onsite

About The Position

The Developmental Specialist carries out the day-to-day activities of American Training’s Lowell Transitions Program, serving individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and adjustment behavioral disorders. The program uses positive behavioral supports to help individuals build independence and appropriate coping skills, in coordination with administrative and clinical staff. Responsibilities include programming, community activities, data collection and record keeping, and assisting Guests with personal care. The role works with the ISP Team to establish goals and plans and collaborates with management and clinical staff to implement support plans addressing challenging behaviors, learning, and skill acquisition. The Specialist may need to safely implement behavior-management techniques, including physical management of aggressive or self-harm behaviors, and provide incident reports and post-event support. The position also involves leading curriculum-based groups, teaching and reinforcing skills, adjusting instruction to Guests’ needs and engagement, supervising community outings, maintaining a clean program area, and documenting observations and progress for the Program Director and Interdisciplinary Team. Physical assistance may include helping Guests enter and exit vehicles and buildings, moving wheelchairs, and providing toileting, dressing, feeding, lifting, or other personal care. The role incorporates American Training’s WOW! Principles, mission, and values. The stated schedule is 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The position is based at Lowell Day Services in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Requirements

Strong organizational and communication skills.
Knowledge of paperwork required for mandated record keeping.
Maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct, including respecting the confidentiality of Colleagues and Guests.
Demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills.
Participate in a workplace climate that celebrates and encourages diversity.
Positively promote the image of Guests with developmental disabilities and American Training, Inc.
Maintain a satisfactory training record, including completing training in Positive Behavioral Supports, PABC/Physical Intervention, Trauma Informed Care, Medication Administration, and FA/CPR.
Valid driver’s license and use of a personal vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage.
Satisfactory CORI, fingerprinting, and DPPC review.
At least a high school diploma, some postsecondary education, or behavioral certifications; the education and certification requirements may be waived if experience demonstrates competence.
At least two years of experience in the developmental disabilities field, including one year working with individuals with challenging behaviors.

Nice To Haves

Some postsecondary education.
Behavioral certifications.

Responsibilities

Work with the ISP Team to establish goals and plans for each Guest.
Collaborate with management and the clinical team to implement clinically sound Support Plans addressing challenging behaviors, learning, and skill acquisition.
Calmly and safely implement behavior-management strategies, including physical management of aggressive or self-harm behaviors when needed.
Write detailed incident reports and provide debriefing and support to individuals and the team after behavioral events.
Monitor and provide support and supervision during community outings, including addressing emotional and behavioral needs in unfamiliar settings.
Record data for goals, plans, and teaching techniques according to required standards and timelines.
Ensure Guest safety and carry out activities that promote each Guest’s goals, needs, and desires.
Lead program groups using a standard curriculum, including Google Classroom, learning objectives, and oral and hands-on instruction; adjust approaches and curricula to Guests’ presentation and engagement.
Keep the program area clean and healthy for Guests.
Coordinate with case managers, clinicians, and program management on goal development, implementation, and documentation.
Assist Guests on and off vehicles, provide physical support entering and exiting buildings, and help move Guests in wheelchairs as needed.
Provide personal care, which may include toileting, dressing, feeding, lifting, and moving Guests.
Teach, train, guide, and direct Guests individually and in groups to reinforce and develop skills and increase independence toward ISP goals.
Observe Guests’ behavior and performance and provide reports, updates, and observations to the Program Director and Interdisciplinary Team.
Incorporate American Training’s WOW! Principles, mission, and values into work.