Developmental Specialist

Venture Community Services Inc•Greenfield, MA

About The Position

The Developmental Specialist directly supports individuals with developmental and other disabilities served through the Habilitation Services. The Developmental Specialist is responsible for implementing individuals’ Day Habilitation Service Plan objectives and documenting their progress. This position will be compensated on an hourly basis.

Requirements

High School Degree or G.E.D.
Must be 21+ years old, have a valid driver’s license, daily use of a car on site (preferred but not required) and be available by telephone for daily contact.
At least two years of experience in a training program for the developmentally disabled.

Responsibilities

Ensure and safeguard individuals' human dignity, rights, and liberties.
Demonstrate a high regard for each person and sensitivity for cultural values, expectations and goals of individuals, families, staff and others.
Display professional attitude and behavior, being courteous, empathetic, helpful and positive in all interpersonal interactions.
Work effectively and cooperatively with individuals, staff, families, community members and others; presenting self and Venture in a positive and professional manner.
Focus on providing consumer satisfaction as primary goal; regularly seeking feedback and input from persons served.
Maintain confidentiality by discussing individual concerns only with appropriate people in private settings.
Active listener and utilize clear and direct communication.
Implement Day Habilitation Service Plan (DHSP) objectives.
Assist individuals to identify, develop and participate in a variety of meaningful activities to increase functional independence.
Support individuals as appropriate, in making and expressing choices, throughout their day; to include a total communication system.
Assist individuals to build on their individual strengths and interests.
Identify and provide the support needed by individuals to successfully become a part of the community and to participate with in-house activities; according to each person’s needs and wishes.
Plan weekly schedules with individuals and implement designated activities.
Follow the learning style and implementation strategy as outlined in each person’s DHSP.
Consistently incorporate individual’s therapeutic goals into daily activities etc.
Document each person’s progress towards DHSP objectives.
Report daily activities and any unusual incidents in the individual’s data book and to the Manager; encourage the person to share information with his/her home care provider.
Document daily DHSP progress in daily log, being behaviorally specific.
Ensure that ALL individuals served are participating in activities to the best of their ability, providing hand over hand assistance when needed.
Submit quarterly progress notes on individuals’ DHSP to Case Manager according to an established schedule.
Complete all necessary data sheets for the Physical, Occupational, Speech and Behavioral Therapists.
Complete incident reports as necessary; to include behavioral incident reports.
Assist individuals physically as necessary, including, but not limited to: Using the restroom, regularly lift and/or transfer/move individuals in and out of wheelchairs, vehicles, from upward and downward positions to a mat etc.
Eating: assistance and monitoring per individual needs.
Assist as needed with grooming, hygiene and walking.
Follow emergency evacuation plan.
Behavioral incidents: intervene verbally and physically with individuals as appropriate.
Ensure individuals health, safety and general well-being.
Assist individuals to maintain hygiene at all times
Maintain a safe, clean and stimulating environment.
Ensure that all individuals follow diet orders including food consistency
Keep the Manager informed of any potential problems or needs of the consumer that may arise and are not being addressed.
Follow established chain of communication in regard to each person’s needs, concerns etc.
Support individuals as active members of the community by providing or maintaining community based habilitation/therapeutic experiences through social, recreational and volunteer opportunities, based on the individual’s needs and wishes.
Adhere to all Venture Policies and Procedures
Attend and participate in staff meetings, trainings and development.
Work as a team member to accomplish common tasks, resolve issues and plan for change.
Promote accessibility for people with disabilities in the community by identifying and addressing existing and potential barriers to access (architectural, attitudinal, etc.).
Transport individuals, as assigned for community based activities.
Handle related job duties in compliance with Agency policy.
Interact professionally and maintain effective relationships with all other departments within the agency.
Maintain confidentiality and positive demeanor while successfully juggling multiple priorities.
All other job related duties as assigned.