Developmental Specialist (Day Habilitation)

Vinfen • Weymouth, MA

1d

About The Position

The Developmental Specialist provides case management, treatment planning, advocacy, family contact, direct support, and related documentation for people served in a Day Habilitation program. The role supports implementation of Day Habilitation Support Plans (DHSPs), recommended schedules, and plans in accordance with Vinfen policies and procedures, MassHealth regulations, CARF standards, and applicable DDS regulations. The primary work location is assigned, though coverage at other sites may be required to meet operational, scheduling, and staffing needs.

The Specialist oversees and develops Program Instructors, interns, relief staff, and volunteers; contributes to assessments and individualized plans; and implements and monitors clinical, adaptive-skills, communication, and other programs. The position works directly with people served, individually and in groups, supports personal care and daily living activities, promotes independence and self-advocacy, and coordinates with families, residential staff, and interdisciplinary clinical teams. It also involves maintaining program equipment and areas, completing required data and progress documentation, and meeting training and assessment deadlines.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One to two years of experience in a related function preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required at hire; must be at least 21 years old, have held a valid U.S. driver’s license for at least six months, and pass a driver screening background check.
• If using a personal vehicle, maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record subject to annual checks.
• CPR certification required within two weeks of hire.
• First Aid certification required within two weeks of hire.
• Safety Care certification required within 90 days of hire.
• NET certification required.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb, sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or a two-person lift, and to assist individuals with activities of daily living.
• Ability to operate a computer and office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
• Ability to remain stationary for up to 50% of the time as needed and to move around the facility.
• Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with individuals served, staff, and external representatives.
• Visual abilities required include close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Knowledge of human, civil, and legal rights; empowerment and self-advocacy; applied behavioral analysis for people with developmental disabilities; communication styles; advocacy; formal and informal assessment; participatory planning; independent-living management skills; crisis intervention; community resources and job and training opportunities; and documentation requirements.
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues.
• Persuasive, collaborative, participative, and presentation skills; ability to create strategies for individuals served, work independently and on an interdisciplinary team, model positive behavior, balance competing priorities, and work professionally and confidentially.

Nice To Haves

• One to two years of experience in a related function.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Program Instructors, interns, volunteers, and relief staff; provide training, coaching, mentoring, and staff development.
• Participate in developing Day Habilitation Support Plans, safety assessments, and other assessments, incorporating recommendations from professional and paraprofessional staff.
• Manage a caseload of individuals served and implement, monitor, and evaluate clinical, adaptive-skills, communication, and other programs; recommend or make approved changes to improve skills.
• Advocate for individuals served, promote self-expression, self-reliance, creativity, and human rights, and act as a positive role model.
• Prepare for and attend consultations with clinical staff and other paraprofessionals.
• Work directly with individuals served in individual and group settings, assist with personal care and activities of daily living, and promote independence.
• Assess functional skills and identify appropriate therapeutic interventions with support from professional and paraprofessional staff.
• With the person’s approval, maintain contact with family members and residential staff.
• Develop, recommend, and participate in age-appropriate activities and groups that offer a broad range of choices.
• Document data, transfer information to daily charts, conduct monthly data progress reviews, and provide data related to DHSP objectives and management requirements.
• Maintain the physical upkeep of program areas; monitor supplies and equipment, recommend ordering, and ensure equipment is clean, properly stored, safe, and in good repair.
• Ensure individuals are trained in equipment before using it at the service location or other work locations.
• Complete ongoing training in applied behavioral analysis and teaching techniques, and complete in-service training on Positive Behavior Support modules.
• Complete six-month progress summaries and annual assessments by specified due dates.
• Organize and supervise individual and group activities that keep individuals engaged in meaningful, age-appropriate skill-building activities throughout the day.
• Communicate with management about treatment and skill-development programs and actively participate in the DHSP team.
• Provide staff training, mentoring, support, and feedback for performance evaluation processes.
• Notify management of emergencies.
• Serve as Human Rights Officer and Fire Safety Officer if assigned.
• Maintain an updated resume on file at the Day Hab location and perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Fully funded 401(a) employer-sponsored retirement plan requiring no employee contribution, plus an employee-funded 403(b) plan.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans for employees scheduled to work at least 30 hours per week, with an employer contribution toward medical insurance.
• Employer-paid life, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability insurance.
• Employer-paid short-term disability insurance for employees who qualify.
• Flexible Spending Reimbursement Accounts for health and dependent care.
• Voluntary term life, whole life, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.
• Paid time off for employees scheduled to work at least 20 hours per week.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED