Developmental Disabilities Specialist – Bilingual

Nichols College; Dudley (MA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Lane County Developmental Disabilities Services seeks a DD Specialist to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The role involves coordinating with families, guardians, service providers, and community partners while documenting in compliance with rules.

The position may include telework weekly and requires bilingual English/Spanish proficiency. Schedule is Mon–Fri, 8:00am–5:00pm, with potential hybrid telework per division needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• One year of experience working with persons with developmental disabilities.
• An equivalent combination of experience and training will be qualifying.

Responsibilities

• Completing the Oregon Needs Assessment (ONA) through document review and interviews with individuals and families.
• Services Coordination in person-centered planning, monitoring funded services, and referrals.
• Intake and eligibility determinations using medical, school, and psychological records.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Interpersonal communication

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

About the Role

DD Specialists support children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Collaborating with individuals, families, guardians, advocates, service providers, and community partners across a variety of settings is a fundamental component of all DD Specialist positions. DD Specialists must also maintain clear and accurate documentation, utilizing electronic platforms, in accordance with county and state rules.

Depending on assignment, more specific duties may include:

• Completing the Oregon Needs Assessment (ONA) through document review, face-to-face contact and an interview process with the individual, family/guardian, service providers and other supports. This position interacts with children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in a variety of different settings.
• Services Coordination through person-centered planning in collaboration with people we serve and their circle of support. Services Coordinators are also responsible for authorizing and monitoring the provision of funded I/DD services and providing referrals for community resources that are not directly funded by our service delivery system.
• Conducting intake and eligibility determinations by collecting and reviewing medical, school, and psychological records, and applying complex eligibility criteria. You will collaborate extensively with applicants, family members, advocates, referring partners, and medical professionals to gather the information needed to make this determination

Why Join Our Team

You will be part of a strong and supportive team, whose mission is to assist people to lead fulfilling lives through community connections. Regular supervision is provided including onboarding, training, and support to learn the County and State rules and regulations. As our office continues to adjust and adapt to new ways of doing our work, there will be opportunities for teleworking weekly. We actively value using an equity lens and trauma-informed principles. Ongoing support, training, and education in these areas is a strong focus in our workplace.

About the Division

Lane County Developmental Disabilities Services strives to provide a responsive, cooperative lifespan delivery system of support, training, care, monitoring, protection and crisis response for persons with developmental disabilities and their families. Services are designed to maximize opportunities for self-determination and self-sufficiency.

Schedule:

Monday – Friday; 8:00am – 5:00pm

*This is an AFSCME represented position*

*This position is budgeted for a maximum of 1,040 hours during the fiscal year.

*Hybrid telework may be optional or a condition of employment depending on the needs of the division at the time of hire.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Training:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

• One year of experience of working with persons with developmental disabilities.
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Testing Requirements:

• Successful hire will be contingent upon taking a bilingual test to demonstrate proficiency in both English & Spanish
• Offers of employment are contingent upon consenting to and successfully passing a drug screening test.

Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

BILINGUAL “B”

Bilingual designation is an adjunct classification.

Language – Spanish

DEFINITION:

To assist in providing bilingual communication with Limited English Proficient (LEP) persons. Individuals in these classifications do more than self-identify; they have successfully passed a test demonstrating proficiency in both English and the other language administered by the County. The need for the use of the second language in the performance of job duties in this classification has been identified.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

In addition to the regular knowledge, skills, and abilities required of the employee’s main classification, the bilingual duties of this adjunct classification may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Interpreting between English speakers and LEP persons.
• Orally translating documents
• Providing oral assistance

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

Both languages, demonstrating the ability to convey information in both languages quickly and accurately.

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly and concisely.
• Maintain confidentiality of communications.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

An equivalent combination of experience and training or demonstrated abilities qualifying the employee or applicant to perform the duties described herein. These skills and abilities may be acquired in various ways; i.e., education and/or bilingual or bicultural experiences.

Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

Strategic Plan

In alignment with Lane County’s Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.

The 2025 – 2027 Strategic Plan (Download PDF reader) focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.

Trauma Informed Care Statement

Lane County Health & Human Services is committed to providing Trauma Informed Care. As an organization, we recognize that many of the people we serve have experienced trauma, either currently, recently or in their past. Our agency is dedicated to incorporating an understanding of trauma, both with our clients and with each other. Our employees receive ongoing training to develop or deepen their understanding of trauma and its impacts.