Developmental Specialist 1 (40 Hour) (Hybrid)

State-of-Connecticut---Department-of-Developmental-Services; Wallingford (CT); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Connecticut, Department of Developmental Services in Wallingford is seeking a Developmental Specialist 1 with a Master’s or Doctorate in psychology and one year of relevant experience. The role involves developing and implementing behavioral programs, observing behavior, collecting and analyzing data, and training direct care staff in treatment strategies.

You will collaborate with families, direct care staff, allied professionals, and community partners to create individualized

Qualifications

• Master's or Doctorate in psychology or related field from an accredited program.
• Accredited by a regional educational board.
• One year of relevant experience with the target population.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement behavioral programs and individual treatment plans.
• Observe and assess individual behavior.
• Collect and analyze behavioral and environmental data.
• Train direct care staff in treatment strategies.
• Collaborate with families, professionals and community partners.

Skills

Knowledge of psychology theory

Interpersonal skills

Oral and written communication

Treatment planning

Clinical psychotherapy

Education

Master's or Doctorate in psychology or related field

Job description

Introduction

Do you possess a Master's or Doctorate degree in psychology, educational psychology, rehabilitative psychology, community psychology, experimental psychology or other related degree from a program accredited by a regional educational board and one (1) year of experience in treating and/or working with the individuals in the appropriate specialty serviced by the agency?

The State of Connecticut, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) – South Region – is accepting applications for a Developmental Specialist 1 position assigned to DDS Public Programs in Wallingford, CT.

DDS is seeking a dedicated and compassionate professional to join our team and play a critical role in promoting the health, safety, well-being, and quality of life of the individuals we support. In this position, you will have the opportunity to apply your expertise in behavioral and developmental services while working as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.

As a Developmental Specialist 1, you will develop and implement behavioral programs and individual treatment plans, observe and assess individual behavior, collect and analyze behavioral and environmental data, and train direct care staff in the effective implementation of treatment strategies. You will collaborate with families, direct care staff, allied professionals, and community partners to develop individualized approaches that support positive outcomes and meaningful participation in the community.

You will also contribute to behavioral analysis, rehabilitation, program development and evaluation, educational and vocational assessment, research, and community outreach. Your responsibilities may include providing individual and group therapy and family counseling, conducting and interpreting assessments, preparing comprehensive reports and progress notes, participating in clinical and interdisciplinary case conferences, and providing consultation based on your specialized expertise. You may also have the opportunity to serve as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP).

Position Highlights

PCN #22242

Full-time | 1st Shift | 40 hours per week | Hybrid

Monday - Friday | 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

However, flexibility is required to meet the needs of the agency.

A hybrid schedule will be available following successful completion of the incumbent’s Working Test Period.

What we can offer you

• Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities.
• A healthy work-life balance to all employees!
• The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service.

DDS Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Developmental Servicers is to partner with the individuals we support and their families, to support lifelong planning and to join with others to create and promote meaningful opportunities for individuals to fully participate as valued members of their communities.

Purpose of Job Class (Nature of Work)

In a state health care facility, community based health care program or correctional facility this class is accountable for conducting evaluations and therapy and providing services involving behavior modification, data collection and analysis, educational/vocational assessment and placement and/or program development and evaluation under close supervision.

Examples of Duties

• Under supervision, develops and implements behavioral programs and/or individual treatment plans and trains direct care staff in their implementation
• Observes individual behavior
• Collects individual behavioral and environmental data
• Consults with allied professionals, families, direct care staff and community liaison workers on treatment planning, therapies and/or individual cases
• Prepares case notes and progress notes
• Participates in behavior analysis and adjustment, milieu therapy, research, educational/vocational assessment and placement, rehabilitation, data collection and analysis, program development and evaluation, behavioral techniques and community outreach
• Selects and administers objective and projective psycho-diagnostic tests
• Interprets test results
• Assesses individual intellectual status through observation and if individual abilities accommodate, conduct interview
• Writes reports including profiles on intellectual functioning and personality organization
• Provides individual and group therapy and family counseling
• Participates in clinical and interdisciplinary case conferences and staff meetings
• May provide consultation according to specialized expertise
• May serve as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional
• Performs related duties as required

Knowledge, Skill and Ability

Knowledge of general psychological theory and its application to treatment, rehabilitation and research programs; statistics, data interpretation and experimental design; diagnostic procedures and their use in developing treatment plans;

Considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills;

Ability to develop treatment plans; conduct individual and group psychotherapy; provide consultation and training services; utilize computer software.

Minimum Qualifications - General Experience

A Master's or Doctorate degree in psychology, educational psychology, rehabilitative psychology, community psychology, experimental psychology or other related degree from a program accredited by a regional educational board and one (1) year of experience in treating and/or working with the individuals in the appropriate specialty serviced by the agency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with adults with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) and/or Developmental disorders.
• Experience providing clinical behavior support for individuals living in supported settings in the community.
• Experience writing behavioral guidelines and Positive Behavior Support Plans.
• Experience collecting behavioral data to guide interventions and treatment.
• Experience with complex clinical needs of individuals with significant mental health struggles and forensic involvement.
• Experience with community mental health resources for individuals/families.
• Experience with clinical assessment, including but not limited to diagnostic criteria using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-VTR).
• Experience with problem solving and independently researching and finding solutions to complex situations.
• Experience working collaboratively with other State Agencies and Programs.

Special Requirements

• Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Working Conditions

• Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain individuals; may have some exposure to communicable/infectious diseases and to risk of injury from individuals.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

Acknowledgement

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.