Developmental Specialist - Transitions Program

American Training; Lowell (MA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

Paid holidays and vacation

Fun work environment

Job summary

American Training is seeking a Developmental Specialist in Lowell, MA to manage day-to-day program activities, including programming, community activities, data collection and personal care of Guests. You will apply WOW! Principles across tasks and collaborate with ISP, clinical, and management teams.

The role involves implementing clinically sound Support Plans, maintaining detailed records, and guiding Guests toward greater independence while ensuring safety and a positive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Strong organization and communication skills.
• Knowledge of mandated record-keeping paperwork.
• Respect confidentiality of Guests and colleagues.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills.
• Supports diversity in the workplace.
• Maintains training records, including PBSP/Interventions.
• Has a valid driver's license and acceptable CORI/DPPC.

Responsibilities

• Establish goals with the ISP Team for each Guest.
• Implement Support Plans to address behaviors and skill development.
• Safely implement behavior management and record incidents.
• Lead data collection and progress reports to monitor outcomes.
• Supervise community outings and assist Guests in various settings.
• Deliver group instruction using curriculum and learning objectives.

Skills

Strong organization and communication

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality

Diversity awareness

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Behavioral certifications preferred

Tools

Positive Behavioral Supports

PABC/Physical Intervention

Trauma Informed Care

Medication Administration

First Aid/CPR

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Lowell, MA 01852
Salary Range: $26.00 Hourly
Hours: 8am - 4pm, Monday - Friday
Pay Rate: $24/hr

American Training has been selected as a Top Places to Work in Massachusetts by the Boston Globe. This award is a testimony to the creative talent, knowledge, and experienced colleagues we have on our team.

Program Overview

The Lowell Transition Program serves individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, spectrum disorders, and adjustment behavioral disorders. The program is based on positive behavioral supports and is centered around moving individuals forward to achieve independence and appropriate coping skills. It works in close contact with administrative and clinical staff to achieve positive outcomes for people served.

Position Summary

The Developmental Specialist is responsible for carrying out the day‑to‑day activities of the program: programming, community activities, data collection, record keeping, and caring for the personal needs of the Guests. The specialist incorporates the WOW! Principles into all aspects of work life.

Specific Duties

• Works with the ISP Team to establish goals and plans for each Guest.
• Works with management and clinical team to implement clinically sound Support Plans to address challenging behaviors and learning and skill acquisition.
• Calmly and safely implements behavior management strategies and techniques, including physical management of aggressive or self‑harm behaviors.
• Writes detailed incident reports and provides debriefing and support to individuals and team after a behavioral event.
• Monitors and/or provides support and supervision during community outings with Guests, addressing emotional and behavioral support needs in unfamiliar and community settings.
• Records data for goals, plans, and teaching techniques to ensure Guests’ continued growth and progress, adhering to data collection standards and timelines.
• Carries out specific duties and activities as needed, ensuring Guest safety and implementing a broad variety of activities that promote the goals, needs, and desires of each Guest.
• Leads program groups following a standard curriculum, including the use of Google Classroom, specific learning objectives, and oral and hands‑on instruction.
• Adjusts approach and curriculum based on Guest presentation and engagement level.
• Maintains program area clean to ensure a healthy, clean environment for the Guests.
• Works with case managers, clinicians, and program management to ensure goal development, implementation, and documentation.
• Assists Guests on and off vans/cars, provides physical support entering and exiting buildings, moving Guests in wheelchairs, and other necessary support.
• Performs a variety of personal care functions to assist Guests who are unable to care for themselves, including toileting, dressing, feeding, or lifting and moving Guests.
• Teaches, trains, guides, and directs Guests individually and in groups to reinforce skills, learn new skills, and increase independence for attainment of ISP goals.
• Observes Guests’ behavior and performance regularly and provides reports, updates, and general observations to the Program Director and Interdisciplinary Team.
• Implements the Mission of American Training – “to Bring Out the Best in Everyone We Touch, because LIFE Matters!” and lives the Value Statement.

Qualifications

• Strong organization and communication skills.
• Knowledge of appropriate paperwork necessary for mandated record keeping.
• Upholds the highest standard of ethical conduct, respecting confidentiality of colleagues and Guests.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Participates in a workplace climate that celebrates and encourages diversity.
• Positively promotes the image of Guests with Developmental Disabilities and American Training, Inc.
• Maintains an excellent training record by completing all training requirements, including Positive Behavioral Supports, PABC/Physical Intervention, Trauma Informed Care, Medication Administration, and FA/CPR.
• Has a valid driver’s license and uses a personal vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage and a satisfactory CORI, fingerprinting, and DPPC review.

Physical Effort

Frequent walking, standing, and driving. Must be able to lift 40–50 pounds. Must sustain in a fast‑paced environment with high energy levels. Must physically implement First Aid/CPR and crisis intervention in emergency situations and in the implementation of a Treatment Plan.

Emotional Effort

Work environment frequently hectic, fast‑paced with periods of high stress. Must calmly and analytically respond to a Guest’s crisis and/or crisis situations, apply proper First Aid/CPR during stressful situations, and appropriately intervene in medical, psychiatric, and behavioral crisis situations.

Education

Minimum HS diploma, some secondary education, or behavioral certifications preferred but can be waived if experience indicates competence.

Experience

At least two years of experience in the Developmental Disabilities field, one of which working with individuals with challenging behaviors.

Attitude

Enthusiastic, nice, and willing to accept responsibility. Demonstrates an obvious passion for the people served and puts the WOW! Principles into action.

Benefits

American Training offers a competitive benefit package, including medical and dental insurance, life and disability, vision, generous earned time off, paid holidays and vacation, a FUN work environment, paid training and much more!