Developmental Specialist (Day Habilitation)

As a Developmental Specialist, you will provide case management for the people Vinfen supports. This includes participating in the development of Individual Service Plans (ISP), advocating for the needs of the person served, and attending consultation meetings with clinical staff.The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listedbelow:Supervises the activities of the Program Instructors, interns, volunteers, and relief staff. Provides training, coaching, mentoring, and staff development activities, as needed. Directs observation and clinical interaction with Instructors during program hours.Participates in the development of persons served DHSPs, Safety Assessment, and other assessments. Includes recommendations from Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, and other professional/para-professional staff. Manages a caseload of individuals served.Implements, monitors, and evaluates the effectiveness of prescribed clinical, adaptive skills, communication, and other programs. Provides recommendations or implements changes to ensure continuous improvement of skills.Advocates for needs of persons served in all areas. Promotes self-expression, self-reliance, and creativity for all persons served. Assures the preservation of human rights for persons served. Acts as positive role model to Program Instructors and persons served.Prepares for and attends consultation meetings with clinical staff, including Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, Physical Therapist, Assistant Clinical Director, and other paraprofessionals.Works directly with persons served individually and in groups. Assists with personal care and activities of daily living. Works to promote independence in everyday life.Assesses functional skills of persons served and identifies appropriate therapeutic interventions with assistance from professional and paraprofessional staff.With approval from the person served, maintains contact with family members and residential staff members.Provides training and development of age-appropriate activities and groups. Recommends and participates in the development of activities with a greater range of choices.Responsible for documenting specific data, transfers to daily chart, and performs monthly progress reviews of data. Collects and provides data as determined by individual DHSP objectives and as otherwise specified by management.Maintains physical upkeep of the program area. Has knowledge of supplies and equipment and recommends ordering when needed. Ensures equipment used is cleaned, stored appropriately, and is in good repair and safe condition. Ensures individuals served are trained in equipment before use at the service location and other work locations.Acts as advocate for individuals in all areas.Completes continuous training in applied behavioral analysis and teaching techniques. Completes successful in-service training on Positive Behavior Support modules.Responsible for the completion of 6-month review progress summaries and annual assessments according to specified due dates.Supervises and organizes individual and group activities.Communicates consistently with management regarding treatment and skill development programs for individuals. Participates and is actively involved with DHSP team.Ensures individuals are actively engaged in meaningful age-appropriate activities and groups throughout the day with a focus on skill building, communication, and self-reliance.Trains, mentors, and supports the activities of the staff. Provides information for feedback toolsand provides feedback for annual performance evaluations.Notifies Management staff of any emergencies.If assigned, functions as the Human Rights Officer and Fire Safety Officer.Maintains updated resume on file at Day Hab location.Performs other related duties, as required.Knowledge and Skills:Knowledge of human, civil, and legal rightsKnowledge of empowerment and use of self-advocacy techniquesKnowledge of applied behavioral analysis with developmental disabilities populationKnowledge and use of different communication stylesKnowledge of advocacy techniquesKnowledge of formal and informal assessment practicesKnowledge of participatory planning techniquesKnowledge of required independent living management skillsKnowledge of crisis intervention techniquesKnowledge of available community resources, job, and training opportunitiesKnowledge of documentation requirementsSensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issuesPersuasive, collaborative, and participative skillsPresentation skillsAbility to create strategies for persons servedAbility to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary teamAbility to provide a positive role modelAbility to balance competing prioritiesAbility to work in a professional and confidential capacityAbout Us:Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers.My Job. My Community. My Vinfen.Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.A bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field preferred, but experience may substitute for education. High School diploma or GED required.1-2 years of related experience.Strong time management, organizational and writing skills.Driving Requirements:Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least one year, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.Physical Effort:Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways. Ability to assist persons served with activities of daily living. Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed. Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with persons served, staff, and external representatives. Specific vision abilities requiredby this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.Required Certifications:CPR required within two weeks of hireFirst Aid required within two weeks of hireSafety Care required within 90 days of hireNET required

Created: 2025-11-10