General Worker

DDS West Region has two (2) current opportunities for General Worker - Self Advocate Coordinators in the West Region. Self Advocate Coordinators perform a range of duties to influence change that will result in the enhanced empowerment of people with cognitive disabilities to have control in their lives and authority over the resources that support them.

These positions will be based in Waterbury. Transportation is required to get to and from the office.  Transportation to other locations will be negotiated.

Positions are part-time (20 hours weekly).  Flexible (1st, 2nd shift and weekends)

 

These positions are unclassified. Open to the public.

Applicants must be an individual who is DDS eligible and receives supports from DDS.

Applicants need to self direct their supports or plan to self direct and/or receive some supports from a private provider.

Applicants must have knowledge of self-advocacy and self-determination and be able to represent individuals’ views. 

Individuals who may require additional 1-1 supports may use their individual DDS allocation or portable funds to provide these supports.

In a state agency this class is used in the following ways:

1. PATIENT WORKER: In accordance with Sec. 5-198 (q) of the Connecticut General Statutes, patient workers are defined as, patients of state institutions who receive compensation for services rendered therein. Examples of duties include: cleans wards, kitchens, dining rooms and other areas within facility or institution; performs simple tasks in preparation, handling or distribution of foods; helps in maintenance work such as cutting grass, shoveling snow, moving supplies, collecting and dispensing trash, rubbish and garbage; distributes, empties and sterilizes glassware, wash basins, bed pans, etc.; makes beds, stores linens, collects and counts soiled laundry; may assist in physical care of patient; may participate in workshop or other work activity center.

2. STUDENT WORKER: In accordance with Sec. 5-198 (o) of the Connecticut General Statutes, student workers are defined as students in educational institutions who are employed on a part-time basis. This class is limited to matriculating students enrolled in educational institutions who are employed on a part-time basis at such educational institutions. Incumbents who are classified as student workers may not work more than (6) months, the equivalent of 1040 hours, in a calendar year.

3. DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES-SELF ADVOCATE COORDINATOR: Self Advocate Coordinators perform a range of duties to influence change that will result in the enhanced empowerment of people with cognitive disabilities to have control in their lives and authority over the resources that support them. Examples of duties include: provide leadership, mentor, train consumers, families, and staff; support existing and start new self advocacy groups and create self determination materials that are written for and by people with cognitive disabilities; participate on Department of Developmental Services and other statewide committees. In accordance with Sec. 49-52 of Public Act 12-197, General Workers employed in positions by the Department of Developmental Services as a Self-Advocate, not to exceed eleven such general workers, are 1) eligible for prorated sick leave, in accordance with DAS regulations; 2) eligible for prorated vacation and personal leave; and 3) must be given time off with pay, for the number of hours they would have been scheduled to work for any legal holiday that falls on a day that they would regularly be scheduled to work.

Examples of duties include: provide leadership, mentor, train individuals, families, and staff; support existing and start new self advocacy groups and create self determination materials that are written for and by people with cognitive disabilities;  participation in state wide SAC meetings, representation on various statewide and regional committees, regional training, participation on interview committees, and involvement in community networks, and promoting self determination and self direction within the region. The Self Advocate Coordinator may assist individuals in problem solving and planning development and provide peer to peer support. They will assist organizations and individuals to organize and develop Self Advocacy groups and events planning to promote the initiatives of the department.  This position is responsible for speaking to individuals, families, community members and private and public staff about self-determination and self-advocacy and the initiatives of DDS. 

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.

If assistance is needed in completing this application, please contact Teresa Gonzalez, ADA Coordinator at teresa.gonzalez@ct.gov., 860-418-6122.