STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Developmental Services Supported Living Worker (35 Hour)

West Region

Recruitment #181205-4858HN-006

Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Department of Developmental Services (DDS)  - West Region - has one (1) current full-time job opportunity for a bilingual Developmental Services Supported Living Worker in the Greater Danbury area, Danbury Regional Center Division based out of the Danbury, CT office. The selected candidate must be bilingual (English and Spanish).

This is a full-time thirty-five (35) hour per week 2nd shift position. The work schedule is Thursday through Monday 1:30pm-9:00pm. Regular Days Off Tuesday and Wednesday. However, must be flexible in order to meet the needs of the individuals and families.

This posting is open to DDS employees only.

Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening and must specify their qualifications on their application.

Please note you will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.

Selection Plan

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee of the Department of Developmental Services, who has permanent state status*, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application. 

*For employees in the classified service, permanent status is obtained after successful completion of a working test period.  For employees in the unclassified service, permanent status is obtained after serving in a position for at least six months (full-time or full-time equivalent).

If selected for further consideration, at time of interview, employees may be required to provide two (2) most recent service ratings.

• Incumbent in this class MUST be Bilingual (English and Spanish).
• Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
• Incumbents in this class will be required to travel.
• Incumbents in this class must have the ability to work independently with minimal supervision to problem solve and resolve complex situations with individuals and families who need in or out of home supports.
• Incumbents in this class must possess the ability to apply training to make good decisions regarding care and treatment.
• Incumbents in this class must have at least one (1) year of experience in direct residential support services to persons with intellectual disabilities and other related conditions at the level of a Developmental Services Worker 1 (or equivalent experience in a human service field).
• Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and maintain a public service endorsement.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to be certified in medicine administration.
• Incumbents in this class must possess physical and emotional health for efficient performance of duties.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to do a physical examination.
• Incumbents in this class will be required to lift and restrain individuals.
• Incumbents in this class may have exposure to communicable/infectious diseases and to risk of injury from assaultive/abusive individuals.
• Incumbents in this class may be exposed to disagreeable conditions. 

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Norma Rivera at Norma.Rivera@ct.gov or (203) 294-5104.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Developmental Services, within a regional Supported Living Program/Individual Supports, this class is accountable for implementing programs, providing care, guidance, training and supervision of individuals living in the community.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Works independently over a large geographic area in individual or family homes to provide individualized family support, in-home and community support including respite, skill building, implementation of behavior programs, community integration and activities to promote health and wellness. Assists individuals and families in securing resources for ongoing support needs to maintain individuals at home and in the community; Provides transportation and assistance to help individuals to access community resources, to attend medical and dental appointments, and other transportation as required. Provides written documentation obtained from appointments regarding the treatment/care and need for follow-up plan to the assigned Case Manager. Provides billable services for those enrolled in DDS Waivers; Provides assistance to individuals transitioning from their family home to their own homes. Provides assistance with graduates with transitioning from school to employment by scheduling and accompanying the individual and family member to employment and day site visits. May assist individuals in maintaining eligibility for entitlements and benefits. Makes home visits in response to AID (formerly OPA), Immediate Protective Services, for individuals not known to the Department; may assist with eligibility for DDS; visits to be made independently or in collaboration with Case Managers to assess the situation and assist with the completion of the forms used by the Department to apply for services. Provides follow-up assistance for individuals who have AID issues such as ensuring that the individual has food or taking the individual to the grocery store or food pantry. Provides direct support to assist some individuals who need assistance to participate in their community. Assists individuals to develop life skills and provide family training to assist families to teach residential life skills. Assess life skill abilities for some individuals. Functions as a member of the planning and support team. Provides concise and accurate computer based reports and documentation; provides billable services for Medicaid Waiver as written in the Individual Plan; enters case notes in e-camris system; May make recommendations on policies or standards; May administer and track medications with appropriate certification. May administer first aid in emergency situations; May maintain individual financial records. Perform related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of modern methods of working with persons with intellectual disabilities and other related conditions; knowledge of safety, hygiene and health practices and procedures; knowledge of state and federal assistance programs; knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations and procedures; some knowledge of medication administration and effects of medication; considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to recognize and report behavioral changes; ability to coordinate and collaborate effectively with individuals, groups and families; ability to work independently and make decisions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of experience in direct residential support services to persons with intellectual disabilities and other related conditions at the level of a Developmental Services Worker 1 (or equivalent experience in a human service field).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Employment experience working with adults and children with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorders
• One year of full-time employment experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities who live independently or at home with families
• Experience and ability to work with adults and children who present with medical complexities and behavioral challenges
• Ability to lead groups and represent the Department.
• Experience communicating with parents and caregivers.
• Experience working with teams, clinicians and case managers.
• Knowledge of community resources for individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of residential life skills and assessments
• Knowledge of Medicaid enrollment requirements.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Must have very strong organizational skills and initiative to plan and coordinate service delivery for an ever changing caseload of children and adults
• Proficient computer skills and knowledge of Outlook, Word, Excel, DDS e-camris and CORE-CT as this position requires computer skills working with spreadsheets and database systems.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  1. Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in Americal Sign Language.
  2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a current Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator license.
  3. Incumbents in this class may be required to be certified in medicine administration.
  4. Incumbents in this class may need to possess and maintain a public service endorsement.
  5. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents in this class must possess physical and emotional health for efficient performance of duties; a physical examination may be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain individuals; may have exposure to communicable/infectious diseases and to risk of injury from assaultive/abusive clients; may be exposed to disagreeable conditions.

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.  If you require an accommodation to participate fully and fairly under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact Renee LaBarge, DDS EEO Director at 860-418-6022 or renee.labarge@ct.gov.