Lead Developmental Services Investigator

The State of Connecticut, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) - Central Office - has one (1) current full-time job opportunity for a Lead Developmental Services Investigator position in the Division of Investigations based in Hartford, CT.

This position is accountable for supervising and evaluating 8 Developmental Services Investigators in the Abuse Investigations Division (AID), managing and fielding reports and referrals of suspected abuse or neglect involving individuals with intellectual disability and individuals receiving services from the Department of Social Services, Division of Autism Services, generating initial intake reports, requesting protective services when warranted to ensure an individual’s ongoing safety, conducting investigations related to alleged violations of state laws and regulations and violations of the Abuse/Neglect policies of the Department of Developmental Services. This position will also oversee day to day operations and trend analysis pertaining to incident management.

This is a full-time forty (40) hour per week position. The work schedule is Monday through Friday 8:30am-5:00pm. However, must be flexible in order to meet the needs of the agency.

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.

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, State employees may be required to provide last two (2) service ratings.

This posting MAY require completion of additional referral questions (RQ’s) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date.  Please regularly check your email for notifications.  You must reply by the deadline indicated on the notification or you will be automatically disqualified from consideration.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Daimar Ramos at Daimar.Ramos@ct.gov or 860-263-2625.

In the Department of Developmental Services, this class is accountable for acting as a working supervisor for staff engaged in  the investigative process in response to allegations of abuse and/or neglect in a region or training school.

This position is accountable for supervising and evaluating 8 Developmental Services Investigators in the Abuse Investigations Division, managing and fielding reports and referrals of suspected abuse or neglect involving individuals with intellectual disability and individuals receiving services from the Department of Social Services' Division of Autism Services, generating initial intake reports, requesting protective services when warranted to ensure an individual’s ongoing safety, conducting investigations related to alleged violations of state laws and regulations and violations of the Abuse/Neglect policies of the Department of Developmental Services. This position will also oversee day to day operations and trend analysis pertaining to incident management.

The Lead Developmental Services Investigator will: serve as the Department’s initial contact for calls concerning allegations of abuse and neglect; coordinate strategies with Regional staff and other state agencies for completing investigations into allegations of abuse and neglect; conduct primary investigations into allegations involving family homes; conduct investigations in private and public facilities or other settings are required; determines need for emergency and long term protective service needs; initiates provision of and monitors protective services by state and private agencies; plan office workflow and determine priorities; establish and maintain office procedures; provide staff training and assistance where necessary; act as a liaison with operating units, agencies and outside officials regarding office policies and procedures pertaining to investigations and incident management; make recommendations on policies and standards where applicable; prepare detailed investigative reports and correspondence; assist in reviewing complaints and violations and determining appropriate course of action; testify at court proceedings as necessary; perform related duties as required.

Knowledge of policies, principles and procedures relative to rights, care and treatment of persons with intellectual disabilities and/or other disabilities; knowledge of current legislation and regulations affecting persons with intellectual disabilities and/or other disabilities; knowledge of legal rights of persons with intellectual disabilities; knowledge of types of residential placement facilities and community training centers available for persons with intellectual disabilities; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; ability to act as an advocate for persons with intellectual disabilities; ability to coordinate and direct investigation of complaints  supervisory ability.

Seven (7) years of experience providing rehabilitation and habilitation services or advocacy services to persons with disabilities.

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been at the level of Developmental Services Investigator providing advocacy services to persons with disabilities.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in public administration, public health, rehabilitative services, special education, social work or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
3. One (1) year as a Developmental Services Investigator may be substituted for the General Experience.

• Demonstrated experience conducting investigations, including but not limited to, allegations of abuse and neglect
• Demonstrated experience conducting investigations within DDS, DDS qualified provider settings, and Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) settings
• Knowledge of investigations methods within family homes
• Completion of DDS New Investigator training
• Experience testifying in legal proceedings or administrative hearings
• Knowledge of DDS Critical and Non-Critical Incident Management procedures
• Proficient using Camris and Microsoft Office Suite programs (e.g. Word and Outlook)
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying statutes and regulations during the course of daily work
• Ability to supervise a team
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

1.  Incumbents in this class will be required to travel.

2.  Incumbents in this class will be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

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.