Developmental Specialist 2 (35 Hour)

The State of Connecticut, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) - currently has one (1) full-time job opportunity for a Developmental Specialist 2 based in the Newington Office.

This is a thirty-five (35) hour per week position. The work schedule is Monday thru Friday, 8:30am - 4:00pm. However, must be flexible with approval to meet the needs of individuals and families, including occasional evening and weekend hours.

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 the time of interview, employees may be required to provide two (2) most recent Service Ratings.

This posting MAY require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) 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 Carol Bailey-Laud at Carol.Bailey-Laud@ct.gov or (203)294-5002.

In a state health care facility, community based health care program or correctional facility this class is accountable for conducting evaluations and therapy and providing services involving psychodiagnosis, psychotherapy, behavior modification, data collection and analysis, educational/vocational assessment and placement, rehabilitation and/or program development and evaluation under general supervision.

Under supervision, develops, implements, monitors and revises behavioral support plans; trains staff in the implementation of behavioral plans and the collection of data; selects and administers objective and projective psychodiagnostic tests; analyzes and interprets test results; assesses individual intellectual disability status through observation and if individual abilities accommodate, interview; writes reports including profiles on intellectual functioning and personality organization; conducts individual and group psychotherapy, crisis intervention, group therapy and family therapy; provides services involving behavior modification, milieu therapy, data collection and analysis, educational/vocational assessment and placement, rehabilitation, program development and evaluation, behavioral techniques, individual treatment recommendations and research; provides consultation to allied professionals, families, individuals, direct care staff and community agencies; participates in clinical and interdisciplinary conferences and staff meetings; prepares case notes and reports; works closely with consulting psychiatrist to monitor efficacy of psychotropic medication(s); may provide consultation according to specialized expertise; may write grant proposals and renewals; may conduct Restrictive Procedures Audits; may serve as Chairperson of Program Review Committee; may serve as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of general psychological theory and its application to treatment, rehabilitation and research programs; knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures; knowledge of statistics and experimental design; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable ability to select, score and interpret objective and projective psychological tests; considerable ability to develop treatment plans; ability to assess behavior and develop behavioral treatment strategies; ability to conduct individual and group psychotherapy; ability to provide consultation and training services; ability to utilize computer software; supervisory ability.

A Master's degree in psychology, educational psychology, rehabilitative psychology, community psychology, experimental psychology or other related degree from a program accredited by a regional educational board AND three (3) years of experience in conducting psychological testing, assessment and evaluation including one (1) year in treating and/or working with individuals in the appropriate specialty serviced by the agency.

Note: For state employees, the experience component is interpreted at the level of Developmental Specialist 1.

A Doctorate degree in community psychology, educational psychology, experimental psychology, psychology, rehabilitative psychology or other related degree from a program accredited by a regional educational board AND two (2) years of experience in treating and/or working with individuals in the appropriate specialty serviced by the agency may be substituted for the General Experience.

• Must possess good writing and communication skills.
• Computer Proficient.
• Preference will be given to candidate with experience working with individuals with ID/DD who are in psychiaric settings or in behavioral crisis.
• Preference will also be given to candidates who have experience working effectively with community agencies and hospitals.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have strong computer skills and interpersonal skills.

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
   
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain individuals; may have some exposure to communicable/infectious diseases and to risk of injury from individuals.

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.