Developmental Services Supported Living Worker (35 Hour)

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee of the Department 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).

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 position :

• Incumbents in this position must possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle License
• Incumbents in this position will be required to travel
• Incumbents in this position will be required to obtain an F-Endorsement on their driver’s license by the completion of the working test period

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.

At any point later in the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, attendance, supervisor references, college transcripts, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.

Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status updates during the recruitment process. Please note that not all applicants will be contacted for interview and are encouraged to apply for future postings.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Kelly Paul at Kelly.Paul@ct.gov

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.

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.

Must be bilingual (Spanish/English). Must be able to be speak and read in Spanish and English. Duties consistent with the DS Supported Living Worker.  Work 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; Provide transportation and assistance to help individuals to access community resources, to attend medical and dental appointments, and other transportation as required. Provide written documentation obtained from appointments regarding the treatment/care and need for follow-up plan to the assigned Case Manager. Provide assistance to individuals transitioning from their family home to their own homes.  Provide 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. Make 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.  Provide 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. Provide direct support to assist some individuals who need assistance to participate in their community.  Assist individuals to develop life skills and provide family training to assist families to teach residential life skills. Assess life skill abilities for some individuals.  Function as a member of the planning and support team.  Provide 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 of modern methods of working with individuals 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.

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

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

• Must be Bilingual (Speak/Read/Write in Spanish and English)
• Experience working with both children and adults with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorders.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities who live independently or at home with families.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Must have strong organizational skills and initiative to plan and coordinate service delivery for an ever-changing caseload of children and adults.
• Experience and ability to work with children and adults who present with medical complexities and behavioral challenges.
• Ability to lead groups and represent the Department.
• Experience communicating with parents and caregivers.
• Previous experience working with teams and clinicians as well as with Case Managers.
• Knowledge of community resources for individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of residential life skills and assessments.
• Knowledge of Medicaid enrollment requirements.
• Proficient computer skills and knowledge of Outlook, Word, Excel, DDS e-camris and CORE-CT.

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American 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.

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

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 individuals; may be exposed to disagreeable conditions.

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.