STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Developmental Specialist 2 (40 Hour)

Hybrid

Recruitment #240403-7164FP-001

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Introduction



The State of Connecticut, Department of Developmental Services (DDS), South Region, has a full-time opportunity for a Developmental Specialist 2, assigned to DDS Public Programs, based in Wallingford, CT.

Position Highlights:
  • Full-time, 40 hours per week
  • First (1st) shift 
  • Monday - Friday
  • 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Must be flexible in order to meet the needs of the agency
The Position:
The caseload for this position includes the Transitional Unit (TU), which is a locked facility in Meriden for forensically involved individuals, as well as Community Living Arrangements (CLA) in the South Region.

This position is critical to protecting the health and safety of individuals supported by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). The Developmental Specialist 2 is responsible for a large range of tasks related to providing services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The person in this position participates in and coordinates clinical psychological services for a complex group of individuals who are dually diagnosed with Intellectual/Developmental disabilities and psychiatric diagnosis. 

About Us:
DDS partners with the individuals we support and their families, to support lifelong planning and to join with others to create and promote meaningful opportunities for individuals to fully participate as valued members of their communities.

What’s In It For You:
  • To work for a Forbes top company: ‘Forbes’ State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule;
  • A Platinum Healthcare Plan, the nation’s best for state employees and dependents, according to a report by Georgetown’s Center on Health Insurance Reform and article by Ellen Andrews, Ph.D., along with comprehensive benefit offerings
  • Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings.
  • Paid time off - including 13 paid holidays per calendar year.
  • Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities.
  • A healthy work-life balance to all employees.
  • State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loan forgiveness after 10 years of service. Click here for more information.
Discover the opportunity to: 
  • Engage in a rewarding career
  • Assist our employees so they can achieve success
  • Make a difference in the public sector
  • Work together in a collaborative team environment  
THINKING OF RELOCATING?
Connecticut offers you a blend of professional advancement and a high-quality lifestyle. As a state we are renowned for our top-tier medical facilities and ample opportunities for career growth and development. Beyond professional prospects, Connecticut boasts a high standard of living, featuring safe communities, excellent schools, and a diverse range of cultural and recreational activities. This combination of professional excellence and a well-rounded lifestyle make Connecticut an appealing destination for those who want to thrive both in their careers and personal lives.

There are so many things to love about living, working, and playing in our state including these Key Facts and Figures:
  • #4 in the U.S. for employees with advanced degrees
  • #3 in the country for quality of K-12 education
  • #5 for quality of life in the U.S.
  • 2,000 miles of hiking/bike paths
  • 618 miles of scenic coastline
  • 21 world-class art museums
  • Five Tony-Award winning regional theatres, and more!
Check out CTVisit; they share so much valuable information on what it's like to work, play and live in our state!

Selection Plan

For Assistance in Applying:

Please read or watch our Applicant Tips on How to Apply!

Application Process:

This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.

For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from branch to branch but it does not impact your state service credit.

In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the minimum qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date, unless otherwise specified.

The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.

All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.

Please ensure that your application is complete. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the state of Connecticut.

Selection Process:

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error.

During the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc. at the discretion of the agency.

Read through this helpful link to prepare for your interview.

Contact Information:

If you require an accommodation to participate fully and fairly under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact Tommy Wilson, EEO Specialist 1 at (860) 418-6148 or Tommy.Wilson@ct.gov.

Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process.

Should you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Christopher Lavallee at Christopher.Lavallee@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

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.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • 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 client mental status through observation and if client 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, clients, 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

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 clients in the appropriate specialty serviced by the agency.

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

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 clients in the appropriate specialty serviced by the agency may be substituted for the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to candidates with the following:
  • Clinical psychology experience working with individuals who are dually diagnosed with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
  • Experience working in forensic settings.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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

WORKING CONDITIONS

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

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.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.


Click on a link below to apply for this position:

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