Services Adult Services Specialist

Full job description Do you have experience performing a full range of tasks associated with the provision of habilitative or instructional support services to individuals with an intellectual disability and related conditions? Are you looking for an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of adults with developmental disabilities, promote their independence, and advocate for their well-being ? If so, we invite you to read more about this exciting opportunity to join our team! At the State of Connecticut, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) - Central Office - we are currently recruiting for two (2) full-time first (1st) shift job opportunities to join our team as a Developmental Services (DS) Adult Services Specialist! We have one role located in Hartford and one in Norwich.
What We Have To Offer! 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 Industry leading health benefits, including medical and dental coverage Comprehensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings Retirement healthcare offerings Professional growth and development opportunities Outstanding work-life balance State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Click here for more information Your role as a DS Adult Services Specialist In this role, we would entrust you to ensure that individuals receiving services from the DDS have access to suitable assistive technology devices, tools, and resources that promote their well-being, safety, independence, and overall quality of life. This involves guiding and assisting individuals in selecting the appropriate assistive technology that meets their needs and ensuring that the technology is properly implemented and used effectively. Assistive technology refers to tools, equipment, or systems that aid individuals with intellectual disabilities in improving their functional abilities and independence. Along with other duties as needed we will have you:

Conduct individual assessments using standardized instruments for evaluation Assess effectiveness of Assistive Technology (AT) supports and services provided by qualified AT providers through on-site visits, individual feedback, case manager and family input Assist providers in the identification and implementation of AT and Remote Supports (RS) services as identified through an AT assessment or in the Individual plan Identify and connect individuals to any AT services and supports needed upon secondary school graduation Develop or identify effective AT or RS strategies consistent with goals of Individual Plan Conduct other duties as needed Position Highlights Based in either Hartford or Norwich These are full-time (75 hours/biweekly) positions Schedule of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday However, must be flexible in order to meet the needs of the agency We encourage you to join our team and start your career with us at DDS ! Selection Plan For Assistance in Applying:


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Application Process: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.
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 .
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, certifications, certificates, etc. at the discretion of the agency.
For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
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, DDS EEO 1 at or .
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 Ethan Ives at .
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK) In the Department of Developmental Services this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks associated with the provision of habilitative or instructional support services to individuals with an intellectual disability and related conditions.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES Ensures provision of quality services and supports to individuals; Conducts individual assessments using standardized instruments for evaluation; Assesses adherence to private provider contracts through on-site visits, individual feedback, case manager and family input; Assists providers with corrective action plans; Reports non-compliance to appropriate regional or central office contact for action; Participates in development of Individual Plans; Develops or revises teaching strategies consistent with goals of Individual Plan; Participates in or acts as a lead in developing or revising individual centered planning to achieve desired outcomes as it relates to day service programs; Provides support for individual specific needs with private providers, volunteer groups, residential facilities, inter-disciplinary teams, educators and other State agencies; Assesses individual interests; Identifies and develops appropriate community resources; Promotes community inclusion through development of community relationships for individuals; Identifies and connects individual to any services and supports needed upon secondary school graduation; Partners with families, students, school systems and adult service agencies to plan for and prepare student for transition from secondary school to adult life; Coordinates interaction and paperwork flow between agency, families, and other state, public and private agencies; Participates in interagency collaboration projects and/or programs with various state agencies and local government, community and private provider agencies; Coordinates operational supports such as transportation and maintenance requests; Transports individuals based on need; Serves as a resource to private providers on proper maintenance of individual paperwork and other related records; Assists agency or provider staff with proper preparation of paperwork; Coordinates supplies and equipment procurement; Maintains records for individual payroll and other required documentation; May conduct investigations or inquiries on AT recommendations or AT devices; Performs related duties as required. KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY Knowledge of current practices and trends in services and supports for individuals with an intellectual disability and related conditions; state agencies and community organizations and programs as they relate to services for individuals with an intellectual disability and related conditions; program funding; processes and materials used in specific vocations and trades; community job market; relevant equipment and emergency procedures; Considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; behavior management of individuals skills; Considerable ability to utilize teaching and/or training techniques for individual needs; conduct community resources analysis and to develop resources; Ability to gather data independently and prepare reports; develop positive relationships with individuals; work cooperatively with individuals and other staff. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE Six (6) years of experience in providing direct service to individuals with an intellectual disability and related conditions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED 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. Two (2) years of experience as a Developmental Services Adult Services Instructor or its equivalent may be substituted for the General Experience. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience working with individuals with disabilities At least one of the following certifications: Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) Rehabilitation, Engineering, and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP) Certified Living In Place Professional (CLIPP) 2 years experience working in the field of assistive technology Assistive Technology (AT) devise installation and troubleshooting skills and prioritization skills Microsoft Office proficiency and ability to integrate Assistive Technology (AT) devices using different computer platforms or software Experience presenting at events for various stakeholder groups (Individuals, Families, Providers, etc.). Experience with conducting Assistive Technology (AT) assessments, ordering equipment, and providing training to the individual and support provider Familiarity with funding sources and procedures for obtaining Assistive Technology (AT) devices and services. Knowledge of the Assistive Technology (AT) landscape, including available products, emerging trends, and regulatory compliance Experience with cultural competencies as they may relate to individuals and their families SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Incumbents in this class may be required to maintain CPR, PMT, Medication Administration and First Aid Certificates. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.