Developmental Specialist - Transitions Program

American Training has been selected as a Top Places to Work in Massachusetts by the Boston Globe. This Award is a testimony to the creative talent, knowledge and experienced Colleagues we have on our team.

We are looking to hire skilled Colleagues to work in our Lowell Transition Program. This program will service individuals, intellectual disabilities, autism, spectrum disorders, and adjustment behavioral disorders. Qualified candidates should be familiar with instituting, clinically based treatment, plans, running therapeutic curriculum and groups and be able and willing to do physical management of aggressive behaviors. 

Program is based on positive behavioral supports and centered around moving individuals forward to achieve independence and appropriate coping skills.

Program works in close contact with administrative and clinical staff to achieve positive outcome of people served.

The Developmental Specialist is responsible for carrying out the day-to-day activities of the program: to include programming, community activities, data collection, record keeping and caring for the personal needs of the Guests. Incorporation of the WOW! Principles into all aspects of our work life.

Hours: 8am -4pm, Monday - Friday

Pay Rate: $24/hr

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Works with the ISP Team to establish goals and plans for each of the Guests.
• Works with management and clinical team to implement clinically sound Support Plans to address challenging behaviors and address learning and skill acquisition.
• Ability to calmly and safely implement behavior management strategies and techniques up to and including physical management of aggressive or self-harm behaviors.
• Able to write detailed incident reports and provide debriefing and support to individuals and team after a behavioral event.
• Monitors and/or provides support and supervision during community outings with Guests. Is able to address emotional and behavioral support needs in unfamiliar and community settings.
• Ability to record data for goals, plans and teaching techniques to ensure guests continued growth and progress. Must be able to adhere to data collection standards and timelines.
• Carries out specific duties and activities as needed, ensures Guest’s safety, and implements a broad variety of activities which promote the goals, needs and desires of each Guest. 
• Ability to lead program groups following a standard curriculum. This can include the use of Google Classroom, specific learning objectives and oral and hands-on instruction.
• Ability to make adjustments to approach and curriculums based on guests presentation and engagement level.
• Keeps program area clean to ensure a healthy, clean environment for the Guests. 
• Work in conjunction with case managers, clinicians and program management to ensure goal development, implementation and documentation.
• Works with Colleagues assisting Guests on and off vans/cars, provides physical support entering and exiting building, moving guests in wheelchairs and other needs as indicated by each Guest. 
• Performs a variety of personal care functions to assist Guests who are unable to care for themselves. This may include toileting, dressing, feeding, or lifting and moving Guests.                                                
• Teaches, trains, guides and directs Guests individually and in groups to reinforce skills, learn new skills and to increase independence for attainment of ISP goals.
• Regularly observes Guests’ behavior and performance and provides reports, updates and general observations to the Program Director and Interdisciplinary Team.
• Implement the Mission of American Training – “to Bring Out the Best in Everyone We Touch, because LIFE Matters!” and live the Value Statement.

SKILLS NEEDED/ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Strong organization and communication skills.
• Knowledge of appropriate paperwork necessary for mandated record keeping.
• Use the highest standard of ethical conduct at all times, this includes respecting the confidentiality of Colleagues and Guests.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Participate in workplace climate that celebrates and encourages diversity.
• Positively promote the image of Guests with Developmental Disabilities and American Training, Inc.
• Maintain an excellent training record by positively completing all training requirements including but not limited to Positive Behavioral Supports, PABC/Physical Intervention, Trauma Informed Care, Medication Administration and FA/CPR
• A valid driver’s license, the use of a personal vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage and a satisfactory CORI, finger printing and DPPC Review  are required.

PHYSICAL EFFORT:

Frequent walking, standing and driving. Must be able to lift 40-50 pounds. Must be able to sustain in a fast paced environment with a high energy level. Must be able to physically implement First Aid/CPR and crisis intervention to Guests in response to an emergency situation and or the implementation of a Treatment Plan.

EMOTIONAL EFFORT:

Work environment frequently hectic, fast-paced with periods of high stress.  Must be able to calmly and analytically respond to a Guests’ crisis and/or crisis situations. Must be able to apply proper First Aid/CPR during stressful situations. Must be able to appropriately intervene in medical, psychiatric and behavioral crisis situations.

EDUCATION:                      

Minimum HS diploma, some secondary education, or behavioral Certifications preferred but these can be waived if experience indicates competence.

EXPERIENCE:                     

At least two years of experience in the Developmental Disabilities field, one of which working with individuals with challenging behaviors.

ATTITUDE:                          

Is enthusiastic, nice and willing to accept responsibility.  Demonstrates an obvious passion for the people we serve and puts the WOW! Principles into action.

American Training offers a competitive benefit package, including medical and dental insurance, life and disability, vision, generous earned time off, paid holidays and vacation, a FUN work environment, paid training and much more!