Developmental Specialist 1 (40 Hour) Hybrid #260915-2558FP-001

About the role

The State of Connecticut, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) – South Region – is accepting applications for a Developmental Specialist 1 position assigned to DDS Public Programs in Wallingford, CT. DDS seeks a dedicated and compassionate professional to promote the health, safety, well‑being, and quality of life of the individuals served. In this role you will apply expertise in behavioral and developmental services as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team. You will develop and implement behavioral programs and individual treatment plans, observe and assess behavior, collect and analyze behavioral and environmental data, and train direct care staff in treatment implementation. You will collaborate with families, staff, allied professionals, and community partners to create individualized approaches that support positive outcomes and community participation. You will also contribute to behavioral analysis, rehabilitation, program development and evaluation, educational and vocational assessment, research, and community outreach. Responsibilities may include providing individual and group therapy and family counseling, conducting and interpreting assessments, preparing comprehensive reports and progress notes, participating in clinical and interdisciplinary case conferences, and offering consultation based on specialized expertise. You may also serve as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP).

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements behavioral programs and/or individual treatment plans
• Trains direct care staff in implementation of treatment plans
• Observes individual behavior
• Collects individual behavioral and environmental data
• Consults with allied professionals, families, direct care staff, and community liaison workers on treatment planning, therapies, and individual cases
• Prepares case notes and progress notes
• Participates in behavior analysis and adjustment, milieu therapy, research, educational/vocational assessment and placement, rehabilitation, data collection and analysis, program development and evaluation, behavioral techniques, and community outreach
• Selects and administers objective and projective psycho‑diagnostic tests
• Interprets test results
• Assesses individual intellectual status through observation and, if abilities permit, conducts interviews
• Writes reports including profiles on intellectual functioning and personality organization
• Provides individual and group therapy and family counseling
• Participates in clinical and interdisciplinary case conferences and staff meetings
• May provide consultation according to specialized expertise
• May serve as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional
• Performs related duties as required

Requirements

A Master's or Doctorate 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 one (1) year of experience in treating and/or working with the individuals in the appropriate specialty serviced by the agency. Incumbents may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license and may be required to travel. Incumbents may be required to lift and restrain individuals; may have some exposure to communicable/infectious diseases and to risk of injury from individuals.

Qualifications

• Experience working with adults with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) and/or Developmental disorders
• Experience providing clinical behavior support for individuals living in supported settings in the community
• Experience writing behavioral guidelines and Positive Behavior Support Plans
• Experience collecting behavioral data to guide interventions and treatment
• Experience with complex clinical needs of individuals with significant mental health struggles and forensic involvement
• Experience with community mental health resources for individuals/families
• Experience with clinical assessment, including but not limited to diagnostic criteria using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‑VTR)
• Experience with problem solving and independently researching and finding solutions to complex situations
• Experience working collaboratively with other State Agencies and Programs

Skills

• Knowledge of general psychological theory and its application to treatment, rehabilitation, and research programs
• Statistics, data interpretation, and experimental design
• Diagnostic procedures and their use in developing treatment plans
• Considerable interpersonal skills
• Oral and written communication skills
• Ability to develop treatment plans
• Conduct individual and group psychotherapy
• Provide consultation and training services
• Utilize computer software

Benefits

Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities. A healthy work‑life balance for all employees. The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student