Under general direction of the Clinical Supervisor, the Developmental Specialist plans, implements, and evaluates prescriptive developmental programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and/or delays; provides functional supervision over developmental technicians; assists in training developmental technicians to conduct developmental programs; performs other duties as required. Provision of developmental services is the Developmental Specialist’s primary job responsibility.
Individual Related Programming
- Individual Training: Participates in the development and implementation of training programs to ensure that both frequency and quality are adequate; conducts individual, group, and community therapy sessions.
- Program Evaluation: Monitors and evaluates the progress or the lack thereof, of individuals and recommends treatment plan adjustments.
- Program Preparations: Identifies and prepares necessary resources and materials needed to facilitate treatment goals.
- Program Coordination: Under supervisory direction, coordinates treatment programs with interrelated programs such as social work, psychology, communication disorders, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
Individual Supervision
Supervision of daily routines of individuals involved in treatment activities to ensure that daily schedules, training procedures and safety procedures are followed. Ensures that any changes in medical status are immediately reported to senior staff; takes necessary emergency action when necessary.
Support Services
Work with individuals to develop independence in household chores by assisting with lunch preparation and everyday cleaning activities.
Record Keeping: Ensures that necessary program documentation is completed in a timely and complete manner.
Ensure maintenance of facility.
Communication
- Staff Meetings: Attends general staff meetings as requested.
- Staff Supervision: Supervises assigned developmental technicians.
- Developmental Program Training: Demonstrates specific therapy techniques related to the long and short–term objectives; participates in staff training procedures; makes special needs known to senior staff.
Staff Supervision
- Supervision of Developmental Technicians: Monitors Developmental Technicians while involved in treatment activities and report to senior staff.
- Developmental Technician Support: Assist Developmental Technician(s) to ensure training activities are proactive and meeting identified needs of the individual.
- Skill Development: Attends workshops or in–service training sessions designed to increase knowledge and skills.
Minimal Qualifications
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Speech and Language Pathology, Psychology, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Work or Therapeutic Recreation.
– OR –
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in an area not listed above AND completion of a competency course jointly approved by the Department of Health and Welfare and the Idaho Association of Developmental Disabilities Agencies that relates to the job requirements of a Developmental Specialist.
- Must have a minimum of two hundred forty (240) hours of professionally supervised experience with individuals with disabilities.
Promoting Developmental Specialist to Developmental Specialist II Position
At least 2,080 hours of GSDC work experience as a Developmental Specialist with individuals with developmental disabilities.