Developmental Specialist

40hrs - Schedule: Mon- Fri 8a-4p

BAMSI is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization founded in Brockton, Massachusetts, with a vision of driving change and creating equal opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental and behavioral health challenges. Brockton Area Multi-Services, Inc. (BAMSI) was incorporated on March 21, 1975 as South Shore Multi-Services Inc., under Chapter 180 of the Massachusetts General Laws, as a not-for-profit human service organization. On July 9, 1975, it changed its name to Brockton Area Multi-Services, Inc. It was formed for the development, coordination, and delivery of integrated human service programs, and according to its website, its mission is “to empower people and enrich their lives, through compassionate support and diverse services, one individual, one family a time.” BAMSI employees up to 2,000 people and operates adult, child, and family services, assisting approximately 30,000 individuals each year in Worcester, Middlesex, Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth Counties.

BAMSI is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Access for all; to creating a holistic system of care that meets people where they are; and abolishing the stigmas surrounding mental illness, disability, and addiction.

We strive to offer valuable benefits that promote a healthy work/life balance and add value to our employees’ lives. Our comprehensive benefits include:

• Generous Time Off Package
  • up to 4 weeks combined vacation, personal and cultural holiday
  • 12 paid holidays
  • up to 2 weeks Sick Time
• Highly Specialized Paid Trainings including opportunity to earn CEUs
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Life, Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• 403B plan with discretionary match
• Wellness Activities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career Development Opportunities

*Available benefits are based on position and scheduled hours.

*This position is union represented by a bargaining unit of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. (AFSME)

Essential Functions: To provide supports in day programs and in the community that enable individuals served with developmental disabilities and/or brain injuries to develop and maintain skills that foster personal growth and independence.

Responsibilities:

Direct Care

1. Assist individuals served with personal care tasks, which include, but are not limited to:
2. toileting, grooming, personal hygiene, assisting with mobility, repositioning, dressing, and range of motion exercises.
3. Support individuals in the completion of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Independent Living Development tasks, which include but are not limited to: cooking, cleaning, general maintenance, shopping, money management, safety and self- preservation.
4. Utilize Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) practices, to create a thoughtful and supportive environment by ensuring activities, plans and routines reflect the preferences, needs and goals of individuals.
5. Successfully and regularly implement, execute and document behavioral support plans (including Level 1 time out procedures) for a population at high risk for maladaptive behaviors that include, but are not limited to: self-injury; aggression; elopement; property destruction; pica; and suicide attempts.
6. Intervene on a regular basis in crisis situation that include the use of physical intervention using appropriate techniques to ensure the safety of persons served and employees
7. Ensure individuals’ nutritional needs are met according to prescribed diet. Assist with feeding as necessary.
8. Use supportive and adaptive, health-related protections/equipment as prescribed. Clean equipment as directed.
9. Learn and utilize communication tools which include but are not limited to email, tablets, letter boards, etc. taking into consideration the method most suited to individual needs.
10. Assist individuals with planning and implementing community based activities and group activities within the day program and local community. Facilitate group activities designed to support the achievement of individual served goals and objectives.
11. Create opportunities to teach and support financial and safety skills. Encourage skill
12. building to promote increased independence.
13. Assist in the development and implementation of Individual Support Plans (ISP’s)/Day Habilitation Support Plans including implementation of behavioral plans and rehabilitation support plans.
14. Assist individuals with maintaining the cleanliness and neatness of indoor and outdoor areas.
15. Transport individuals served to and from day program and other activities as required.
16. Maintain a valid driver’s license in primary state of residence and follow the requirements of BAMSI Safe Driver Policy PE-48-1
    
17. Using approved techniques and only as necessary, restrain individuals to prevent injury to themselves and others

Communication, Documentation & Teamwork

1. Follow funder and agency protocol for reporting significant incidents and alleged abuse
2. and/or neglect.
3. Record data by the conclusion of each shift. Documentation requirements include, but are not limited to: communication notebooks, ISP/DHSP data, and behavior tracking.
4. Fulfill case management responsibilities as assigned.
5. Maintain knowledge of ongoing program issues and developments as well as informing supervisor of program issues and concerns.
6. Communicate in a professional and respectful manner.
7. Work in other day programs when needed.
8. Assist with training and orienting employees new to the program.
9. Treat all individuals, employees, and visitors with respect and dignity.
10. Attend and participate in scheduled staff meetings.

Other

1. Follow funder regulations and adhere to all BAMSI policies.
2. Understand and utilize universal/standard precautions and instructions on how to stay safe in areas that constitute risk.
3. Complete all other duties as requested.

Qualifications:

• At least 3 months experience implementing behavioral support plans and emergency physical interventions.
• High school diploma or equivalency, Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• A minimum one year experience working with individuals with brain injury, developmental and/or physical disabilities required.
• Ability to record data using a computer, enter time worked into an electronic system and receive and send email required.
• A valid driver's license in state of residence preferred.
• Ability to comprehend materials related to, ISP’s/DHSP’s, PBS, ADL programs and individual therapeutic programs.
• Ability to speak and write English clearly and accurately in order to keep documentation up to date and understandable.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with persons served, families, service providers and funding source personnel.
• Ability to lift, transfer, push/pull, maneuver, and reposition 25 pounds on a regular basis and occasionally up to 50/60 pounds depending upon program.
• Ability to reach, bend, stand, sit and walk; perform fine motor activities.
• Work effectively in a moderate to occasionally loud work environment.
• Physical and PPD screening required

BAMSI conducts as needed, job-related background checks (e.g., may include but is not limited to fingerprints, drug testing, TB testing, verification of employment history and/or reference checks) prior to employment.