Developmental Assistant 1

Developmental Assistant

Duties Description

Supervises Direct Support Assistants and other direct care staff in the care, treatment, and habilitation of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Determines staff assignments and reassignments; maintains time and attendance records; completes performance evaluations; arranges for and trains staff in the implementation and documentation of services; and monitors staff activities to ensure compliance with applicable guidelines and instructions.

Participates in the development of individual habilitation plans; implements or supervises the implementation of portions of individual habilitation plans, including activities, programs, work, and leisure times; observes individual reactions and progress; and documents and discusses observations with clinical and program staff.

Maintains and monitors household inventories; ensures the proper use and availability of supplies and equipment; initiates requests to replace or repair furnishings; and assists or supervises routine maintenance, minor repairs, and housekeeping activities to ensure a clean, healthy, and safe environment.

Manages individuals' funds and related records, and assists individuals in keeping track of their personal possessions and finances.

Provides or arranges for individuals' transportation to and from recreational, social, work, school, or medical activities.

Responds to crisis situations and medical emergencies following established guidelines, procedures, and first-aid techniques. May assist in developing residential program budgets; advocate and communicate with parents, schools, local businesses, and/or community groups; and provide information to promote a better understanding of individuals' needs.

Minimum Qualifications

Promotion: one year of service as a Direct Support Assistant (all parenthetics), Developmental Disabilities Secure Care Treatment Aide 1, or Licensed Practical Nurse, and completion of a one-year traineeship.

The position may be filled at the Developmental Assistant Trainee level equated to SG-11 or full performance Developmental Assistant 1 level equated to SG-12 based on education and experience. Candidates hired at the trainee level will be advanced to the full performance level following the successful completion of the traineeship.

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Developmental Assistant Trainee: High school or high school equivalency diploma and one year of experience in the care, treatment, and habilitation of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Developmental Assistant 1: High school or high school equivalency diploma and two years of experience in the care, treatment, and habilitation of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

70.1 TRANSFER:

One year of service as a Direct Support Assistant (all parenthetics), Developmental Disabilities Secure Care Treatment Aide 1, or Licensed Practical Nurse, and completion of a one-year traineeship.

55 B/C QUALIFICATIONS:

Possess the minimum qualifications for this title as established by the Department of Civil Service and listed on the most recent exam announcement.

Meet the applicable minimal mental and/or physical requirements for the job (with a reasonable accommodation, if necessary).

Have a current Eligibility Letter from the NYS Department of Civil Service, and be able to provide it to the Human Resources Office upon request.

Additional Comments

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). HELPS Program titles may be filled via a non-competitive appointment. This means that you do not need to take an exam to qualify, but you do need to meet the minimum qualifications of the title.

At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), employees hired under NY HELPS are expected to have their permanent non-competitive employment status converted to permanent competitive status. You will not have to take an exam to gain permanent competitive status.

Appointments may also be made at the Developmental Assistant Trainee level. Candidates hired at the entry-level title (Developmental Assistant Trainee) may be advanced to the full-performance level (Developmental Assistant 1) following satisfactory completion of one year of service.

Salary range listed below encompasses the hiring rate of a Developmental Assistant Trainee through the job rate of a Developmental Assistant 1.

Developmental Assistant Trainee (SG 11): $63,839*

Developmental Assistant 1 (SG 12): $66,781* - $71,548*

*Amounts include Downstate adjustment ($4,000), Increased Hiring Rate ($6,144-$6,356) and Geographic Pay Differential ($6,000).

If you are currently a New York State employee serving in a permanent competitive qualifying title and eligible for a transfer via Section 70.1 or 52.6 of the Civil Service Law, you may be appointed to this title as a permanent competitive employee.

For CSEA positions: Local Bidding Agreements will be honored.

Preference will be given to OPWDD employees impacted by closures. If you are being impacted by closure, please indicate this on your resume.

All OPWDD employees must be eligible and maintain eligibility for full and unconditional participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Continued employment will depend on maintaining eligibility.

If you are employed by state government you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments have been made under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. For more information on PSLF, please visit

Employees on long term leave can bid on positions but must be able to report to work within fourteen (14) days and be able to perform the essential functions of their positions with or without reasonable accommodation (RA).

If an employee or job applicant believes that they need a reasonable accommodation, they should contact the Reasonable Accommodation Unit at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io to obtain information and RA forms.

Savings programs such as the U.S. Savings Bond and the College Savings Plan.

Voluntary pre-tax savings programs such as Health Care Spending Account and the Dependent Care Advantage Account offer employees options to pay for uncovered health care expenses or dependent care expenses.

Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) an assessment and referral service that connects employees with local service providers and support services to address their personal needs.

Life insurance and Disability insurance.

The New York State Deferred Compensation Plan is a voluntary retirement plan that offers employees the option to invest a part of their salaries for retirement on a tax-deferred basis.

Paid Holidays and Leave:

Thirteen (13) paid holidays each year.

Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave initially.

Five (5) days paid personal leave each year.

Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave each year (PEF/CSEA), which may carry over from year to year.

Up to three (3) days professional leave each year to participate in professional development events.

Health Care Coverage:

Employees and their eligible dependents can choose from a variety of affordable health insurance programs. Employees are provided family dental and vision plans at no extra cost.

Paid Parental Leave:

Paid Parental Leave allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave at full pay for each qualifying event. A qualifying event is defined as the birth of a child or placement of a child for adoption or foster care.

Retirement Program:

Participate in The NYS Employees' Retirement System (ERS), which is recognized as one of the best-managed and best-funded public retirement systems in the nation.

Professional Development and Education and Training:

NYS offers training programs and tuition assistance to eligible employees to maintain and increase their professional skills and prepare them for promotional opportunities. For more information, please visit

Additionally, the Public Service Workshops Program (PSWP) offers certain professional training opportunities for PEF represented and M/C designated employees that may grant continuing education credits towards maintaining professional licensure. For more information, please visit

OPWDD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to creating and sustaining a culture of inclusion. We believe that we are most effective in managing and improving our service system