Developmental Specialist

Developmental Specialist 1The Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) is currently recruiting for a full-time Developmental Specialist 1 position in Reno/Sparks, Carson City and Las Vegas, Nevada. This recruitment will be used to underfill positions within the Developmental Specialist series. Advancement to the next level may occur after meeting the minimum qualifications, satisfactory performance, and with endorsement of the appointing authority. This recruitment may be used to fill current and future vacancies as they occur in the following programs: Sierra Regional Center (SRC), Desert Regional Center (DRC), Rural Regional Center (RRC) and Youth Intensive Support Services (YISS). SRC and RRC operate in the northern region, DRC operates in the southern region, and YISS provides services in both the north and south. Positions assigned with DRC, SRC and RRC will oversee case management for 45–55 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Autism, Seizure Disorders, and Cerebral Palsy. These individuals live either with family or in community-based supported living arrangements. This role requires strong writing and communication skills, the ability to work independently with minimal training, and collaboration within an interdisciplinary team. Responsibilities include developing, coordinating, and monitoring individualized support plans to help clients achieve personal goals while ensuring safety in the least restrictive environment. Positions assigned within The Children's Services Program, could work as a member of the Youth Intensive Support Services (YISS) Team as the Developmental Specialist serving children with dual diagnosis. They will be required to form a partnership with service providers and mental health agencies. The YISS team incumbent will have knowledge of positive behavioral supports; knowledge of local developmental and mental health services; YISS team members have a smaller caseload size than non YISS Developmental Specialists. Travel throughout the Reno/Sparks, Carson City or Las Vegas areas is required. ADSD fosters a positive, inclusive, and diverse work environment that values innovation, teamwork, and collaboration. The mission of ADSD is to empower individuals and their support systems by providing resources for disabilities and aging - connecting Nevadans to services and improving their quality of life. Developmental Specialists provide individual and group developmental and support services for individuals of all ages who have, or who may be at risk for, developmental delays, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or related conditions, and social, emotional and/or behavioral disorders. Incumbents develop and implement programs and treatment and service plans, provide direct services and case management, develop financial and community resources, and provide education, information and technical assistance to family members, other agencies and service providers regarding human growth and development.Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood special education, human growth and development, psychology, counseling, social work or closely related field.Developmental Specialists may be assigned to one of many specialized programs and facilities, and duties may be performed in the home, clinic, hospital, residential, outpatient, and community facilities, or similar settings. Duties performed and the population served vary. Some representative examples include:General knowledge of: human growth and development; behavior management techniques; specific developmental skills such as fine and gross motor, social skills, communication, cognition, and self-help; issues of daily living as applied to individual and family centered environments. Ability to: work cooperatively and effectively with the public, service providers, and co-workers; maintain case files and records; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; apply knowledge of developmental delays and human development to intervention or treatment programs; structure developmental activities to remediate deficits and maintain individual strengths; make physical, mental, and behavioral assessments and accurately record information; prepare treatment/service plans and provide services for a case load of clients; evaluate and reassess the functioning level of the client; provide instruction and direction to clients and others in group or individual settings; defuse aggressive and maladaptive behaviors of clients; complete billing forms and documentation related to services provided.The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.Benefits include:Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees' Benefits Program (PEBP).Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency.Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.No Nevada state income tax.Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of "standard" or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU).For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook.