Developmental Specialist

Developmental Disabilities Specialist

Opengate is an innovative forward-thinking non-profit organization looking to provide extraordinary individuals support with the highest possible quality of life. We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Developmental Disabilities Specialist, who will play a critical role in making a positive impact on the lives of the people we serve.

Being a Developmental Disabilities Specialist is not just a job it's a chance to be a positive force in someone's life journey.

We are seeking a dedicated Developmental Disabilities Specialist to join our team. This position is responsible for the training and development of life skills for each individual residing at Opengate. You will be responsible for creating personalized plans, implementing training programs, and providing consistent support to help the people we serve achieve greater independence, social integration, and overall well-being.

Essential Job Functions

• Present curriculum content to the people Opengate supports, based on established skill components.
• Implement program design as assigned by each person's IDT, including data collection and oversight
• Demonstrate understanding of active treatment and skill development needs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Prepare and submit, on a timely basis, semi-annual and annual reports for assigned case load.
• Attend IDT meetings and provide feedback to the team.
• Attend other meetings assigned by the supervisor.
• Organize assigned classroom space to ensure quality, active, ongoing and enrichment programs creating an environment conducive to learning.
• Observe program participants to ensure good hygiene and grooming are maintained.
• Participate in scheduled training sessions and seek additional training pertaining to the developmentally disabled.
• Provide hands-on support to facilitate activities of daily living for participants, including, but not limited to feeding, toileting, etc.
• Provide guidance, training, mentoring and modeling to Direct Support staff
• Maintain AMAP certification
• Follow federal, state and local governmental regulatory guidelines pertaining to a safe, healthy, and clean work environment, reporting health and safety concerns to the supervisor.

Qualifications

• Education: HS Diploma or equivalent required. Associate's degree from an accredited college in human services or related field preferred.
• One year experience working with developmentally disabled adults in a day program setting.
• Must have a valid driver's license that allows operation of motor vehicle in New York State.

Physical Requirements

• This position is a non-sedentary role; requires standing and walking.
• Able to lift 50 or more pounds. The ability to turn, lift and assist individuals with movement.
• This position operates in a professional office environment.
• This position routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopier, filing cabinets and fax machines. Some filing is required, entailing the ability to move files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.

Salary - $20.00 - $22.50

Opengate is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, domestic or civil union partnership status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, transgender status, predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, education, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. The Company promotes inclusion and acceptance of all protected classes.

In order to promote and maintain a community culture, employees hired to work at Opengate must legally reside and perform their work in the state of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania.