01/23/1998 31460

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES WORKER

DEFINITION: This is work in the field of specialized residential habilitative care at a Commonwealth facility for individuals with a developmental disability, some of whom may also have additional unrelated disabilities.

An employee in this class designs, develops, and implements the residential habilitative segments of individual program plans developed by the interdisciplinary team to further the habilitative and developmental programs provided for individuals. The employee will work with the team to provide input and recommend techniques for the design of individual residential habilitative program plans. The employee will adapt habilitative activities to the individuals' needs to help them achieve their program goals and objectives. The employee provides direction and training to nonprofessional personnel and volunteer workers, and provides advice and assistance in the preparation for, and implementation of, residential habilitative program plans. An important aspect of the work is the ongoing review and evaluation of individuals' needs and progress toward achieving program goals. Work is reviewed by a Residential Services Supervisor for quality and achievement of residential habilitative program goals through conferences, reports, and observations.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops a variety of specifically planned habilitative goals to implement the residential habilitative segments of the individual program plans for individuals with a developmental disability, some of whom may also have additional unrelated disabilities.

Observes the administration of a variety of residential habilitative programs carried out by Residential Services Aides and provides advice regarding any problems to maximize the attainment of individual program plan objectives.

Attends interdisciplinary treatment team meetings and provides input and recommendations regarding the development of residential habilitative segments of the individual program plans.

Provides program leadership for one or more nonprofessional and volunteer workers engaged in various kinds of supportive functions appropriate to the residential habilitative programs in such areas as daily living skills, self-help skills, and other related residential services.

Provides individual instruction, direction and support for assigned individuals.

Maintains necessary administrative and clinical records, and requests supplies and equipment needed for the implementation of individual program plans.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Ability to learn the various kinds of supportive activities involved in residential care and habilitation of individuals with a developmental disability, some of whom may also have additional unrelated disabilities.

Ability to develop skill in evaluating the habilitative needs and progress of assigned individuals.

Ability to develop, evaluate, and implement residential program plans in accordance with individual needs, interests, and abilities.

Ability to foster interest, initiative, responsibility, and independence on the part of individuals, and to assist them to develop appropriate behavior.

Ability to observe individual behavior and report on it accurately.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: A bachelor's degree in the behavioral sciences, psychology, social work, education, or nursing;

                                                                                                                                                                          or

One year of paid experience performing direct care and habilitative program services for individuals with a developmental disability; and a bachelors degree;

                                                                                                                                                                          or

Five years of paid experience performing direct care and habilitative program services for individuals with a developmental disability;

                                                                                                                                                                          or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.