DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORT TECHNICIAN 1

Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) is currently recruiting for a part-time Developmental Support Technician 1 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This recruitment will be used to underfill positions within the Developmental Support Technician 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 program: Desert Regional Center Intermediate Care Facility Under the direction of a Developmental Support Technician IV, incumbent will provide direct care to dual diagnosis individuals with conditions such as Autism, Seizure Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, etc. in a 24- hour residential facility. Direct care includes running plans, assisting with hygiene, etc. Incumbent must have and maintain technician certification, CPR and a valid State of Nevada Driver's license. Experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities is a requirement of this position. Incumbents will be required to work a variety of shifts, weekends, and holidays. 

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 Support Technicians supplement the work of qualified intellectual disabilities professionals and other professional staff in providing direct client care and support including participation in the formulation and implementation of treatment plans for clients.  Employees work in an intermediate care facility where they may be exposed to verbal and physical assault by clients.

Graduation from high school or equivalent education and one year of experience involving public contact and which may have included providing care or guidance for children, elders or others; volunteer work in providing respite to caregivers; or leading youth groups; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.

Maintain current information on clients in assigned caseload including contact with parents or guardians; implement and maintain activity schedules; document information concerning treatment/training plans, significant behavioral and/or medical problems and report to appropriate professional staff.

Attend and participate in meetings regarding clients and contribute first-hand knowledge of changes or improvements; participate in meetings to assist in identifying, achieving and communicating the client’s personal goals and outcomes; assist in planning and offering opportunities and support to enable the client to achieve goals; implement training programs developed by the interdisciplinary treatment team; model and teach communication and social skills.

Protect clients’ rights by demonstrating appropriate professional and personal behavior; report observed violations of clients’ rights and suspected or known instances of client abuse or neglect consistent with facility and division policies and procedures and federal and State statutes and guidelines; facilitate and protect clients during community events.

Implement verbal intervention for clients who are escalating and, as necessary, restrain or utilize appropriate behavioral and environmental controls for clients who are a threat to themselves or others and may be hostile, combative, aggressive or assaultive; follow facility procedures regarding techniques and duration of restriction; notify appropriate personnel of action taken and document as required.

Provide guidance and encourage client independence and choice in daily living skills and participation in the community; assist clients in reaching their maximum potential and advance their level of independent functioning. 

Maintain client personal hygiene and assist clients with personal appearance, cleanliness and attire to include brushing hair and teeth, bathing, toileting and selecting appropriate clothing for the weather and/or special occasions; assist clients with environmental upkeep to include household chores such as laundry, cooking and menu planning; assist clients with basic budgeting and recordkeeping.

Maintain current knowledge and ensure compliance with applicable federal and State health and safety laws and regulations, as well as policies concerning infection control and related issues; handle and dispose of bodily waste, cleaning agents and other potentially hazardous materials; ensure facilities are clean and sanitary and report building maintenance needs.

Supervise clients during meals in a residential, homelike setting; ensure clients on special diets receive the correct meals.

Monitor, document, and report changes in clients’ physical health status and appearance to nursing staff to facilitate appropriate treatment; record seizure activity; perform simple procedures for clients which may include encouraging fluids, washing cuts and abrasions, applying cold or heat packs, and other procedures as directed by medical staff; provide basic first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the Heimlich Maneuver in emergency situations.

Transport clients to and from scheduled medical appointments, community services, work sites, school, and other activities using State vehicles and public transportation; report problems with agency vehicles.

Perform safety and security duties which may include periodic monitoring and testing of locks, keys and windows; check doors and other means of entry or exit; admit, monitor, and document names of visitors and service providers to the facility; conduct scheduled fire drills and emergency evacuations as assigned; count and verify client population and take appropriate action to determine client whereabouts; maintain current inventory of personal items and clothing.

Oversee shift activities on any shift on a rotating basis, including orienting new staff and clients, arranging staff coverage and deploying staff as necessary, coordinating emergency response, and notifying appropriate personnel.

Collect and maintain data to produce reports and maintain accurate records.

Incumbents receive training in the performance of duties described above.  Work is closely reviewed and monitored, and extensive on-the-job training is provided to ensure standards of care are met. Agency policy and procedures are available for training.  This is the entry level of the series, and progression may occur when minimum qualifications are met, the incumbent is performing satisfactorily, and with the recommendation of the appointing authority.

Perform related duties as assigned.

General knowledge of: personal hygiene applicable to client care; English grammar and punctuation sufficient to record information in client charts; basic arithmetic; basic meal preparation. 

Ability to: learn the characteristics of developmental disabilities; learn behavior modification and assaultive behavior intervention techniques; read, comprehend and implement agency policies and procedures specific to client care and treatment; learn to establish rapport and develop positive interpersonal relationships with clients; learn the difference between a personal and therapeutic relationship; accompany clients to individual and group therapy sessions and various activities; communicate orally in a clear, concise and effective manner; understand and follow oral and written directions; perform personal hygiene for a client with dignity and respect; demonstrate patience and flexibility in a variety of situations; work as part of a team; routinely bend, stoop and lift non-ambulatory clients weighing in excess of 75 pounds; learn to operate and maintain adaptive equipment such as hydraulic lifts, wheelchairs, and communication devices; safely drive a motor vehicle using defensive driving techniques; operate general office equipment including computers which may include entering data and maintaining routine records.

Recruiter Information - Susan Fowler - sfowler@admin.nv.gov

Salary : $21 - $30