Job Overview
Care LinQ is a specialized Micro Adult Day Treatment and Training (DTA) program serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We focus on providing structured, high-support environments for members who benefit from 1:1 attention, behavioral support, and consistent routines.
Our program is intentionally small to ensure quality care, safety, and meaningful engagement for every individual we serve.
PLEASE CLICK THE LINK TO APPLY>>>>>> https://www.carelinq1.com/careers
Position Summary
The Developmental Support Specialist (DSS) is responsible for providing compassionate, individualized, and person-centered support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD/DDD) enrolled here at Care LinQ’s Adult Day Program. This role focuses on promoting independence, teaching life skills, supporting behavioral and medical needs, encouraging community inclusion, and helping each member achieve their Person-Centered Service Plan (PCSP) goals.
The Developmental Support Specialist actively participates alongside members throughout the day. This is a hands-on position requiring continuous engagement, supervision, documentation, transportation support, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of every member.
Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesPerson-Centered Support
- Provide individualized support according to each member’s PCSP and Individual Support Plan (ISP).
- Encourage independence while respecting each member’s abilities and personal choices.
- Build positive, respectful, and professional relationships with members and their families.
- Maintain dignity, privacy, and confidentiality at all times.
Skill Development
Teach and reinforce skills in areas including:
- Personal hygiene
- Home management
- Communication
- Community safety
- Money management
- Social interaction
- Employment readiness
- Decision-making
- Problem-solving
- Self-advocacy
- Daily living activities
- Behavioral Support & Positive Engagement
The Developmental Support Specialist is expected to provide proactive, continuous support to promote positive behaviors and reduce the likelihood of behavioral incidents.
Responsibilities include:
- Provide continuous supervision and proactive redirection based on each member’s individual needs, behavior support plan, and Person-Centered Service Plan (PCSP).
- Utilize positive behavior support strategies to redirect inappropriate or unsafe behaviors before they escalate.
- Anticipate behavioral triggers by recognizing changes in mood, environment, routines, or sensory needs.
- Maintain a calm, patient, and professional demeanor while using trauma-informed and person-centered support techniques.
- Consistently reinforce positive behaviors through encouragement, praise, and individualized reinforcement strategies.
- Implement approved Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and document interventions accurately.
- Immediately report significant behavioral concerns, incidents, or changes in behavior to the Program Manager.
Member Engagement & Activity Facilitation
Developmental Support Specialists are expected to remain actively engaged with members throughout their entire shift. The position requires staff to facilitate meaningful interactions that encourage participation, independence, and skill development.
Responsibilities include:
- Maintain continuous, active engagement with members throughout the day to promote learning, independence, and social interaction.
- Provide ongoing redirection and meaningful engagement to minimize boredom, anxiety, self-stimulatory behaviors, elopement attempts, and other maladaptive behaviors.
- Develop and facilitate individualized and group activities that align with each member’s interests, abilities, and personal goals.
- Adapt activities throughout the day to maintain member interest, participation, and success.
- Encourage members to participate in life skills training, recreational activities, community outings, educational opportunities, and vocational readiness activities.
- Use creativity and problem-solving skills to identify alternative activities when a member loses interest or requires additional support.
- Continuously assess member engagement and modify activities as needed to maximize participation and reduce behavioral challenges.
- Model positive communication, social skills, and appropriate interactions during all activities.
- Maintain a structured daily routine while remaining flexible to accommodate each member’s changing needs and preferences.
Community Integration
- Assist members during community outings.
- Encourage participation in recreational, educational, vocational, and volunteer activities.
- Promote safe community engagement.
- Support members during transportation to and from program activities.
Health & Safety
- Maintain continuous supervision according to required staffing ratios.
- Observe and report changes in health, behavior, or medical condition.
- Assist with personal care while preserving dignity.
- Follow infection prevention and control procedures.
- Respond appropriately during medical or behavioral emergencies.
- Maintain a safe and clean environment.
Medication Assistance
If authorized and trained:
- Administer medications according to physician orders and company policy.
- Accurately document medication administration.
- Monitor for medication side effects and adverse reactions.
Documentation
Complete accurate and timely documentation including:
- Daily progress notes
- Goal tracking
- Behavior documentation
- Incident reports
- Transportation logs
- Medication documentation (if authorized)
- Electronic documentation in Ritten
Documentation must be completed before the end of each scheduled shift.
Transportation
When assigned:
- Safely transport members using company vehicles and personal vehicles.
- Conduct vehicle inspections before and after routes.
- Maintain vehicle cleanliness.
- Follow all company transportation policies.
- Ensure member safety during transportation.
Team Collaboration
- Attend required staff meetings and trainings.
- Collaborate with supervisors, families, Support Coordinators, therapists, and healthcare professionals.
- Assist with activity planning and implementation.
- Support fellow staff in maintaining program operations.
Minimum Qualifications
TO BE CONSIDERED! APPLY HERE >>> https://www.carelinq1.com/careers. <<<<<
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Minimum age of 18 years.
- Valid Arizona Driver License with acceptable driving record.
- Ability to obtain and maintain an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card.
- Current CPR/First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain).
- Ability to complete Article 9, P.R.O.U.D, HIPAA, and all required DES/DDD training.
- Ability to pass background screening and drug screening (required).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
- Experience working in an Adult Day Program.
- CNA certification.
- Special Education Paraprofessional experience a PLUS!
- Experience with autism, behavioral support, seizure disorders, OCD, or medically complex individuals.
Performance Expectation:
Developmental Support Specialists are expected to remain actively engaged with members throughout their scheduled shift. Staff should proactively interact, teach, coach, encourage participation, and provide continuous redirection as needed.
Embark on a rewarding career that combines energetic support with meaningful impact! We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where your skills grow while you help others thrive every day.
Pay: $32,240.00 - $34,320.00 per year
Benefits:
Application Question(s):
- Must have a valid Drivers license
Experience:
- working with adults with special needs: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Maricopa, AZ 85139 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
