In the Department of Developmental Services this class is accountable for developing, coordinating and evaluating specialized programs for persons with mental retardation.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works under the general supervision of a Psychologist, Institution Director of Education and Training or other employee of higher grade in the performance of routine tasks; receives closer supervision when performing more advanced tasks.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
May lead direct care staff involved in the implementation of behavior modification programs.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
Assesses client mental status through observation and consultations with other professionals; collects baseline data on behavior of clients to determine frequency of appropriate and inappropriate behaviors; meets with psychologists, other staff members and supervisors to formulate and implement plans of treatment; designs client behavior modification programs; utilizes behavior modification techniques such as behavioral observation, recording and contingency specification; measures client behavior and progress through operationally defined observational recording systems and use of measurement apparatus; implements behavioral procedures such as reinforcements, rewards and shaping; demonstrates behavior modification programs and methods to direct care staff; communicates client needs and progress to staff, parents and other involved individuals in areas of design, implementation and supervision of home training programs; participates in interdisciplinary team meetings; may train staff in Prevention Safety Intervention techniques; performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:
Knowledge of psychological learning theories of behavior; knowledge of modern principles and practices dealing with care, training, habilitation and rehabilitation of persons with mental retardation; knowledge of behavioral procedures such as reinforcements, rewards and shaping; considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to design and monitor behavior modification programs and demonstrate these programs to staff and other individuals.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
General Experience:
Six (6) years of experience in the care and treatment of persons with mental retardation.
Special Experience:
Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in the utilization of behavior modification skills in the development, implementation and evaluation of behavior modification programs for persons with mental retardation.
Substitutions Allowed:
1.
College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2.
A Master's degree in psychology, special education or a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the Special Experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
1.
Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
2.
Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain clients; may have some exposure to communicable/infectious diseases and to risk of injury from assaultive/abusive clients; may be exposed to disagreeable conditions.
This replaces the existing specification for the same class in the same Salary Group HC 22 approved effective March 22, 1996. (Revised to change Agency name)
