HABILITATION SPECIALIST I

DEFINITION

This is entry-level professional work implementing and monitoring habilitation programs for persons with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities.

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Implements and monitors individualized habilitation plans in such areas as self-care (i.e., grooming, toileting, eating, dressing), communication, socialization, safety, perceptual motor skills, functional arithmetic (i.e., numerals, money, measurement, time), behavioral management, vocational skills, domestic skills, community experience, and other specialized areas based on individualized habilitation goals under the supervision of a Qualified Mental Retardation Professional (QMRP).

Serves as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team; reports on client progress; and makes recommendations concerning changes in the individual habilitation plan.

Observes client's behavior and participation in treatment program activities.

Supervises and monitors the work of Developmental Assistants and other employees as assigned.

Assists in the preparation of reports, annual staffing, and quarterly and monthly reviews.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

Intermediate knowledge of modern behavior modification principles and practices and cognitive behavior management techniques as they apply to habilitation programs for persons with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities.

Introductory knowledge of the behavioral sciences and allied disciplines involved in the evaluation, care, and habilitation of persons with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities.

Ability to implement effective and practical plans of treatment for persons with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities.

Ability to evaluate the progress of clients and the quality of their treatment programs.

Ability to collect and analyze information utilized in making decisions concerning client habilitation plans.

Ability to exercise constructive discipline in a structured behavioral environment.

Ability to communicate effectively and prepare reports.

SPECIAL NOTE

The applicant's undergraduate or graduate degree coursework must provide a basis for subsequent career progression (i.e., promotion to Habilitation Specialist II) and eligibility for designation as a Qualified Mental Retardation Professional (QMRP) under Federal standards for an Intermediate Care Facility-Mental Retardation (ICF-MR).

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

(The following requirements will determine merit system eligibility, experience and education ratings, and may be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers. When practical and possible, the Division of Personnel will accept substitution of experience and education on a year-for-year basis.)

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 24 earned semester hours or 36 earned quarter hours in Elementary or Secondary Education, Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Counseling, Recreation (including specialty areas such as Art, Dance, Music, or Physical Education), Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Nursing, or other specialties in the field of human services.

(Experience as a Registered Nurse may substitute on a year-for-year basis for a maximum of two years of the required education.)

(Minor Revision 9/12/08)