Department of Community and Human Services

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (DD) RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

Service Associate

Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities

Overview:

Are you compassionate and committed to helping others? Do you enjoy advocating for those you support and collaborating with treatment team(s) to achieve optimal health care for residents we serve? Are you solution oriented and enjoy working independently and in a team? Are you committed to assuring those you support have access to and receive optimal health care? Do you have experience working with individuals diagnosed with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities? If so, join our team of Medical Coordinators. It’s our belief and mission that all our residents deserve and need to be treated with dignity and respect, to be self-directing, and to be recognized for their inherent value as a unique person.

As a member of the Medical Team, the Residential Medical Coordinator organizes the medical care for the individuals living in the residential group homes and apartments. Provides individuals served transportation to and from their medical appointments. Collaborates with the individuals’ treatment team to ensure appropriate medical follow-up is offered to all DD Residential clients.

What You Should Bring:

The Service Associate will have considerable work experience with adults diagnosed with any combination of the following: mental health issues, developmental disability, and substance abuse, ability to communicate clearly and effectively, in writing and orally, with other professionals and the public, Excellent organization skills in managing multiple tasks at the same time, Ability to work autonomously in the collaboration of services with private professionals. Ability to comprehend, process, and disseminate, as appropriate, basic to general medical information from a variety of healthcare providers. Ability to organize and maintain medical schedules for multiple clients. Ability to transport various clients, some who may have behavior issues, to medical appointments. Ability to implement person-centered practices and advocate for Human Rights and Home and Community-based Services (HCBS) Rights. Ability to obtain the cooperation of clients in difficult situations. Ability to use independent judgment within established policies, regulations, and guidelines.

Example of Duties:

• Consults and corresponds with medical, psychiatric, and administrative staff concerning the individuals’ medical needs, medication, psychiatric evaluation, emergencies, violation of program rules and coordination of program services.
• Maintains comprehensive clinical records.
• Contributes to the development and updating of Individual treatment plans.
• Provides information and referral services.
• Evaluates individuals and links them to appropriate Departmental and community resources.
• Coordinates medical appointments with community providers, Departmental psychiatrists, and other specialists as needed.
• Coordinates the transportation to various medical appointments with residential and case management staff.
• Performs related work as required.

About the Department

The Center for Adult Services (CAS) provides programs and services in Aging, Adult Protective Services. Clinical & Emergency Services, and Community & Residential Support Services for seniors and for persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders. CAS provides compassionate and effective person-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety, and recovery for Alexandria residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and substance abuse disorders.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Considerable experience in the provision of developmental disability, mental health and/or substance abuse treatment services, with at least two years of recent experience working with adults with developmental disabilities, and completion of college level courses in psychology, social services, public health, guidance, or a related field, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the State of residence.

Preferred Qualifications

Completion of a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work or a related human service field or licensed in the State of Virginia as a RN with at least two years' work experience with adults with developmental disabilities. At least two years recent work experience with medical terminology as it applies to individuals’ treatment plans. Bi-lingual in Spanish/English.

Notes

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment checks, including an FBI Criminal Record Check, VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Drug Testing, Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database. Driver's License from the state of residence, and education/certifications.

Schedule:

Monday through Friday, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. As an Essential Employee, staff will be expected to be at work during weekends, holidays, or inclement weather if they have been scheduled.