This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
- Habilitation Specialist I
- What will I be doing?
- Do I qualify?
- Can I be successful?
- Benefits
- How do I apply?
This is entry-level professional work implementing and monitoring habilitation programs and positive behavior supports for persons with developmental disabilities.
Implements and monitors individualized habilitation plans under the supervision of a Qualified Developmental Disability Professional (QDDP) or serves as a member of a behavior team.
Serves as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team, reports on client progress, and makes recommendations concerning changes to individual habilitation plans.
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 mathematics (i.e., numerals, money, measurement, time), positive behavior supports, vocational skills, domestic skills, community experience, and other specialized areas based on individualized habilitation goals.
Serves as a member of a behavior team providing supports for individuals living in a facility or community based residential setting who are encountering, or are likely to encounter, crisis events due to challenging behaviors.
Observes and evaluates behaviors; assists in developing support strategies; provides consultation and training to individuals, their families, other caretakers, and service providers; and implements behavior supports and monitors their effectiveness.
Observes client’s behavior and participation in program activities at a habilitation center.
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.
Receives close supervision from a QDDP.
Performs other related work as assigned.
(The following minimum qualifications will determine eligibility. Experience and education substitutions are provided in italics below the corresponding minimum qualification statement. These minimum qualifications may also be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from registers.)
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 24 earned semester hours or 36 earned quarter hours in one or a combination of the following: Education, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Counseling, Recreation (including specialty areas such as Art, Dance, Music, or Physical Education), Dietetics, Criminal Justice, Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy Assistant, Nursing, or other specialties in the field of human services.
(A combination of education from an accredited college or university and experience as a Registered Nurse may substitute for the stated qualifications.)
OR
Four or more years of experience providing direct care to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, including one or more years assisting with implementing individualized treatment plans, training objectives, and/or behavior support plans; and possession of a high school diploma or proof of high school equivalency.
(A combination of education from an accredited college or university and experience described may substitute for the stated qualifications.)
For applicants without a bachelor’s degree, this is not a career progressive title. To become a Habilitation Specialist II, an applicant must be eligible for designation as a QDDP under Federal standards for an Intermediate Care Facility-Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID).
Please note that documentation that supports your eligibility (i.e. transcripts, employment records, etc.) may be required at any time during the application and hiring process. If you do not possess the minimum qualifications, please consider one of many other employment opportunities with the State of Missouri.
Do you possess the key skills which are considered essential for successful employment in this classification?
Intermediate knowledge of positive behavior support principles and practices as they apply to habilitation programs for persons with developmental disabilities.
Introductory knowledge of the behavioral sciences and allied disciplines involved in the evaluation, care, and habilitation of persons with developmental disabilities.
Ability to implement effective and practical plans of treatment for persons with 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.
The following link will provide you with general information about State of Missouri employee benefits.
View benefits