A Job Description for an Aide for Developmentally Delayed Persons
"Developmental disabilities" is the broad term used to describe a group of conditions that cause mild, moderate or severe levels of physical, mental or intellectual impairment. A developmental disabilities aide provides direct care and assistance to clients to help them live as independently as possible. They fall under the Bureau of Labor Statistics category, "Psychiatric Technicians and Aides." As of May 2010, professionals in this category earned an average yearly salary of $26,880 per year.
Education and Training
The exact educational requirements for a developmental disabilities aide can vary by organization, but they generally call for at least a high school diploma. Some organizations may have a preference for candidates who have some post-secondary education. Some aides may have associate or even bachelor's degrees in human services fields like psychology, sociology or social work. In addition, developmental disabilities aides must usually also complete pre-employment or on-the-job training required by government regulations. This includes training in confidentiality and handling blood borne pathogens.
Developmental disabilities aides are employed in a wide range of settings. They might work in residential care, day treatment programs, job training programs, state or private medical facilities or hospitals, or community centers. They might work full-time or part-time during regular business hours, but due to the nature of the work, they also might work in the evenings, weekends and holidays. They may need to be on-call to provide staff coverage.
The specific responsibilities of a developmental disabilities aide can vary by organization. They generally provide direct care, such as feeding or bathing, to patients who are unable to care for themselves. They also might assist higher-functioning clients with these tasks. They may also be responsible for housekeeping, including changing bed sheets or vacuuming. They might lead recreational activities or socialization groups. In many cases, developmental disabilities aides may need to transport or accompany their clients to appointments. Sometimes, they may need to physically restrain violent clients or those with behavioral problems.
Working as a developmental disabilities aide isn't for everyone. They often need to deal with difficult clients and upsetting situations. Because developmental disabilities aides provide direct care, they must be comfortable dealing with seeing clients in very personal situations, such as when clients are undressing or toileting. Developmental disabilities aides need to be compassionate, friendly and patient. Since their work can be emotionally demanding and stressful, they should have a good social support system and be able to leave their work at the workplace at the end of the day.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Developmental Disabilities
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Psychiatric Technicians and Aides: Summary
- Hope Enterprises: Staff Training
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Psychiatric Technicians and Aides: Work Environment
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Psychiatric Technicians and Aides: What Psychiatric Technicians and Aides Do
Ashley Miller is a licensed social worker, psychotherapist, certified Reiki practitioner, yoga enthusiast and aromatherapist. She has also worked as an employee assistance program counselor and a substance-abuse professional. Miller holds a Master of Social Work and has extensive training in mental health diagnosis, as well as child and adolescent psychotherapy. She also has a bachelor's degree in music.