To learn how Family Support helped members of our community, click here.
If you know a person with a developmental disability…We’ve been there… We can help.
We’ve been there. . . We can help.
We believe children with developmental disabilities have the right to grow up with their own families. All children need relationships with family members and other caring individuals to develop to their fullest potential. Adults with developmental disabilities deserve the opportunity to make informed decisions for themselves, live in their community, and exercise their rights as citizens. In addition to the natural supports provided by the family, friends, and neighbors, individuals with developmental disabilities may need specialized services designed to meet their needs.
The Family Support Division develops partnerships with families, individuals with developmental disabilities, and professionals to:
- provide opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to reach their fullest potential,
- empower families to make informed decisions about the issues that affect the quality of their lives, and
- develop service options that are flexible, easy to access, and sensitive to the cultural needs of the families.
We recognize that when families are empowered and they partner with professional allies, advocacy efforts are strengthened and services are improved for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Family Support Programs which foster these connections and partnerships are:
- Down Syndrome Resource Group of Western Massachusetts (DSRGWM) - www.dsresource.org
“Discover and Embrace the Potential.” Serving Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties. - Family Empowerment Program
Serving Franklin and Hampshire Counties - Family Support Program
Serving Hampden County - Greater Athol Area Advocates for Families with Special Needs (GAAAFSN)
Serving the North Quabbin Area and Northern Worcester County - Multicultural Families of Amherst Area (MFAA)
Serving Franklin and Hampshire Counties - Support for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Serving Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties, the North Quabbin Area, and Northern Worcester County
Job Opportunities
CLINICAL SPECIALIST OPENING
POSITION DESCRIPTION
We are looking for a person experienced in working with people who have developmental disabilities, up to 30 hours a week as a Clinical Specialist. This person will be responsible for coordinating, overseeing, and implementing all clinical supports for individuals receiving services from The Family Support Division in the
Responsibilities include working as part of a team to:
à Provide high quality clinical services as well as family and collateral consultation on assigned cases.
à Provide comprehensive intake evaluations with clinical formulations and recommendations based on sound clinical principles and judgment.
à Provide comprehensive crisis evaluations/intervention to individuals with disabilities in collaboration with internal agency staff, DMR, crisis team, and other services providers to keep individual safe, including in participating in the DMR Risk Review Process.
à Meet with Family Support Division Staff on a regular basis to discuss clinical issues of individuals supported, provide defined training for staff development.
à Maintain current knowledge of field with people with developmental disabilities and with individuals who are dual diagnosis.
à Maintain documentation according to internal and external Department of Mental Retardation regulations including Medication treatment plans, level I treatment plans and confidential files.
à Ensure division adherences to regulations of funding sources and policies and procedures of The Association for Community Living.
Knowledge and experience required
à LICSW with 3-5 years experience working in the field of developmental disabilities
à Ability to provide clinical social work services to Family Support individuals and their families, and other persons providing support for the purpose of improving, restoring or enhancing the individuals social and/or psychological functioning.
à Training experience in family systems is preferred.
à Valid driver’s license with travel required.
We offer a supportive environment, and benefits package which will vary depending upon number of hours worked per week. Benefits may include:
à Medical and dental and life insurance
à Short and Long term disability
à Retirement plan with employer contribution
à Flexible spending accounts
à Paid vacations, sick days and 10 holidays
To Apply:
Email resume and cover letter to: noblek@theassn.org
Mail to: Family Support Division
Attn: Recruitment Team
This web site is funded in part by the Westfield Bank Future Fund and
the Frank Stanley Beveridge Foundation, Inc.
The Association For Community Living 
One Carando Drive, Suite 2 Springfield, MA 01104-3211
Phone: (800) 536-2910 FAX: (413) 732-1168 info@theassn.org