Active Treatment Human Services Coordinator I

Massachusetts; Lowell (MA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative department is seeking a dedicated Active Treatment Human Services Coordinator to support individuals with developmental disabilities. In this full-time role, you will be the primary contact for individuals and families, facilitating the development of personalized service plans and ensuring that clients receive the necessary support. Your advocacy and coordination will help create meaningful opportunities for those you serve. Join a team committed to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and their families. This role offers a chance to grow professionally while contributing to a vital mission in the community.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Flexible Schedule

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in human services or social work.
• Bachelor's degree may substitute for 2 years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate Individual Service Plans for clients.
• Monitor safety and well-being of assigned individuals.

Skills

Human Services Experience

Social Work

Case Management

Communication Skills

Advocacy

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or Related Field

Professional Experience in Human Services

Job description

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is excited to offer a career growth opportunity to a motivated and talented individual for the Active Treatment Human Services Coordinator I (HSC I) position in the Lowell Area Office. The Active Treatment Human Service Coordinator I is the primary contact for individuals and families served by the Department and are expected to effectively represent the Area Office by building respectful and collaborative partnerships with individuals, families, guardians, provider agencies and other stakeholder groups involving the work of the Area Office and Department.

The Active Treatment HSC I coordinates and facilitates the development of Individual Service Plan (ISP) for individuals on assigned caseload, as well as monitors the implementation of services provided by DDS funded residential, day and support program providers. The HSC I ensure individuals on caseload receive appropriate services through arranging, organizing, and coordinating the Department of Developmental Services funded and generic support services in response to individual’s needs, while maintaining communication and outreach with community services and other state agencies.

The role of the Service Coordinator allows for some specialization to best meet the needs of DDS eligible individuals who are Children (under 18 years of age), who are transitioning to adult services, who live with Autism (both with and without an intellectual disability) AND who are adults. The expectations and caseloads associated with each of these Service Coordinator roles vary due to the specialization. The Position of Service Coordinator is key to establishing relationships and arranging for any needed supports for eligible individuals and their families/Guardians. The roles are highlighted below to key job functions and are not inclusive of the entirety of the Service Coordination role.

ASD SC Description:Autism Service Coordinators support Autistic adults determined eligible for DDS services under our Community Developmental Disability Supports eligibility category. Individuals with Autism served as part of this group do not have a co-occurring intellectual disability. The Service Coordinator facilitates the development of services & supports with provider agencies and other resources in response to the individuals needs and desires.This position often works collaboratively with other State Agencies supporting the individual such as DMH, MRC, etc. Experience working Autism is preferred.

Children’s SC:The Children’s Service Coordinator (CSC) is responsible for coordinating services for DDS-eligible children (3 -22) and their families. Based on a collaborative planning process with the family and assessment of need, the CSC assists caregivers with planning, accessing generic community-based supports, understanding SPED process and the identifying and referring to internal and external supports. Elements of the role include service coordination, case management, information and referral, data management and inter-agency connections.

Transition SC:A transition Service Coordinator works withChapter 688 (better known as the "Turning 22" law) to provide a planning process for young adults with disabilities as they leave special education and transition into the adult service system. The T-2 SC d evelops and maintains close working relationships with local schoolauthorities and facilitate a stable transition for individuals from school to adult services. The SC a cts as the primary contact for individuals and families served by the Department and are expected to effectively represent the Area Office by building collaborative partnerships with individuals, families, guardians, provider agencies to guide the team through the 688 and transition process.

Adult SC:Adult Service Coordinators support DDS eligible Individuals (and their families) identify, and access needed supports and the mechanism by which those supports will be arranged. The choice between traditional and non-traditional supports, waiver eligibility and other factors are all part of this role. The Adult Service Coordinator keeps in regular touch with the individual to ensure the supports they are receiving are meeting their needs- this includes visits to the service setting to meet with the individual and observe their support firsthand. For those who receive no or limited DDS funded supports theService Coordinator makes regular contact to ensure the individual is continuing to do well and has no outstanding support needs for supports from DDS.

Additional HSC I responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Monitoring the safety and well-being of assigned individuals.
• Providing advocacy in human, civil and legal rights
• Facilitating team meetings; monitoring follow-through on team recommendations while maintaining individual’s records and relevant computer databases
• Maintaining regular and consistent contact with individuals, service providers and families.

The HSC I will arrange and/or provide crisis intervention for individuals as needed; assessing needs and making recommendations for follow up planning, as well as providing information to supervisor and other members of the Area Office Management Team. This position will perform other related duties which may include individuals engaged in Participant Directed Services.

Please Note: This is Full-time, 37.5-hour position.

Shift:8:45am - 5:00pm

Days Off:Saturday and Sunday

Flexibility required to meet the needs of the Area Office .

About the Department of Developmental Services:

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds

Pre-Hire Process:

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

• Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

• Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search:https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry
• Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
• National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check.https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form .

For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at617-979-8500 for assistance.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Applicants must have (A) at least three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time, professional experience in human services work or social work or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

Based on assignment, travel may be required. Incumbents who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.

Based on assignment as Qualified Intellectual Disabled Professionals, within the Department of Developmental Services, a Bachelor's degree or higher in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, human services, rehabilitation, rehabilitation counseling, nursing, recreation therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, music therapy, physical education or other a related field is required.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.