Human Services Coordinator I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Acton (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Developmental Services is seeking a Human Services Coordinator I to manage and coordinate Individual Service Plans for individuals served, across ASD, Children, Transition and Adult service tracks in the Central Middlesex Area Office.

Responsibilities include coordinating services, monitoring implementation, arranging supports, and maintaining ongoing contact with individuals, families, guardians, providers, and other state agencies to ensure quality, person-centered services.

Qualifications

• Experience coordinating services for individuals and families in a human services setting.
• Familiarity with DDS, ISP development, and community resources is helpful.
• Strong communication, advocacy, and partnership-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and facilitate Individual Service Plans (ISP) for assigned caseload.
• Monitor implementation of DDS-funded services and arrange supports.
• Maintain communication with individuals, families/guardians, providers and state agencies.
• Facilitate team meetings and ensure documentation and data accuracy.

Skills

Case management

Inter-agency coordination

Advocacy

Communication

Job description

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is excited to offer a career growth opportunity to a motivated and talented individual for the Human Services Coordinator I (HSC I) position in the Central Middlesex Area Office, located in Burlington, MA . The 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 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 ensures 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 with Chapter 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 school authorities and facilitate a stable transition for individuals from school to adult services. The SC acts 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 the Service 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 fa