Human Services Coordinator I

Mass; Acton (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Developmental Services seeks a Human Services Coordinator I in the Central Middlesex Area Office, Burlington, MA. You will serve as the primary contact for individuals and families and coordinate ISP development.

Work with guardians, providers and community partners to ensure timely, appropriate supports, advocate for access to opportunities, and maintain outreach and inter-agency collaboration.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience in human services or social work.
• Bachelor's degree or higher may substitute for two years of experience.
• Travel may be required; valid driver's license if use vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and facilitate ISP development for individuals on caseload.
• Monitor implementation of services from DDS-funded and other providers.
• Maintain communication with individuals, families, providers and community supports.
• Arrange crisis intervention and follow-up planning as needed.

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - Human Services Coordinator I (260007GM)

Job Description

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 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 position is located in Burlington, MA

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.

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:

Commission for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (CPPD) Abuse Registry Search. https:cppdmass.gov

Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

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.

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

Qualifications

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