Assistant Area Director

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Lowell, MA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Area Director (AAD) assists the Area Director in managing the area office’s administrative, clinical, programmatic, and budgetary operations. The AAD serves as a liaison with sister state agencies, community representatives, and DDS staff outside the area. As a member of the Area Management Team, the AAD works with area staff and providers to develop residential, day, and support programs and to shape and monitor existing programs to better meet individuals’ needs. In partnership with the Area Director, the AAD recommends cost-effective improvements to supports and participates in budget planning and contracting, including needed contract changes and coordination with the Regional Contracts Office. The AAD coordinates with area and regional staff on opportunities for individuals and families to self-direct supports. The role works directly with Service Coordinators on Participant Directed Program and Agency with Choice options, approving allocations and developing budgets to support plans within assigned allocations. The AAD participates in the Area Risk Review Committee, assists with crisis situations and clinical issues, and works with staff to resolve conflicts. The AAD directly supervises identified area positions, completes performance evaluations in a timely manner, and helps maintain a work environment consistent with negotiated labor contracts and EOHHS policy. The AAD also provides or arranges ongoing training and development and provides indirect supervision to area staff as needed. The position is located in Lowell, Massachusetts. The schedule is 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday off. Flexibility is required to meet the needs of the area office. The Department of Developmental Services creates opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, to participate fully and contribute meaningfully in their communities. DDS serves more than 43,000 individuals and oversees approximately $3 billion in public funds and approximately 5,500 staff. Applicants must have at least five years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business or public administration or management, or clinical administration or management. At least one year must be in project management, supervisory, or managerial capacity, unless the applicant qualifies through an equivalent combination of experience and education substitutions. A relevant certificate may substitute for one year of the required experience; a related bachelor’s degree for two years; a related graduate degree for three years; and a related doctorate for four years. Selected candidates’ education and license or certification information may be published under Massachusetts Public Record Law and will be verified. Recommended candidates must complete pre-employment screening, including an abuse registry search, a CORI criminal background check, and a fingerprint-based national background check. Employees are paid biweekly and must use direct deposit.

Requirements

At least five years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration, or clinical management, with at least one year in a project management, supervisory, or managerial capacity; or an equivalent combination of experience and qualifying education substitutions.
A relevant or related certificate may substitute for one year of the required experience.
A related bachelor’s degree may substitute for two years of the required experience.
A related graduate degree may substitute for three years of the required experience.
A related doctorate may substitute for four years of the required experience.
Flexibility to meet the needs of the area office.
Successful completion of required pre-employment screening, including an abuse registry search, CORI check, and fingerprint-based national background check.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows.
Knowledge of DDS regulations, policies, and practices.
Knowledge and experience with DDS processes and procedures, including ISP implementation and risk management.
Experience and knowledge using DDS databases HCSIS and Meditech.

Responsibilities

Assist the Area Director in managing administrative, clinical, programmatic, and budgetary operations of the area office.
Act as a liaison with sister state agencies, community representatives, and DDS staff outside the area.
Work with area staff and providers to develop residential, day, and support programs and shape and monitor existing programs to meet individuals’ needs.
Work with the Area Director to recommend cost-effective improvements to supports.
Participate in budget planning and contracting activities, assist with contract changes during the fiscal year, and coordinate with the Regional Contracts Office as needed.
Coordinate with area and regional staff to support opportunities for individuals and families to self-direct their supports.
Work with Service Coordinators on Participant Directed Program and Agency with Choice options, approve allocations, and develop budgets for support plans within assigned allocations.
Participate in the Area Risk Review Committee and assist with crisis situations, clinical issues, and conflict resolution.
Directly supervise identified area positions and complete performance evaluations in a timely manner.
Maintain a work environment consistent with negotiated labor contracts and EOHHS policy.
Provide or arrange ongoing training and development as needed.
Provide indirect supervision to area staff as needed.