Human Rights Coordinator

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Worcester, MA

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Compliance Officer II (CO II) serves as the Human Rights Coordinator for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Central Residential Services (CRS). The coordinator is a resource for CRS staff and individuals supported by CRS, advocating for individuals to achieve their fullest potential and exercise their rights as they choose. The CO II assists Human Rights Committees in affirming, promoting, and protecting the human and civil rights of individuals served by CRS. The coordinator ensures committee memberships comply with regulations, committees meet regularly, and members receive training and understand their roles and functions under 115 CMR 3.09. The position also serves as a liaison between the committees and the agency and participates in the Department’s Survey and Certification process on human-rights matters, including committees, advocates, and training for staff, individuals, and family members. The role is based in Worcester, Massachusetts, and provides coverage throughout Central Massachusetts. The stated schedule is 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with Sunday and Saturday off. Flexibility is required to meet program needs, and some evening hours and weekends may be required for Human Rights Committee meetings.

Requirements

At least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in investigatory or law enforcement work, or regulatory administration work; an equivalent combination of required experience and listed substitutions may also qualify.
A bachelor’s or higher degree may be substituted for the required experience; education toward such a degree is prorated based on the proportion of degree requirements completed.
Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified under the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.
Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening, including a CPPD Abuse Registry Search, a CORI criminal background check, and a fingerprint-based national background check.

Responsibilities

Assist in developing agency policies and procedures under DDS regulations concerning human rights advocates, Human Rights Committees, and opportunities for individuals to exercise their rights, and support compliance and implementation across the agency.
Consult with ISP team members as needed and assist in developing appropriate goals, strategies, supports, plans, and interventions that teach individuals to make choices and exercise their rights within their capabilities using the least restrictive approach.
Assist in selecting human rights advocates for each home and provide training and support for their roles.
Complete related documentation in a timely manner, including meeting minutes, waivers, training and informational materials, and other written assignments.
Monitor Commission for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (CPPD) complaints to ensure timely handling and submission of appropriate action plans.
Review and monitor the Home and Community Services Information System (HCSIS) to ensure incident and restraint reports meet required timelines.
Develop and implement agency staff orientation training on human rights, the mistreatment complaint process, restrictive interventions, positive behavioral support, and other appropriate topics.
Serve as a resource to individuals and families regarding human rights through training, education, and/or conflict resolution.
Participate in regional and statewide Human Rights Coordinator networking meetings.
Apply information, ideas, and processes learned through networking to improve the CRS Human Rights system and the monitoring and delivery of services.
Communicate and meet regularly with the Regional Human Rights Specialist.
Ensure Human Rights Committee membership complies with regulations, committees meet regularly, and members are trained and understand their roles and functions under 115 CMR 3.09.
Act as a liaison between Human Rights Committees and the agency to communicate related information and issues.
Assist as needed and participate in the Department’s Survey and Certification process as it relates to human-rights issues, including Human Rights Committees, Human Rights Advocates, and training for staff, individuals, and family members.