Human Services Coordinator I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Beverly, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Human Services Coordinator I (HSC I) works in the North Shore Area Office in Beverly, Massachusetts, serving as the primary contact for individuals and families served by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). The coordinator represents the Area Office and builds respectful, collaborative partnerships with individuals, families, guardians, provider agencies, and other stakeholders. The HSC I coordinates and facilitates Individual Service Plans (ISPs), Life Plans, or Individual Transition Plans (ITPs) for assigned individuals and monitors services delivered by DDS-funded residential, day, and support program providers. The coordinator arranges and organizes DDS-funded and generic support services in response to individual needs, while communicating and coordinating with community services and other state agencies. Assignments may specialize in transition-age individuals, adults, adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, children, or participants directing their own services. Transition Service Coordinators support the Chapter 688 planning process as young adults move from special education into adult services and maintain relationships with local school authorities. Adult and ASD Service Coordinators help individuals and families identify and access supports, monitor whether supports meet needs through regular contact and visits to service settings, and follow up with individuals receiving few or no DDS-funded supports. Children’s Service Coordinators assist families with planning, accessing community-based supports, understanding the special education process, and identifying and referring to other supports. Self-Direction Service Coordinators act as support brokers, assisting participants with individual budgets, hiring workers, and resolving payroll and employer issues. The position is full-time, 37.5 hours per week, with a stated shift of 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and regular days off on Saturday and Sunday. Flexibility is required to meet Area Office needs. Travel may be required based on assignment.

Requirements

At least three years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience in human services work or social work, or an equivalent combination of experience and substitutions.
A bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.
Travel may be required depending on assignment.
If electing to use a motor vehicle for travel, a current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at the class level specific to the assignment is required.
For assignments as Qualified Intellectual Disabled Professionals, a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specified related field is required; listed fields include social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, education, human services, rehabilitation, nursing, recreation therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, music therapy, and physical education, among others.
Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening, including a CPPD Abuse Registry Search, CORI criminal background check, and fingerprint-based national background check.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and facilitate development of Individual Service Plans, Life Plans, or Individual Transition Plans for assigned individuals.
Monitor the implementation of services provided by DDS-funded residential, day, and support program providers.
Arrange, organize, and coordinate DDS-funded and generic support services in response to individual needs.
Maintain communication and outreach with community services and other state agencies.
Build collaborative partnerships with individuals, families, guardians, provider agencies, school authorities, and other stakeholders.
For transition assignments, support Chapter 688 planning and facilitate transition from special education to adult services.
For adult and ASD assignments, help individuals and families identify and access needed supports, maintain regular contact, and visit service settings to observe supports firsthand.
For children’s assignments, assist caregivers with planning, accessing community-based supports, understanding the special education process, and identifying and referring to internal and external supports.
For self-direction assignments, help participants draft or revise individual budgets, recruit, interview, and hire workers, and address payroll and employer issues.
Monitor the safety and well-being of assigned individuals.
Advocate for individuals’ human, civil, and legal rights.
Facilitate team meetings and monitor follow-through on team recommendations.
Maintain individual records and relevant computer databases.
Maintain regular and consistent contact with individuals, service providers, and families.
Arrange and/or provide crisis intervention as needed, assess needs, recommend follow-up planning, and provide information to supervisors and other Area Office Management Team members.