Human Services Coordinator I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Worcester, MA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking a motivated and talented individual for the Human Services Coordinator I (HSC I) position in the Worcester Area Office. The HSC I is the primary contact for individuals and families served by the Department and is expected to effectively represent the Area Office by building respectful and collaborative partnerships with individuals, families, guardians, provider agencies, and other stakeholder groups. The HSC I coordinates and facilitates the development of Individual Service Plans (ISP) for individuals on their assigned caseload, and 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 by arranging, organizing, and coordinating DDS-funded and generic support services in response to individual needs, while maintaining communication and outreach with community services and other state agencies. The role allows for specialization to meet the needs of DDS-eligible individuals who are Children (under 18 years of age), transitioning to adult services, live with Autism (with or without an intellectual disability), or are adults. The expectations and caseloads vary due to specialization. Adult HSC I supports DDS-eligible Individuals (and their families) in identifying and accessing needed supports and the mechanism by which those supports will be arranged, considering factors like traditional vs. non-traditional supports and waiver eligibility. The Adult HSC I maintains regular contact to ensure supports meet needs, including visits to service settings. For those with limited DDS-funded supports, the HSC I ensures they are doing well and have no outstanding support needs. ASD HSC I supports DDS-eligible Individuals (and their families) in identifying and accessing needed supports and the mechanism by which those supports will be arranged, maintaining regular contact and visiting service settings. For those with limited DDS-funded supports, the ASD HSC I ensures they are doing well and have no outstanding support needs. Self-Direction HSC I works with individuals in the Participant Directed Program who are directing their own services, serving as a ‘support broker,’ helping with individual budgets, recruiting/interviewing/hiring workers, and problem-solving payroll and employer issues. Additional responsibilities include monitoring safety and well-being, providing advocacy, facilitating team meetings, monitoring follow-through on recommendations, maintaining records, arranging/providing crisis intervention, assessing needs, and making recommendations for follow-up planning.

Requirements

• At least three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time, professional experience in human services work or social work
• A Bachelor's degree or higher in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, human services, rehabilitation, rehabilitation counseling, nursing, recreation therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, music therapy, physical education or other a related field is required (for Qualified Intellectual Disabled Professionals assignment)
• Must have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment (if using a motor vehicle for travel)

Nice To Haves

• Individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• 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
• Arranging and/or providing 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
• Coordinates and facilitates the development of Individual Service Plan (ISP) for individuals on assigned caseload
• Monitors the implementation of services provided by DDS funded residential, day and support program providers
• 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
• Maintains communication and outreach with community services and other state agencies
• Supports DDS eligible Individuals (and their families) identify, and access needed supports and the mechanism by which those supports will be arranged
• 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
• Makes regular contact to ensure the individual is continuing to do well and has no outstanding support needs for supports from DDS
• Serves as a ‘support broker,’ helping the participant draft/revise their individual budget, supporting participants as needed in recruiting/interviewing/hiring workers, and problem-solving payroll and employer issues between participants and their employees

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits
• Outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package
• Work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level