Human Services Coordinator I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Framingham, MA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is offering a career growth opportunity for a Human Services Coordinator I (HSC I) at the Middlesex West Area Office in Framingham. The HSC I serves as the primary contact for individuals and families, building collaborative partnerships with them, guardians, provider agencies, and other stakeholders. This role involves coordinating and facilitating the development of Individual Service Plans (ISPs), monitoring service implementation by DDS-funded providers, and ensuring individuals receive appropriate services. The role may involve specialization in areas such as Children's Services, Self-Direction, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Adult Services, or Transition Services, with varying expectations and caseloads based on the specialization. The position requires monitoring the safety and well-being of assigned individuals, providing advocacy, facilitating team meetings, maintaining records, arranging crisis intervention, and reporting to supervisors. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) aims to create opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, to participate fully in their communities. DDS serves over 43,000 individuals, providing a range of supports and managing significant public funds and staff.

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 a related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required 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 on assignment as Qualified Intellectual Disabled Professionals, 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.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to facilitate groups with diverse representation and function effectively as a member of a team.
• Knowledge and demonstrated skill in development and implementation of educational, and/ or Individual Support Plan (ISP).
• Knowledge of the general field of developmental disabilities.
• Verbal and written communication of information and ideas so others will understand.
• Developing plans to accomplish work, and prioritizing and organizing one’s own work.
• Dealing respectfully and professionally with the public, including receiving clients or others doing business with the agency in a sensitive and understanding manner.
• Experience working Autism is preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Arranges, organizes, and coordinates 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.
• Coordinates services for DDS-eligible children (3 -22) and their families (Children's SC).
• Assists caregivers with planning, accessing generic community-based supports, understanding SPED process and identifying/referring to internal and external supports (Children's SC).
• Serves as a 'support broker' for individuals in the Participant Directed Program, helping draft/revise budgets, supporting recruitment/hiring of workers, and problem-solving payroll/employer issues (Self-Direction SC).
• Supports Autistic adults eligible for DDS services under Community Developmental Disability Supports, facilitating services and supports with provider agencies and other resources (ASD SC).
• Supports DDS eligible Individuals (and their families) in identifying and accessing needed supports and the mechanism by which those supports will be arranged (Adult SC).
• Keeps in regular touch with the individual to ensure supports are meeting their needs, including visits to service settings (Adult SC).
• Provides a planning process for young adults with disabilities transitioning from special education to the adult service system (Transition SC).
• Develops and maintains close working relationships with local school authorities to facilitate a stable transition from school to adult services (Transition SC).
• Monitors the safety and well-being of assigned individuals.
• Provides advocacy in human, civil and legal rights.
• Facilitates team meetings; monitors follow-through on team recommendations.
• Maintains individuals’ records and relevant computer databases.
• Maintains regular and consistent contact with individuals, service providers and families.
• Arranges and/or provides crisis intervention for individuals as needed.
• Assesses needs and makes recommendations for follow up planning.
• Provides information to the supervisor and other members of the Area Office Management Team.

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: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level