Human Services Coordinator I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Lawrence, MA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is excited to offer a career growth opportunity to a motivated and talented individual for the Human Services Coordinator I (HSC I) position in the Merrimack Valley Area Office. The Human Service Coordinator I is the primary contact for individuals and families served by the Department and are expected to effectively represent the Area Office by building respectful and collaborative partnerships with individuals, families, guardians, provider agencies and other stakeholder groups involving the work of the Area Office and Department. The HSC I coordinate and facilitates the development of Individual Service Plan (ISP); Life Plan or Individual Transition Plan (ITP), for individuals on assigned caseload, as well as monitors the implementation of services provided by DDS funded residential, day and support program providers. The HSC I ensure 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, while maintaining communication and outreach with community services and other state agencies. The role of the Service Coordinator allows for some specialization to best meet the needs of DDS eligible individuals who are Children (under 18 years of age), who are transitioning to adult services, who live with Autism (both with and without an intellectual disability) AND who are adults. The expectations and caseloads associated with each of these Service Coordinator roles vary due to the specialization. The specific Service Coordinator roles are listed below. These descriptions just highlight key job functions and are not inclusive of the entirety of the Service Coordination role. Transition SC: A transition Service Coordinator works with Chapter 688 (better known as the "Turning 22" law) to provide a planning process for young adults with disabilities as they leave special education and transition into the adult service system. The T-2 SC develops and maintains close working relationships with local school authorities and facilitate a stable transition for individuals from school to adult services. The SC acts as the primary contact for individuals and families served by the Department and are expected to effectively represent the Area Office by building collaborative partnerships with individuals, families, guardians, provider agencies to guide the team through the 688 and transition process. Adult SC: Adult Service Coordinators support DDS eligible Individuals (and their families) identify, and access needed supports and the mechanism by which those supports will be arranged. The choice between traditional and non-traditional supports, waiver eligibility and other factors are all part of this role. The Adult Service Coordinator 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. For those who receive no or limited DDS funded supports the Service Coordinator makes regular contact to ensure the individual is continuing to do well and has no outstanding support needs for supports from DDS. ASD HSC I: ASD HSC I supports DDS eligible Individuals (and their families) identify, and access needed supports and the mechanism by which those supports will be arranged. The ASD HSC I 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. For those who receive no or limited DDS funded supports the ASD HSC I makes regular contact to ensure the individual is continuing to do well and has no outstanding support needs for supports from DDS. Children HSC I: Children Service Coordinator (CSC) is a motivated team player who supports DDS eligible children and their families. Based on a mutual planning process with the family and assessment of need, the CSC assists caregivers with planning, accessing generic community-based supports, understanding SPED process and the identifying, and referring to internal and external supports. Elements of the role include service coordination, case management, information and referral, data management and interagency linkage. Self-Direction SC: The Self-Direction Service Coordinator works with individuals in the Participant Directed Program who are directing their own services. In addition to other responsibilities, this requires the Service Coordinator to serve 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. Additional HSC I responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: · 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 About the Department of Developmental Services The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government. For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds

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 those acting as Qualified Intellectual Disabled Professionals.
• 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

• Experience with Chapter 688 (Turning 22 law) for transition planning.
• Experience with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Experience with Participant Directed Programs.
• Experience working with children (under 18 years of age).
• Experience working with individuals transitioning to adult services.
• Experience working with adults.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and facilitate the development of Individual Service Plan (ISP); Life Plan or Individual Transition Plan (ITP), for individuals on assigned caseload.
• Monitor the implementation of services provided by DDS funded residential, day and support program providers.
• Ensure 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.
• Maintain communication and outreach with community services and other state agencies.
• Develop and maintain close working relationships with local school authorities and facilitate a stable transition for individuals from school to adult services.
• Support DDS eligible Individuals (and their families) identify, and access needed supports and the mechanism by which those supports will be arranged.
• Keep in regular touch with the individual to ensure the supports they are receiving are meeting their needs, including visits to the service setting.
• Make regular contact with individuals receiving no or limited DDS funded supports to ensure they are continuing to do well and have no outstanding support needs.
• Assist caregivers with planning, accessing generic community-based supports, understanding SPED process and identifying, and referring to internal and external supports.
• Serve as a ‘support broker’ for individuals in the Participant Directed Program, helping them draft/revise their individual budget, supporting participants in recruiting/interviewing/hiring workers, and problem-solving payroll and employer issues.
• Monitor the safety and well-being of assigned individuals.
• Provide advocacy in human, civil and legal rights.
• Facilitate team meetings; monitor follow-through on team recommendations while maintaining individual’s records and relevant computer databases.
• Maintain regular and consistent contact with individuals, service providers and families.
• Arrange and/or provide crisis intervention for individuals as needed; assess needs and make recommendations for follow up planning, as well as providing information to supervisor and other members of the Area Office Management Team.

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