Human Services Coordinator I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Beverly, MA

3d • 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 North Shore Area Office. The HSC I serves as the primary contact for individuals and families served by the Department, building respectful and collaborative partnerships with individuals, families, guardians, provider agencies, and other stakeholders. The role involves coordinating and facilitating the development of Individual Service Plans (ISP), Life Plans, or Individual Transition Plans (ITP) for assigned caseloads, and monitoring the implementation of services provided by DDS-funded residential, day, and support program providers. The HSC I ensures individuals receive appropriate services by arranging, organizing, and coordinating DDS-funded and generic support services in response to individual needs, while maintaining communication with community services and other state agencies. The role offers specialization in areas such as transitions for young adults, adult services, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Children's services, and Self-Direction programs.

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, within the Department of Developmental Services, 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

• Experience with Chapter 688 (Turning 22 law) for young adults transitioning to adult services.
• Experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Experience working with children and their families.
• Experience with Participant Directed Programs and self-direction.

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.
• Arrange, organize, and coordinate 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 to facilitate a stable transition for individuals from school to adult services (Transition SC).
• Support DDS eligible Individuals (and their families) identify, and access needed supports and the mechanism by which those supports will be arranged (Adult SC, ASD HSC I).
• Keep in regular touch with the individual to ensure the supports they are receiving are meeting their needs, including visits to the service setting (Adult SC, ASD HSC I).
• Assist caregivers with planning, accessing generic community-based supports, understanding SPED process and identifying, and referring to internal and external supports (Children HSC I).
• Serve as a ‘support broker,’ helping the participant draft/revise their individual budget, supporting participants in recruiting/interviewing/hiring workers, and problem-solving payroll and employer issues between participants and their employees (Self-Direction SC).
• 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

• 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