Human Services Coordinator I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Acton, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Human Services Coordinator I (HSC I) serves as the primary contact for individuals and families served by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), representing the Area Office and building respectful, collaborative partnerships with individuals, families, guardians, provider agencies, and other stakeholders. The position coordinates and facilitates Individual Service Plan (ISP) development for assigned individuals and monitors services provided by DDS-funded residential, day, and support program providers. It arranges and coordinates DDS-funded and community-based services in response to individual needs and maintains communication with community services and other state agencies. Service Coordinator assignments may specialize in services for children, young adults transitioning from special education to adult services, autistic adults without a co-occurring intellectual disability, or other adults eligible for DDS services. The specific caseloads and expectations vary by assignment. Coordinators help individuals and families identify, access, and arrange appropriate supports, and maintain contact to assess whether those supports meet the individual's needs. The position may involve crisis intervention, assessing needs, recommending follow-up planning, and communicating with supervisors and Area Office management. Other related duties may include work with individuals receiving Participant Directed Services. The position is full-time, 37.5 hours per week, located in Burlington, Massachusetts. The stated shift is 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday off; 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 permitted substitutions.
A bachelor's degree or higher in a related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.
A current, valid motor vehicle driver's license at the class level specific to the assignment is required if the incumbent elects to use a motor vehicle for travel.
For assignments as Qualified Intellectual Disabled Professionals, a bachelor's degree or higher in a specified or related field is required. Listed fields include 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, and physical education.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with Autism is preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary contact for individuals and families served by DDS and represent the Area Office in collaborative partnerships.
Coordinate and facilitate Individual Service Plan development for individuals on an assigned caseload.
Monitor the implementation of services provided by DDS-funded residential, day, and support program providers.
Arrange, organize, and coordinate DDS-funded and generic community support services in response to individual needs.
Maintain communication and outreach with community services and other state agencies.
Support individuals and families in identifying and accessing needed supports, including traditional and non-traditional supports and consideration of waiver eligibility where applicable.
For children’s assignments, coordinate services for DDS-eligible children and families, assist caregivers with planning and accessing community-based supports, explain the special education process, and identify and refer to internal and external supports.
For transition assignments, work with Chapter 688 planning, develop and maintain relationships with local school authorities, and facilitate transition from special education to adult services.
For adult assignments, maintain regular contact, visit service settings to meet individuals and observe supports, and check for unmet needs, including for individuals with no or limited DDS-funded supports.
Monitor the safety and well-being of assigned individuals.
Advocate for individuals’ human, civil, and legal rights.
Facilitate team meetings, monitor follow-through on team recommendations, and 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 Area Office management.
Perform other related duties, which may include work with individuals engaged in Participant Directed Services.