Human Services Coordinator I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Boston, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is offering a career growth opportunity for a motivated individual for the Human Services Coordinator I (HSC I) position at our Greater Boston Area Office in Hyde Park. The HSC I is the primary contact for individuals and families served by the Department, expected to build respectful and collaborative partnerships with individuals, families, guardians, provider agencies, and other stakeholders. The HSC I coordinates and facilitates the development of Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and monitors the implementation of services provided by DDS-funded providers. This role ensures individuals receive appropriate services by arranging, organizing, and coordinating DDS-funded and generic support services, while maintaining communication 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), transitioning to adult services, live with Autism (with or without an intellectual disability), or are adults. The expectations and caseloads vary based on specialization. The specific Service Coordinator roles currently being hired for are Autism Service Coordinators (ASD SC), Children's Service Coordinators (CSC), Adult Service Coordinators, Transition Service Coordinators (T-2 SC), and Self-Direction Service Coordinators.

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

• Experience working with individuals with Autism is preferred.
• 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.

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 DDS funded and generic support services in response to individual’s needs.
• Maintains communication and outreach with community services and other state agencies.
• Supports Autistic adults determined eligible for DDS services under the Community Developmental Disability Supports eligibility category (ASD SC).
• Facilitates the development of services & supports with provider agencies and other resources in response to the individuals’ needs and desires (ASD SC).
• Works collaboratively with other State Agencies supporting the individual such as DMH, MRC, etc. (ASD SC).
• 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).
• Provides service coordination, case management, information and referral, data management, and inter-agency connections (Children’s SC).
• Supports DDS eligible Individuals (and their families) identify, and access needed supports and the mechanism by which those supports will be arranged (Adult SC).
• Keeps 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).
• Makes regular contact with individuals who receive no or limited DDS funded supports to ensure they are doing well and have no outstanding support needs (Adult SC).
• Works with Chapter 688 (Turning 22 law) to provide 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 and facilitates a stable transition from school to adult services (Transition SC).
• Works with individuals in the Participant Directed Program who are directing their own services (Self-Direction SC).
• Serves 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 (Self-Direction SC).
• May also act as Support Broker for those who choose to participate in Participant-Directed Programs (PDP).
• 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 while maintaining 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 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