Human Services Coordinator I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Framingham, MA

19h

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 at our Middlesex West Area Office in Framingham. 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 coordinates and facilitates the development of Individual Service Plan (ISP) 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 ensures 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 we are hiring for currently are listed below. These descriptions just highlight key job functions and are not inclusive of the entirety of the Service Coordination role. Children’s SC: The Children’s Service Coordinator (CSC) is responsible for coordinating services for DDS-eligible children (3 -22) and their families. Based on a collaborative 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 inter-agency connections. 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. ASD SC: Autism Service Coordinators support Autistic adults determined eligible for DDS services under our Community Developmental Disability Supports eligibility category. Individuals with Autism served as part of this group do not have a co-occurring intellectual disability. The Service Coordinator facilitates the development of services & supports with provider agencies and other resources in response to the individuals needs and desires. This position often works collaboratively with other State Agencies supporting the individual such as DMH, MRC, etc. Experience working Autism is preferred. 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. 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.

Requirements

Applicants must have (A) at least three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time, professional experience in human services work or social work or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.
A Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required (A) 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.

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.
Expression: Verbal and written communication of information and ideas so others will understand.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing: Developing plans to accomplish work, and prioritizing and organizing one’s own work.
Working with the Public: Dealing respectively and professionally with the public, including receiving clients or others doing business with the agency in a sensitive and understanding manner.

Responsibilities

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 individuals’ 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

Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
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