Human Services Coordinator I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Framingham, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is offering a career growth opportunity for a Human Services Coordinator I (HSC I) position at the Middlesex West Area Office in Framingham. The HSC I serves as the primary contact for individuals and families, building collaborative partnerships with them, guardians, provider agencies, and other stakeholders. This role involves coordinating and facilitating the development of Individual Service Plans (ISPs), monitoring service implementation by DDS-funded providers, and ensuring individuals receive appropriate services. The role allows for specialization in areas such as Children's Services, Self-Direction, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Adult Services, and Transition Services (Chapter 688).

Specific Service Coordinator roles include:
- Children’s SC: Coordinates services for DDS-eligible children (3-22) and their families, assisting caregivers with planning, accessing community supports, understanding SPED processes, and referrals.
- Self-Direction SC: Works with individuals in the Participant Directed Program, acting as a 'support broker' to help draft budgets, recruit/hire workers, and resolve payroll/employer issues.
- ASD SC: Supports Autistic adults eligible for DDS services without an intellectual disability, facilitating services and supports with provider agencies and other resources.
- Adult SC: Supports DDS-eligible individuals and their families in identifying and accessing needed supports, assessing if supports are meeting needs through regular contact and site visits.
- Transition SC: Works with Chapter 688 ('Turning 22' law) to provide a planning process for young adults transitioning from special education to the adult service system, maintaining relationships with school authorities.

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

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.
• 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.
• Maintains 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 the supervisor and other members of the Area Office Management Team.
• Serves as a ‘support broker’ for individuals in the Participant Directed Program, helping draft/revise individual budgets, supporting recruitment/interviewing/hiring of workers, and problem-solving payroll and employer issues.
• Facilitates the development of services & supports with provider agencies and other resources for individuals with Autism.
• Works collaboratively with other State Agencies supporting the individual such as the Department of Mental Health (DMH), MassAbility.
• Supports DDS eligible Individuals (and their families) identify, and access needed supports and the mechanism by which those supports will be arranged.
• 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.
• Makes regular contact to ensure the individual is continuing to do well and has no outstanding support needs for supports from DDS.
• Develops and maintains close working relationships with local school authorities and facilitate a stable transition for individuals from school to adult services.

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