Human Services Coordinator I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Worcester, MA

21h • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is offering a career growth opportunity for a Human Services Coordinator I (HSC I) in the Worcester Area Office. The HSC I serves as the primary contact for individuals and families, building collaborative partnerships with stakeholders. This role involves coordinating and facilitating the development of Individual Service Plans (ISPs), monitoring service implementation by provider agencies, and ensuring individuals receive appropriate DDS-funded and generic support services. The position allows for specialization in serving children, individuals transitioning to adult services, those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and adults. The specific expectations and caseloads vary based on specialization. The Adult HSC I supports individuals in identifying and accessing needed supports, determining waiver eligibility, and ensuring supports meet their needs through regular contact and site visits. The ASD HSC I has similar responsibilities for individuals with ASD. The Self-Direction HSC I acts as a 'support broker' for individuals in the Participant Directed Program, assisting with budgets, hiring staff, and resolving payroll and employer issues. Additional responsibilities include monitoring safety and well-being, providing advocacy, facilitating team meetings, maintaining records, arranging crisis intervention, and assessing needs.

Requirements

• At least three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time, professional experience in human services work or social work.
• OR any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions.
• Substitutions: 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.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for individuals and families served by the Department.
• Build respectful and collaborative partnerships with individuals, families, guardians, provider agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate and facilitate the development of Individual Service Plans (ISPs) for assigned caseloads.
• Monitor the implementation of services provided by DDS funded residential, day, and support program providers.
• Arrange, organize, and coordinate DDS funded and generic support services in response to individual needs.
• Maintain communication and outreach with community services and other state agencies.
• Support individuals in identifying and accessing needed supports and the mechanism by which those supports will be arranged.
• Determine the choice between traditional and non-traditional supports and waiver eligibility.
• Keep in regular touch with the individual to ensure supports are meeting their needs, including visits to the service setting.
• Make regular contact with individuals receiving no or limited DDS funded supports to ensure they are doing well and have no outstanding support needs.
• Serve as a 'support broker' for individuals in the Participant Directed Program, helping draft/revise individual budgets, supporting participants in recruiting/interviewing/hiring workers, and problem-solving payroll and employer issues.
• Monitor the safety and well-being of assigned individuals.
• Provide advocacy in human, civil, and legal rights.
• Facilitate team meetings and monitor follow-through on team recommendations.
• Maintain 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.
• Provide information to supervisor and other members of the Area Office Management Team.

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