Human Services Coordinator I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Waltham, MA

5d • 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 Charles River West office in Waltham. 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 stakeholder groups. The HSC I coordinates and facilitates the development of Individual Service Plans (ISP) for individuals on their caseload, monitors the implementation of services provided by DDS funded providers, and ensures individuals receive appropriate services by arranging, organizing, and coordinating DDS funded and generic support services. The role allows for specialization to meet the needs of DDS eligible individuals who are Children (under 18), transitioning to adult services, who live with Autism (with or without an intellectual disability), and who are adults. The expectations and caseloads vary due to specialization. The descriptions below highlight key job functions.

ASD SC: Autism Service Coordinators support Autistic adults eligible for DDS services under the Community Developmental Disability Supports eligibility category, without a co-occurring intellectual disability. This position often works collaboratively with other State Agencies supporting the individual such as DMH, MRC, etc. Experience working with Autism is preferred.

Children’s SC: The Children’s Service Coordinator (CSC) coordinates services for DDS-eligible children (3-22) and their families. The CSC assists caregivers with planning, accessing generic community-based supports, understanding SPED process, and identifying/referring to internal and external supports. Elements of the role include service coordination, case management, information and referral, data management, and inter-agency connections.

Adult SC: Adult Service Coordinators support DDS eligible Individuals (and their families) in identifying and accessing needed supports. This role involves understanding traditional and non-traditional supports, waiver eligibility, and other factors. The Adult Service Coordinator maintains regular contact with the individual to ensure supports meet their needs, including visits to the service setting. For those receiving limited DDS funded supports, the Service Coordinator ensures the individual is doing well and has no outstanding support needs.

Transition SC: A transition Service Coordinator works with Chapter 688 (the "Turning 22" law) to provide a planning process for young adults with disabilities transitioning from special education to the adult service system. The T-2 SC develops and maintains close working relationships with local school authorities and facilitates a stable transition. The SC acts as the primary contact for individuals and families, building collaborative partnerships to guide the team through the 688 and transition process.

Self-Direction SC: The Self-Direction Service Coordinator works with individuals in the Participant Directed Program who are directing their own services. This requires the Service Coordinator to serve 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.

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.

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 individual’s 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

• 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