Human Services Coordinator I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Waltham, MA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is offering a career growth opportunity for a Human Services Coordinator I (HSC I) at the Charles River West office in Waltham. 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 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) services, Children's services, Adult services, Transition services (Chapter 688), and Self-Direction services within the Participant Directed Program. Each specialization has unique expectations and caseloads. The position requires monitoring the safety and well-being of individuals, providing advocacy, facilitating team meetings, maintaining records, arranging crisis intervention, and assessing needs for follow-up planning.

Requirements

• At least three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time, professional experience in human services work or social work.
• 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 Autism is preferred.

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 stakeholder groups.
• Coordinate and facilitate the development of Individual Service Plans (ISPs) for individuals on assigned caseload.
• 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 Autistic adults eligible for DDS services (ASD SC).
• Coordinate services for DDS-eligible children (3-22) and their families (Children’s SC).
• Support DDS eligible Individuals (and their families) in identifying and accessing needed supports (Adult SC).
• Facilitate a stable transition for individuals from special education into the adult service system (Transition SC).
• Work with individuals in the Participant Directed Program who are directing their own services (Self-Direction SC).
• Serve as a ‘support broker’ for individuals in the Participant Directed Program, helping draft/revise budgets, recruit/interview/hire workers, and problem-solve 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

• 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