Transitional Human Services Coordinator I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Lawrence, MA

1d • Onsite

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 in the Merrimack Valley Area Office, located in Lawrence MA . 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 Position of Service Coordinator is key to establishing relationships and arranging for any needed supports for eligible individuals and their families/Guardians. The roles are highlighted below to key job functions and are not inclusive of the entirety of the Service Coordination role. 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. Additional HSC I responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: 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. The HSC I will arrange and/or provide 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. This position will perform other related duties which may include individuals engaged in Participant Directed Services. Please Note: This is Full-time, 37.5 hour position. Shift: 9:00am - 5:00pm Days Off: Saturday and Sunday Flexibility required to meet the needs of the Area Office. About the Department of Developmental Services: The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government. For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds Pre-Hire Process: Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website. Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes: Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form. For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance. For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4. ALL EMPLOYEES ARE PAID ON A BI-WEEKLY BASIS AND MUST HAVE DIRECT DEPOSIT.

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.
• 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.

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
• 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
• Maintains communication and outreach with community services and other state agencies
• 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
• Providing information to supervisor and other members of the Area Office Management Team
• Performing other related duties which may include individuals engaged in Participant Directed Services

Benefits

• Comprehensive 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.
• Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees