Transitional Human Services Coordinator I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Lawrence, MA

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is offering a career growth opportunity for a motivated and talented individual to fill the Transitional Human Service Coordinator (HSC I) position. This role is part of the Area Office Team and involves managing a caseload of transitional students aged 18-22 with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Coordinator will act as the primary contact for individuals and families, representing the Area Office by building collaborative partnerships with various stakeholders. Responsibilities include assessing newly eligible adults, providing information and referral support, assisting with applications for services, and acting as a liaison with other state agencies such as DCF, DPH, and DMH. The Coordinator will participate in Individual Education Plan (IEP) and Individual Transition Plan development, work with families interested in the Participant Directed Program, and collaborate with Family Support Centers. A key aspect of the role is developing and maintaining relationships with local school authorities to ensure a stable transition from school to adult services. The Coordinator will also provide information to supervisors and the management team, monitor the safety and well-being of individuals, advocate for their rights, facilitate team meetings, maintain records, and participate in after-hours transitional fairs and presentations.

Requirements

At least three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time, professional experience in human services work or social work
Possess current and valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License
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.
Must possess current and valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License

Nice To Haves

Ability to develop and maintain a respectful, caring, tolerant, ethical, and empowering relationship with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Public Speaking experience

Responsibilities

Acts as 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, guardian, provider agencies and other stakeholder groups involving the work of the Area Office and the Department.
Meets and assesses newly eligible transitional age adults for support needs; provides information and referral support to families, and assists families in applying/arranging for these supports.
Acts as a liaison with service agencies (i.e. Department of Children and Families (DCF), Department of Public Health (DPH), Department of Mental Health (DMH), Early Intervention, and the Local Educational Authorities).
The Coordinator participates in the Individual Education Plan (IEP), Team meetings, and develops Individual Transition Plans.
Works with families in the DESE/ DDS project who are interested in participating in the Participant Directed Program.
The Coordinator works closely with Family Support Centers, planning for supports and monitoring those services.
Develops and maintains close working relationships with local schools authorities and facilitates a stable transition for individuals from school to adult services.
Provides information to supervisor and other members of the Area Office Management Team and Regional Office as needed and will represent the Area Office effectively.
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 while maintaining individuals’ records and relevant computer databases as well as maintains regular and consistent contact with individuals, service providers and families.
Participates in after-hours transitional fairs and presentations