What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Services Coordinator I position at DMR-Metro Region?
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 at our Newton/South Norfolk office in Walpole. 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 specific Service Coordinator roles we are hiring for currently are listed below. These descriptions just highlight key job functions and are not inclusive of the entirety of the Service Coordination role.
ASD SC: Autism Service Coordinators support Autistic adults determined eligible for DDS services under our Community Developmental Disability Supports eligibility category. Individuals with Autism served as part of this group do not have a co-occurring intellectual disability. The Service Coordinator facilitates the development of services & supports with provider agencies and other resources in response to the individuals needs and desires. This position often works collaboratively with other State Agencies supporting the individual such as DMH, MRC, etc. Experience working Autism is preferred.
Children’s SC: The Children’s Service Coordinator (CSC) is responsible for coordinating services for DDS-eligible children (3 -22) and their families. Based on a collaborative planning process with the family and assessment of need, the CSC assists caregivers with planning, accessing generic community-based supports, understanding SPED process and the identifying and 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) identify, and access needed supports and the mechanism by which those supports will be arranged. The choice between traditional and non-traditional supports, waiver eligibility and other factors are all part of this role. The Adult Service Coordinator keeps in regular touch with the individual to ensure the supports they are receiving are meeting their needs- this includes visits to the service setting to meet with the individual and observe their support firsthand. For those who receive no or limited DDS funded supports the Service Coordinator makes regular contact to ensure the individual is continuing to do well and has no outstanding support needs for supports from DDS.
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.
Self-Direction SC: The Self-Direction Service Coordinator works with individuals in the Participant Directed Program who are directing their own services. In addition to other responsibilities, this requires the Service Coordinator to serve as a ‘support broker,’ helping the participant draft/revise their individual budget, supporting participants as needed in recruiting/interviewing/hiring workers, and problem-solving payroll and employer issues between participants and their employees.
May also act as Support Broker for those who choose to participate in Participant-Directed Programs (PDP.)
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
- 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
Please Note: This is Full-time, 37.5 hour position.
Shift: 8:45am - 5:00pm
Days Off: Saturday and Sunday
Flexibility required to meet the needs of the Area Office.
About the Department of Developmental Services:
For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds
- 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 Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Comprehensive Benefits
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