Human Services Coordinator I

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 Worcester Area Office. 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 HSC I 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. These descriptions just highlight key job functions and are not inclusive of the entirety of the HSC I role that works with individuals in adult services.

Adult HSC I: Adult HSC I supports 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 HSC I 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 HSC I makes regular contact to ensure the individual is continuing to do well and has no outstanding support needs for supports from DDS.

ASD HSC I: ASD HSC I supports DDS eligible Individuals (and their families) identify, and access needed supports and the mechanism by which those supports will be arranged.  The ASD HSC I 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 ASD HSC I makes regular contact to ensure the individual is continuing to do well and has no outstanding support needs for supports from DDS.

Self-Direction SC: The Self-Direction HSC I works with individuals in the Participant Directed Program who are directing their own services. In addition to other responsibilities, this requires the HSC I 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. 

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 position is located in the Worcester, MA 

Schedule: FT 37.5hrs/week

Hours: 09:00am - 5:00pm

Days Off: Sunday and Saturday

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

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

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.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

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.

I. A Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required (A) 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.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

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!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.