Human Services Coordinator I

About the Department

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is dedicated to creating innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. As the largest state employee workforce in the Massachusetts executive branch, the agency directly oversees approximately 5,500 staff and manages over $3 billion in public funds.

About the Role

The Human Services Coordinator I (HSC I) serves as the primary contact for individuals and families served by the Department. This role is designed to effectively represent the Area Office by building respectful and collaborative partnerships with individuals, families, guardians, provider agencies, and other stakeholder groups. The HSC I coordinates and facilitates the development of Individual Service Plans (ISP), monitors the implementation of services, and ensures individuals receive appropriate support through arranging and organizing DDS-funded and generic community services.

This position offers opportunities for specialization to best meet the diverse needs of DDS-eligible individuals. Depending on the specific assignment, the role may focus on one of the following areas:

• Children's Service Coordinator: Coordinates services for eligible children (ages 3-22) and their families, assisting caregivers with planning, accessing community supports, understanding the Special Education process, and identifying internal and external resources.
• Self-Direction Service Coordinator: Works with individuals in the Participant Directed Program who direct their own services. This role acts as a 'support broker,' assisting participants with budget drafting, recruiting and hiring workers, and resolving payroll or employer issues.
• Autism Service Coordinator (ASD): Supports Autistic adults eligible for DDS services who do not have a co-occurring intellectual disability. This position facilitates service development with provider agencies and collaborates closely with other state agencies such as the Department of Mental Health (DMH) and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC).
• Adult Service Coordinator: Supports eligible adults and their families in identifying and accessing needed supports. The coordinator maintains regular contact to ensure supports meet the individual's needs, including visits to service settings to observe support firsthand.
• Transition Service Coordinator: Works with Chapter 688 (the "Turning 22" law) to provide a planning process for young adults with disabilities transitioning from special education to the adult service system. This role involves maintaining close relationships with local school authorities to facilitate a stable transition.

Beyond these specialized functions, the HSC I monitors the safety and well-being of assigned individuals, provides advocacy for human, civil, and legal rights, facilitates team meetings, and arranges crisis intervention as needed.

Hiring Process

First consideration will be given to applicants who apply within the first 14 days of the posting. Recommended candidates must successfully complete a pre-employment screening process, which includes:

• Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search.
• Criminal background check (CORI) in accordance with Executive Office of Health and Human Services regulations.
• National Background Checks (fingerprint-based) as required by Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014.

Education, licensure, and certification information provided by selected candidates is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

Equal Opportunity & Culture

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. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they feel they do not meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Accommodations

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application or interview process, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Candidate ADA Requests. For technical assistance with MassCareers, including logging into your profile or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500.