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