Autism Spectrum Disorder Human Services Coordinator I

About the position The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking candidates for the position of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Human Services Coordinator I. The Human Service Coordinator I (HSC I) is the primary contact for individuals and families served by the Department of Developmental Services and are expected to effectively represent the Holyoke Chicopee Area Office in Holyoke. 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. This HSC I position will be required to travel as needed to include the greater Holyoke, MA Area. 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 Department of Developmental Services (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. Additional HSC I responsibilities include: 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, as well as maintain regular and consistent contact with individuals, service providers and families. The HSC I will arrange or provide 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, as needed. This position will perform other related duties which may include individuals engaged in Participant Directed Services.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and facilitates the development of Individual Service Plan (ISP) for individuals on assigned caseload.
• Monitors the implementation of services provided by Department of Developmental Services (DDS) funded residential, day and support program providers.
• 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.
• Maintains communication and outreach with community services and other state agencies.
• 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.
• Maintains individual’s records and relevant computer databases.
• Maintains regular and consistent contact with individuals, service providers and families.
• Arranges or provides crisis intervention for individuals as needed.
• Assesses needs and makes recommendations for follow up planning.
• Provides information to supervisor and other members of the Area Office Management Team, as needed.
• Performs other related duties which may include individuals engaged in Participant Directed Services.

Requirements

• At least three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time, professional experience in human services work or social work.
• 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 (Based on assignment as Qualified Intellectual Disabled Professionals).
• Must have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment (if travel is required and a motor vehicle is used).

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with Microsoft programs, HCSIS and Meditech.
• Experience working with children and families with Intellectual Disabilities.
• Skills using communication styles and/or augmentative communication systems.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits
• Outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package.