Transitional Human Services Coordinator

Job Overview

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 Merrimack Valley Area Office, located in Lawrence, MA. The Human Service Coordinator I is the primary contact for individuals and families served by the Department and is expected to effectively represent the Area Office by building respectful and collaborative partnerships with individuals, families, guardians, provider agencies, and other stakeholder groups involved in the work of the Area Office and Department.

The HSC I coordinates and facilitates the development of Individual Service Plans (ISP) for individuals on assigned caseloads, as well as monitors the implementation of services provided by DDS‑funded residential, day, and support program providers. The HSC I ensures individuals on caseloads receive appropriate services through arranging, organizing, and coordinating the Department of Developmental Services funded and generic support services in response to individuals’ 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 HSC I will:

• Monitor the safety and well‑being of assigned individuals.
• Provide advocacy in human, civil and legal rights.
• Facilitate team meetings; monitor follow‑through on team recommendations while maintaining individual records and relevant computer databases.
• Maintain regular and consistent contact with individuals, service providers and families.
• Arrange and/or provide crisis intervention for individuals as needed; assess needs and make recommendations for follow‑up planning, and provide information to the supervisor and other members of the Area Office Management Team.
• Perform other related duties which may include individuals engaged in Participant Directed Services.

Transition Service Coordinator:
Works with Chapter 688 (“Turning 22”) to provide a planning process for young adults with disabilities as they leave special education and transition into the adult service system. Develops and maintains close working relationships with local school authorities and facilitates a stable transition for individuals from school to adult services.

The Service Coordinator acts as the primary contact for individuals and families served by the Department and is expected to represent the Area Office by building collaborative partnerships with individuals, families, guardians, provider agencies and other stakeholders to guide the team through the 688 and transition process.

Full‑time, 37.5‑hour position.

Shift: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Days off:
Saturday and Sunday

Flexibility required to meet the needs of the Area Office.

The mission of 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 (over $2.7 billion 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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Education, license, and certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the…