Job Description
The Department of Developmental Services is dedicated to creating, in partnership with others; innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate fully and meaningfully in, and contribute to, their communities as valued members.
The Assistant Area Director (AAD) assists the Area Director in the management of all administrative, clinical, programmatic and budgetary operations of the area office, including acting as a liaison with sister state agencies, community representatives, and DDS staff outside of the area. As a member of the Area Management Team, the AAD works with area staff and providers to develop new residential, day and support programs, and to shape and monitor existing programs to better meet individual's needs. This involves working with the Area Director to recommend changes that would improve supports in a cost effective manner. The AAD participates in budget planning and contracting activities with the Area Director, including assisting with needed contract changes throughout the fiscal year and working with the Regional Contracts Office as needed. The AAD coordinates with area and regional staff, opportunities for individuals and families to self-direct their supports. They work directly with Service Coordinators to support their work with individuals and families in the Participant Directed Program and Agency with Choice options, approving allocations and developing budgets to support plans that meet individual's support needs within their assigned allocation. The AAD is an active member of the Area Risk Review Committee and provides supports and assistance in managing crisis situations, provides support around clinical issues, and works with staff to resolve conflict. The AAD is also a member of the area's Complaint Resolution Team. The AAD has direct supervisory responsibility for identified positions in the area, utilizing performance evaluation processes in a timely manner and ensuring that the work environment is maintained consistent with negotiated labor contract and EOHHS policy. This includes providing or arranging for on-going training and development as needed. The AAD provides indirect supervision as needed to all area staff.
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In addition, the role require, on-call duties on a rotating basis, direct supervision of Service Coordinator Supervisors and attendance at monthly Citizen's Advisory Board (CAB) meetings.
The ideal candidate will have the following Preferred Qualifications at hire:
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows
- Knowledge of DDS Regulations, Policies and Practices
- Experience and knowledge of DDS databases including HCSIS and Meditech
Please Note:
This position is located in Lawrence, MA
Schedule: 8:45am - 5:00pm
Days Off: Sunday/Saturday
Flexibility required to meet the needs of the area office.
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
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.
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.
Qualifications
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least one (1) year must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.
II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.
III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.
IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.
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.