Job Description
The Department of Developmental Services' (DDS) Springfield/Westfield Area Office is seeking a person with excellent organizational, interpersonal and management skills to become part of the leadership team in a busy, yet challenging and rewarding environment for the Central West Region.
The Assistant Area Director fulfills a critical role as the second highest DDS management position at the local level.
The primary work of DDS (with individuals, families, providers of service, and community partners) occurs at the local level and the Assistant Area Director has the responsibility to not only share the administrative, clinical, programmatic and budgetary operations of the Area Office, but also to act on behalf of the Area Director on any given day. In the Springfield/Westfield Area Office, the position impacts the lives of approximately 3,900 eligible children and adults and their respective families and guardians. With nearly one hundred and forty-one (141) million dollars in contracted services and supports. The Assistant Area Director plays a significant role in monitoring the efficacy of purchased and delivered services with multiple vendors across day and residential programs. The Assistant Area Director also shares the 24/7 on call duties and has the responsibility to provide management during any emergency or crisis situation that may occur.
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In the Springfield/Westfield Area Office, the Assistant Area Director is responsible to the Area Director for overseeing the Complaint Resolution Team meetings, as well as serve as a liaison to both the DDS Senior Investigator and the Regional Risk Manager. The Assistant Area Director oversees and manages the family support contracts for the Area Office as well as Assistive Technology the Person Directed Programs.
The Assistant Area Director supervises a Transition and Children's Service Coordinator Supervisor, two program monitors positions and three administrative support staff. The Assistant Area Director will also provide as needed indirect supervision to other Springfield/Westfield staff.
Please Note:
This position is located in the Springfield/Westfield Area office in Springfield, MA, with travel throughout the area.
Schedule: 7.5 hours daily Monday - Friday
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.