Job Description
Are you passionate about improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Join us as the Director of Client Assessment Systems at the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and make a significant impact.
In this role, you will collaborate with field-based units across all regions to implement a nationally recognized assessment tool, identifying support needs, determining appropriate levels of support, and prioritizing services based on individual circumstances. You will have the opportunity to develop, manage, and oversee the program and policies of the newly procured assessment tool, ensuring consistency, transparency, and equity.
Supervising a team of up to 23 assessors and 4 logistics program coordinators, you will work closely with various DDS units to ensure a seamless and fair assessment process. Monitoring assessment outcome data, you will make necessary revisions to policy to maintain the reliability and quality of our systems. DDS has acquired a standardized assessment tool with a user-friendly web-based platform, providing valuable data for management review and analysis. As the Director, you will play a crucial role in transitioning from the current assessment tool to the newly procured one over a 5-year
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period, ensuring regular re-evaluations for individuals in our services.
If you are ready to lead transformative change, collaborate with diverse teams, and contribute to the well-being of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, seize this opportunity to join us as the Director of Client Assessment Systems at DDS.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
- Works with Human Resources and Central Office managers to recruit, hire and train up to 23 DDS assessors over a 3-year period.
- Develops a communication plan and a detailed operational work plan for the full implementation of the new assessment, including the training of assessors.
- Updates the DDS individual support needs assessment manual.
- Completes all assessment training and participates in observation and mentoring sessions.
- Provides project management for the roll-out of individual support needs assessment.
- Establishes program policies and direction for assessments and provides ongoing support and education to Area and Regional staff, including self-direction, Adult Autism, and Intake and Eligibility teams.
- Collaborates with local organizations like the Association of Developmental Disability Providers (ADDP) and advocacy groups such as the Arc of MA to provide education and outreach regarding the new DDS individual support needs assessment process.
- Supports the program implementation through activities such as department and community advisory board meetings, fairs/events, outreach education, presentations, and other strategic initiatives.
- Coordinates, tracks, and reviews the quality of individualized assessments.
- Manages the day-to-day operations for the implementation of a standardized individual support needs assessment for individuals.
- Conducts regular evaluations of the individual standardized assessment process, identifies service gaps, and makes recommendations for changes/corrections to the program (particularly in the 5 years of the roll out).
- Develops tracking and information-gathering processes to evaluate program success.
- Provides updates to the DDS Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners, and Regional Directors on Assessment Process and participates in regular external stakeholder meetings as needed.
- Works collaboratively with internal DDS entities, including the Bureau of Program Integrity, Quality Enhancement, Legal, Training, Communications, Contracts, and Waiver Unit.
- Reviews data and collaborates with IT and Project Coordinator to analyze and provide information to stakeholders as required or requested.
Preferred Qualifications
- Six (6) years of professional experience in business administration, public administration, clinical administration, or related fields is required. This should include at least two years of experience in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
- In-depth knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities, including current trends and regulations in social service programs at the federal and state levels.
- Familiarity with standardized assessment processes.
- Exceptional organizational, supervision, and delegation skills.
- Experience working with adults and transition-aged youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Proficiency in motivational interviewing techniques.
- Ability to establish and maintain relationships with leadership, contracted entities, and stakeholders.
- Direct project planning, scheduling, and creation of project plans.
- Excellent communication skills, serving as the primary point of contact for project-related issues and resolution.
- Proactive identification and management of project risks, including the development of risk mitigation strategies.
- Strong problem-solving skills, anticipating and resolving conflicts with sensitivity and tact.
- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
- Understanding of Individual Education Plans (IEP), Individual Service Plans (ISP), and Family Support Plans (FSP).
- Expertise in planning, directing, and managing projects with measurable short- and long-term impact.
- Strong analytical, strategic, and critical thinking abilities.
- Proficient in using Microsoft Office products, including Word, Access, Teams, Excel, and Outlook.
- Over 5 years of experience in project management and customer service, applying best practices in complex projects ranging from three months to three years.
- Independent decision-making skills to achieve successful project management outcomes.
- Preferably, a strong clinical background and experience in standardized assessment and evaluation.
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
To Apply: Please upload a cover letter and resume for the Director of Client Assessment Systems requisition.
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/dppcabuser-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 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) six (6) 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 two (2) years must have been in a 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.