Job Description
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) seeks a dynamic professional to lead the Technology Forward initiative, focusing on advancing technologies that support independence and community integration for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The ideal candidate will oversee Assistive Technology and Remote Support & Monitoring services, manage the development and execution of supportive technology programs, and ensure cohesive implementation in collaboration with DDS units. This role will drive the growth and impact of supportive technology services, enhancing service delivery and stakeholder engagement.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone dedicated to advancing technology and making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities.
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Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):
- Set program policy and direction for new supportive technology programs, including support for area and regional staff.
- Define and operationalize new services, including Assistive Technology (evaluation, support, and purchase of goods) and Remote Support & Monitoring.
- Guide best practices and technology use in existing services by collaborating with colleagues, stakeholders, and provider agencies.
- Supervise state-run Assistive Technology Centers throughout Massachusetts.
- Support, monitor, and operationalize virtual and remote delivery of existing services.
- Work directly with national trade organizations and local groups such as the Association of Developmental Disability Providers (ADDP) and the Arc of MA to implement the Technology Forward Initiative.
- Develop and deliver training programs for internal DDS staff and offer national training opportunities to enhance exposure to supportive technology.
- Develop a Supportive Technology Manual and Resource Guide, ensuring best practices align with industry standards, including privacy regulations (HIPAA) and CMS waiver program rules.
- Participate in workgroups, conferences, and grant projects to raise awareness and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/D) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Provide updates on supportive technology and the Technology Forward Initiative to the DDS Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner for Operations and participate in external stakeholder meetings as needed.
- Conduct regular evaluations of statewide supportive technology programs, identify service gaps, and research new service models. Develop tracking and information-gathering processes to evaluate program success.
- Monitor new initiatives and synthesize data on service quality, safety, effectiveness, and efficiency from providers.
- Collaborate with internal DDS entities such as the Bureau of Integrity, Quality Enhancement (QE), Legal, Training, Digital Media, Contracts, and Waiver Units.
- Drive the growth of supportive technology services, increasing individual enrollment, budget allocations, and stakeholder/provider agency involvement as DDS anticipates substantial annual growth and opportunities in this area.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated understanding of principles and practices related to intellectual and developmental disabilities; possesses insight into current trends in the field.
- Proven experience working with adults and transition-aged youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities; skilled in motivational interviewing techniques.
- Informed about MassHealth programs and services; proficient in navigating Individual Education Plans (IEP), Individual Service Plans (ISP), and Family Support Plans (FSP).
- Extensive knowledge of national trends and best practices in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through supportive technology.
- Expertise in planning, directing, and managing projects with a track record of achieving measurable short- and long-term outcomes.
- Strong analytical skills; adept at strategic and critical thinking and resolving unpredictable problems with innovative solutions.
- Excellent critical thinking abilities, using logic and reasoning to assess alternative solutions and approaches; experience in working within a matrix organization.
- Exceptional communication and writing skills, demonstrating thoroughness and independence.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Access, Teams, Excel, and Outlook.
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-Offer Process
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants."
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
Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
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 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.
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.