DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and oversee all curriculum and annual plans for the program, assess needs and resources, and make revisions as appropriate.

• Oversee and coordinate the activities of program staff including direct observations, technical document, data preparation and quality assurance activities, in addition to assigning work, establishing work schedules, and monitoring work performed by program staff to ensure effective and efficient services to clients.

• Oversee day-to-day planning, programming, execution, data collection and distribution, and analysis for compliance with Title XIX regulations for adults with autism.

• Implement client Activities of Daily Living, Individual Service P lans, and behavior plans.

• Participate in ISP meetings and monitor ISP progress.

• Organize schedule of service offerings for all program participants.

• Prepare proposals for ancillary program needs.

• Market program via mailings, fliers, and program assemblies.

• Directly assist individuals with task-oriented work in a safe and productive manner.

• Assure compliance of all staff regarding Intermediate Care Facility and Title XIX regulatory guidelines.

• Ensure that the intake of prospective individuals served is completed in a timely, professional manner.

• Arrange and perform intake procedures and conduct initial assessment of persons served and determine appropriateness for program placement.

• Provide supervision and direction to program staff regarding treatment, support plans and interventions, including teaching rehabilitative strategies and techniques, along with implementing Positive Alternatives for Behavioral Challenges.

• As Coordinator, conduct classes and demonstrations to teach principles, techniques, and methods in a variety of subjects including activities of daily living, arts, home economics, communication and social skills, physical exercise, vocational training, and other enrichment activities for all individuals with autism who are supported at the program.

• Utilize staff appropriately with the goal of optimizing effort and achieving operational goals.

• Responsible for performance and performance evaluation of direct subordinate staff.

• Provide direction, training, and coaching to direct subordinate staff.

• Conduct performance planning and review sessions; provide guidance on career development; responsible for counseling and corrective action programs as necessary.

• Implement recognition and rewards programs to motivate program staff.

• Participate in various internal and external meetings regarding treatment and support planning.

• Create visual supports and schedules customized to all clients.

• Designing on-site work activities tailored to the needs of individual clients and customized to the goals delineated in each ISP.

• Collaborate with SLP and OT staff to create sensory friendly environments with ample opportunities for communication.

• Assist in the training of all support staff to properly interact with clients during work activities.

• Take part in the interviewing and hiring process for potential new program staff; recommend personnel actions, such as promotions, transfers, or disciplinary actions when needed.

• For residential clients, assist in creating routines and activities to continue practicing skills worked on in the vocational/day program environment (including use of visual supports) and generalize those that have been mastered.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE:

• Knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of occupational therapy. Knowledge of the terminology used in connection with occupational therapy.
• Knowledge of the treatment methods, techniques, and procedures used in occupational therapy. Knowledge of types and uses of equipment and materials used in providing occupational therapy. Knowledge of social, psychological, and educational challenges of people with disabilities including Autism.
• Ability to understand, explain, and apply the policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
• Ability to plan, assign, and coordinate the activities of others.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to self-determination for people with disabilities, including the ability to motivate clients and knowledge of the principles of human growth and development as applied to occupational therapy.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively, establish rapport, and maintain harmonious relationships with others.
• Ability to read and interpret complex materials, including the ability to read and analyze occupational therapy data in order to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, their families, and other department personnel.
• Prepare and maintain required reports and documents.
• Knowledge of the methods used in employee performance evaluations.
• Knowledge of training methods and techniques.
• Ability to plan and conduct training or instruction in occupational therapy.
• Ability to conduct interviews.

QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON JOB:

• All orientations, health and safety, emergency preparedness and building life safety codes.

• Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing facility activities.

• Knowledge of the types and uses of agency forms.

• Knowledge of the EPRS (Employee Performance Review System)

• Working knowledge of the facility and state documentation system and procedures

• Working knowledge of the strong interdisciplinary team process and the development of the ISP

• Working knowledge of the department, facility and state policies

• Successful completion of PABC training

• Title XIX Regulations

• Department of Public Health and other audit processes

• Active Treatment

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.

ALL EMPLOYEES ARE PAID ON A BI-WEEKLY BASIS AND MUST HAVE DIRECT DEPOSIT.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience as an occupational therapist of which (B) at least two years must have been in a supervisory, administrative or managerial capacity.

Special Requirements:

Possession of a current and valid Occupational Therapist license issued by the Board of Allied Health Professions in accordance with Chapter 667 of the Acts of 1982. Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

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!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

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.