Autism Clinical Manager

The Autism Clinical Manager works closely with the Autism Support Brokers from the seven DDS funded Autism Support Centers. The Autism Clinical Manager provide indirect supervision to the Autism Support Brokers. The Autism Clinical Manager meet monthly with the AutCenters for case monitoring and consultation.

Autism Clinical Manager and Autism Support Brokers meet with families, to develop an Autism Support Plan for each child. The Autism Clinical Manager and the Autism Support Broker s help to educate families on their options for appropriate expanded habilitation and habilitative supports within the program. They also meet with provider and collateral staff to discuss the child's goals to ensure that the child is making progress. Autism Clinical Manager meet with families in their homes, a minimum of quarterly.

The position is a DDS Central Office Field position with primary coverage areas within the Western Regions from Worcester to the New York border. Monthly staff meetings and/or trainings in Boston (DDS Central Office, Board Street Boston address) are essential in the role; reliable means of transportation is required. This position is predominately Western Massachusetts with some expected travel to Central Massachusetts. Towns for this position include but are not limited to the Berkshires, Pittsfield, Adams, Greenfield, Springfield, Westfield, Hadley, and Amherst.

The position accommodates a hybrid work schedule with some telework availability. This is not a traditional hybrid model as staff are expected to be on the road meeting with families throughout the week, often later in the day when children and provider staff are available.

Employees will need the ability to work a flexible schedule based on the needs of children, families, and providers.

Job-related travel and home visits are required, as are visits to other program sites.

Attendance at monthly meetings and other required events in Boston is required.

Applicants must have a reliable motor vehicle as well as a current and valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license or equivalent from another state.

Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Participate in the clinical eligibility process.
• Provide functional oversight, guidance, and monitoring to Support Brokers located in the Autism Support Centers regarding key information including but not limited to: Waiver activities and Division programming including service plan development.
• Collaborate with the local Autism Support Center's Support Broker on the development of the Autism Support Plan of Care (ASPOC).
• In coordination with the Program Managers, determine the appropriate budget for individuals receiving services based on their prioritization process and needs assessment.
• Assist in designing and implementing quality assurance measures as they relate to individuals being served in the Autism Waiver Program.
• Monitor provider performance, including participation in a yearly quality assurance review.
• Monitor and evaluate ASPOCs including health & safety, satisfaction, and adequacy of the current plans.
• Review individual budgets and spending on a quarterly basis including providing technical assistance to families and Autism Support Brokers regarding the budget and fiscal records management.
• Review reports to ensure fiscal accountability of the providers.
• Provide dispute resolution with families as it relates to the support plans and budgets. This will include making recommendations for alternative options.
• Participate in the design and review of grant proposals.
• Attend regular staff meetings and other operational meetings. Meetings are held in-person, or virtually based on the type of meeting
• Assist in the design and writing of publication materials including but not limited to: newsletters, brochures, manuals, and other educational/program information.
• Maintain program tracking efforts by analyzing data. Retrieve, organize, and integrate information by utilizing available data e.g., Meditech and HCSIS.
• Generate and write ad hoc reports on both clinical and budget-related matters.
• Collaborate with Statewide Family Support Director, Intake and Eligibility Offices, Regional Family Support Directors, and Children's ServiceCoordinators around children with autism spectrum disorders.
• Schedule and attend required home visits as well as visits to other programs.
• Extensive statewide travel is required to provide Autism Clinical management services across the state. This position is a DDS Central Office (Boston) field position with primary coverage within Central and Western Massachusetts. Additional travel outside this catchment area may be required.
• May function as on call staff as needed. Employees will be required to work a flexible schedule based on the needs of children and families.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Be able to understand the needs, behaviors, and communication skills of children from birth to their 17th birthday who have an autism spectrum disorder.
• Have knowledge of the special education system in Massachusetts including an understanding of how the Individualized Education Plan is developed monitored, evaluated, and adjusted.
• Have excellent clinical and writing skills.
• Be able to work in a close-knit team.
• Be able to effectively manage budgets and money.
• Have excellent skills in case management, problem resolution and conflict management.
• Be skilled at working with families from diverse backgrounds, be culturally competent and sensitive.
• Have a working knowledge of statewide resources.
• Have excellent training and supervisory skills.
• Be able to represent the Department effectively, positively, and professionally in a variety of settings.
• Be able to work well independently and reliably.
• Have knowledge and expertise about Medicaid and accessing state plan services.
• Have knowledge and expertise in developing collaborative relationships with other state agencies and community resources.
• Have proficient computer skills preferably in Microsoft products including Word, PowerPoint and Excel
• Have ability to work with and manage data.
• Be able to make use of internet, email, telephone and telework applications for day-to-day work interactions.
• Bilingual Spanish is a desirable qualification.

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 Autism Clinical Manager 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/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

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

Applicants must have (A) at least 5 (five) years of professional experience in the human service field of which (B) one (1) years must have been in a supervisory capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Based on assignment, travel may be required. Incumbents who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

Based on assignment as Qualified Intellectual Disabled Professionals, within the Department of Developmental Services, a Bachelor's degree or higher in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, human services, rehabilitation, rehabilitation counseling, nursing, recreation therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, music therapy, physical education or other a related field is required.

Based on assignment as a Mental Health Case Manager or Forensic Transition Team Coordinator within the Department of Mental Health, a Bachelor's degree or higher in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, human services, rehabilitation counseling, education or other a related field is required.

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.