Massachusetts Veterans Jobs

Join the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) as we seek a dedicated and dynamic leader for the critical role of Area Director. As the senior management figure at the local level, this role is pivotal in shaping essential services and serves as the primary representative of DDS. Responsibilities include overseeing the development, procurement, monitoring, and evaluation of residential, day, clinical, and support services, with direct recommendations to the Regional Director. The ideal candidate will excel in public stewardship, upholding the values of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) while representing DDS to city officials, EOHHS leaders, and provider organizations. This position involves managing all operational aspects—administrative, clinical, programmatic, and budgetary—along with 24-hour emergency on-call duties. If ready to make a meaningful impact, apply today to contribute to the success of DDS’s mission and seize this exciting opportunity! /_ _/ /_Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):_/ * Administer the Area budget, ensuring fiscal resources are allocated in compliance with regulations and principles of public stewardship. * Optimize Federal funding through the Home and Community-Based Waiver (HCBW) by matching Waiver-eligible individuals with necessary services. * Conduct in-depth fiscal and programmatic reviews of contracts; establish effective communication with provider agencies and direct contract award recommendations through stipulated RFR procedures. * Develop, implement, and monitor Individual Service Plans (ISPs) to assess client needs and prioritize services. * Ensure compliance with settlement agreements or consent decrees and respond to emergencies. * Determine eligibility and level of care under the Federal HCBW. * Ensure compliance with quality assurance and management activities, including data integrity with the Department’s Management Information System (Meditech). * Facilitate the OQE process and develop Action Plans for complaints and investigations. * Oversee Risk Management protocols, track DDS and DPPC investigations, and ensure follow-up on required actions. * Manage personnel resources, including employee assignments, supervision, performance evaluation, and discipline; foster a respectful work environment; promote staff development; and supervise 30-40 professional and support staff. * Address legal issues such as Rogers orders, guardianships, forensic matters, public safety, and compliance with litigation requirements. * Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Senior Managers of other state agencies, local officials, and community groups; support the Citizen Advisory Board. * Collaborate with DCF, DMH, police departments, shelters, and community agencies. * Perform other duties as assigned. /_Preferred Qualifications_/ * Knowledge of current philosophies and practices for delivering high-quality services to individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as children with developmental disabilities, including the entire range of pervasive developmental disorders such as autism. * Expertise in legal issues, including ISP-related appeals, consumer funds, trusts, guardianships, life-sustaining treatment, forensic/public safety, charges for care, representative payee matters, consumer guardianship disputes, Rogers hearings, and ADA compliance. * Proficiency in individual needs assessment and tracking, including Meditech updates, Omnibus Waiver, Medicaid eligibility, needs prioritization, support determination, and responsiveness to individual preferences and choices. * Strong written and verbal communication skills are needed to engage with diverse groups, including Citizen Advisory Boards, on clinical, administrative, and advocacy issues related to developmental disabilities. * Familiarity with the Purchase of Service (POS) System, performance-based contract objectives, and program monitoring tools like OQE, investigations, and administrative reviews. * Understanding of family support needs, children’s services issues, and principles of service coordination and clinical case management. * Working knowledge of budgeting principles, fiscal resource allocation, and maximizing Federal funding through the HCBW. * Experience in community relations, including housing, public/media relations, legislative issues, local government, and public education. * Proficiency in managing DDS state-operated residential programs, including facility operations, transportation issues, and supported employment. * Knowledge of child development theories and practices in clinical operations, including nursing, psychology, and medication administration. * Skilled in public speaking, conflict management, strategic analysis, project management, and staff development, including staff selection and performance review. * Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with state agencies, local officials, and community groups, as well as provide support to advisory boards. /_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: 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 Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. 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. For help logging into/resetting your MassCareers profile, call the Employment Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance. For questions concerning the information in this requisition please contact the Human Resources' Customer Service Line at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4 ALL EMPLOYEES ARE PAID ON A BI-WEEKLY BASIS AND MUST HAVE DIRECT DEPOSIT. Listed salary ranges are for one full year at current rates. 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. *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. Job: Administrative Services* *Organization: Department of Developmental Services *Title: *Area Director * Location: *Massachusetts-Acton - 35 Nagog Park Requisition ID: 2400083O