Job description
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is the largest direct human service provider in Massachusetts state government, serving over 40,000 individuals with a budget over $2 billion and 6,000+ employees. DDS serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a wide range of services.
DDS manages the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and Moving Forward Plan (MFP) Waivers on behalf of MassHealth. DDS works to transition ABI and MFP eligible individuals from nursing facilities into the community where they can have a more typical quality of life. DDS contracts with residential providers and shared living providers to provide 24/7 residential supports to ABI and MFP Waiver participants in the community. Many of the ABI and MFP Waiver participants present with complex behavioral health issues that are in some cases complicated by an acquired brain injury.
Job Summary:
DDS is seeking a full-time Clinician (approximately 40 hours per week) to serve on a contractual basis. The ABI/ MFP Clinician is responsible for providing consultation and assessment to the DDS Regional ABI/ MFP Waiver Teams to inform their work in assessing new referrals received from University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), participate in risk management meetings, new program development, training and consultation to the unit and technical assistance to provider staff. Other responsibilities include making recommendations in emergency psychiatric situations and assisting the unit in accessing community mental health resources.
Essential Functions:
- Provide clinical consultation to the DDS ABI/ MFP unit regarding referrals received from UMMS. Review individual’s information and assist the DDS ABI/ MFP unit and Nursing Facility in assessing support needs, placement risks and identifying barriers to discharge. Make recommendations for transitional/ discharge planning, including identifying psychiatry and other mental health resources in the community to facilitate a successful transition and placement.
- Participate as a member of the Risk Management Team, providing clinical recommendations, and identifying clinical risks and potential safety issues for clients.
- Coordinate and/or provide education and training to the DDS ABI/ MFP unit on various mental health and substance use/ addiction treatment topics for continuing education and training for staff.
- Work with the DDS ABI/ MFP Unit Director, ABI RN, Program Monitor, and Senior Staff on effective planning and management of complex cases, including planning for appropriate provider matches and peer groupings in existing homes and homes being developed.
- Provide technical assistance to provider clinical and direct care staff as needed and approved by the ABI/ MFP Director.
- Develop relationships with community mental health and substance use/ addiction resources.
- Respond to requests for emergency consultation to the DDS ABI/MFP unit staff and provider staff. Make recommendations and assist with connecting to community resources.
- Work with DDS ABI/ MFP unit to liaison as needed for emergency room visits, psychiatric facilities, and detox units for admission planning, treatment planning, and discharge planning.
- Ensure comprehensive and continuous communication between unit staff and other stakeholders as needed.
- Ensure that individuals supported are treated with dignity and respect in accordance with Human Rights Policy.
- Follow agency and appropriate licensing policies regarding professional ethics and confidentiality.
- Perform all duties in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
Please note: The essential functions listed in this section are not limited only to the tasks listed and may include other duties as assigned.
About the Agency:
The Department of Developmental Services is dedicated to creating, in partnership with others, innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate fully and meaningfully in, and contribute to, their communities as valued members.
Pre-Offer 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 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 concerning the information in this requisition, please contact Human Resources at 857-262-6378.
Qualification/Education/Experience:
- Ph.D. in psychology or related field or a master’s level behavioral health clinician. Licensed in Massachusetts.
- Must have extensive knowledge of substance use/ addiction assessment and treatment, mental health assessment and treatment and positive behavioral supports (PBS). Experience working with individuals with brain injury, homelessness, treatment resistant individuals, and chronically mentally ill preferred.
- Must hold a valid driver’s license. Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle. Willingness to travel statewide.
Benefits are unavailable with the exception of sick leave accruals.
All employees will be paid on a biweekly basis and must have direct deposit.
Executive Order #595: As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption.
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.
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