Assistant Area Director

This Position is Based in Lawrence, MA

The Assistant Area Director for Program Services is a senior management position responsible for supporting the Area Director in the overall leadership, management, and oversight of Area Office program operations.

The position exercises substantial delegated authority for day-to-day program management, service quality, workforce performance, risk management, and regulatory compliance. This role provides direct supervision to Human Service Coordinator Supervisors and functional oversight of Service Coordinators, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, person-centered services consistent with DDS regulations, policies, and priorities.

The Assistant Area Director works collaboratively with the Clinical Director, Assistant Area Director for Administrative Services, Regional and State Office leadership, providers, individuals, and families. The position serves as a member of the Area Office Senior Management and Leadership Teams and may act on behalf of the Area Director when designated.

Major Responsibilities

Program Operations and Workforce Management

• Provide direct supervision, leadership, coaching, and performance oversight to Human Service Coordinator Supervisors.

• Provide functional oversight to Service Coordinators, ensuring effective caseload management, workload distribution, and service delivery.

• Establish staff development, training, and performance expectations.

• Implement DDS policies, initiatives, and Area Office program priorities.

• Exercise independent judgment in personnel administration and operational decision-making within delegated authority.

Service Quality, Clinical and Program Integrity, and Regulatory Compliance

• Oversee the quality, development, review, and approval of Individual Support Plans (ISPs).

• Ensure compliance with DDS regulations, Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) principles, human rights requirements, incident         reporting, mandated reporting, and applicable legal standards.

• Monitor program quality, identify areas requiring improvement, and implement corrective actions.

• Collaborate with the Clinical Director and clinical disciplines regarding complex cases, risk planning, and quality improvement.

• Promote consistent service coordination practices and person-centered outcomes.

Risk Management and Response to High-Risk Situations

• Provide leadership and oversight in responding to critical incidents, emergencies, and complex service situations.

• Coordinate risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and follow-up with clinical staff and service coordination teams.

• Identify patterns and systemic concerns requiring corrective action.

• Ensure timely communication, documentation, escalation, and resolution of significant concerns.

Program Service Planning and Resource Prioritization

• Participate in MASSCAP prioritization and CCA review processes.

• Advise the Area Director regarding service priorities, resource allocation, fiscal impact, provider capacity, and individual risk.

• Oversee referral planning and coordination for PDP, AWC, SCL, Self-Directed Services, Family Support, and related resources.

• Monitor program utilization and support equitable distribution of available services.

• Assist in identifying service gaps and developing strategies to address emerging needs.

Family Support, Transition Planning, and Provider Coordination

• Provide leadership and oversight of Family Support and related children’s resources.

• Participate in Chapter 688 and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) transition planning.

• Organize and facilitate provider meetings and collaborative planning activities.

• Work with families, guardians, providers, brokers, community partners, and DDS leadership to resolve complex service issues.

• Support the implementation of DDS initiatives and coordinated service-delivery strategies.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in Area Office Senior Management and Leadership Team activities.

• Represent the Area Director in Regional, State Office, provider, and Department meetings when designated.

• Collaborate with the Assistant Area Director for Administrative Services on program and administrative matters.

• Assume delegated responsibilities of the Area Director when assigned.

• Perform other duties as required.

Schedule:

Flexibility is required to meet the needs of the program.

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:

• Commission for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (CPPD) Abuse Registry Search: https:cppdmass.gov
• 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

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ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

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