Care Coordinator - Contractor

In the capacity of this role, the incumbent plays a pivotal role in advancing the welfare of children and youth with special health needs (CYSHN) by orchestrating the formulation and execution of comprehensive, developmentally suitable individual service plans. This process is underpinned by proactive engagement with stakeholders such as parents, healthcare professionals, educational institutions, and service providers, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to a racial equity perspective. The core mission revolves around the delivery of high-caliber, family-centered care, provision of referrals, parent education, and unwavering support directly to CYSHN families, communities, and the broader network of providers.

This position assumes a leadership role in driving systemic enhancements within the domain of CYSHN care, aligning with the principles of the Medical Home Model. To this end, the incumbent engages in outreach initiatives and training programs targeting parents, community-based service providers, and educators. These educational endeavors are designed to promote an understanding of current legislations, policies, regulations, entitlements, benefits, and an array of available services and resources accessible to CYSHN and their families. Notably, the role actively fosters family involvement by nurturing culturally and linguistically proficient leadership and training opportunities. It also underscores the importance of encouraging and enabling families to engage in the process, while fully integrating the family engagement framework and a racial equity perspective into the program's fundamental ethos. Additionally, for transition-age clients (14-22), it is integral to develop comprehensive healthcare and life transition plans, adhering to program standards and protocols and adhering to the Charting the Life Course framework. Moreover, the role necessitates close collaboration with various stakeholders, including BFHN, public and private agencies, to ensure an extensive range of referrals, thus optimizing support for CYSHN, with special emphasis on inclusion across diverse cultural, linguistic, and economic backgrounds within all facets of service provision.

Diligent record-keeping in the CC database and other forms of documentation are essential to complete monthly reporting tasks and facilitate the evaluation and enhancement of care coordination programming. This entails maintaining up-to-date documentation of client services, encompassing resource/service provision and responses to information requests. Additionally, the incumbent is expected to participate actively in outreach, training initiatives, meetings, and other administrative or program activities as directed by the Director of the Care Coordination program and the Director of the Division for CYSHN.

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

•        Consults with state agencies, service providers, parents' organizations, private vendors, and clinical professionals to coordinate service delivery.
•        Participates in multidisciplinary and/or multi-agency teams as required.
•        Provides direct support and comprehensive technical assistance, consultation and training to families and professionals regarding public resources and entitlements, including eligibility and   regulations for children with special health needs.
•        Partners with families and service providers to identify needs of CYSHN and their families, to advocate on their behalf and to maximize integration of parent input into the Division's programs. 
•        Refers families to other Division programs, state agencies and community-based organizations in accordance with the Division guidelines and facilitates referrals as needed to educational,   residential, clinical, and social services providers as well as financial resources.
•        Documents all calls and interactions with families and other providers in the appropriate data system in a thorough and timely manner in accordance with program protocols.
•        Participates in supervisory, team and other meetings as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

•       Master's Degree in social work, psychology, human services, or related field
•       Minimum of three (3) years' experience in the field.
•       Bilingual in one of the following: Portuguese, Arabic or Vietnamese
•       Experience working with Windows-based applications and data management systems.
•       Ability to work both independently and with others under time pressures and deadlines.
•       Strong relationships with and knowledge of community-based organizations and other state and community agencies.
•       Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
•       Willingness to adhere to strict confidentiality protocols.
•       Must have a valid driver's license and regular access to a vehicle.
•       Experience conducting intake assessments
•       Experience working with families of children with medical complexity
•       Ability to work under pressure
•       Proficient with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, Teams, and Outlook

Contract Period of Service: 8/15/23 to 8/15/24 - Renewable subject to appropriation

Additional Information:

• Benefits are unavailable with the exception of sick leave accruals.
• Contracts are renewable, subject to the Department approval, performance, and allocation of funds.
• Contractor must have direct deposit.

DPH Mission Statement:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.
 
MDPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages, and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

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 Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

 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 Request Form.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #2

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements: None.

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.

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COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, depending on job assignment and location, employees may be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination and/or other vaccinations, or to have been approved for a vaccination exemption prior to their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. 

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.