Autism Clinical Manager

This position performs duties in various locations within the Commonwealth, but the primary coverage area is the Western Region from Worcester to the New York border. Monthly staff meetings and / or trainings in Boston (at the Department of Developmental Services Central Office, Broad Street Boston address) are essential in this 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 Autism Division at the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is committed to providing appropriate support and services to children on the autism spectrum. The DDS Children ' s Autism Waiver program, funded through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), provides in home behavioral services for young children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Autism Waiver Program is a participant directed program.

The Autism Clinical Manager will provide the necessary clinical expertise and guidance to families who will receive individualized services for their child through the Autism Waiver Program. The Autism Clinical Manager will help to ensure that families can make informed choices about their individualized support. The Autism Clinical Manager provides targeted case management, technical assistance, and administrative oversight necessary to ensure all CMS quality assurance systems are observed. The Autism Clinical Manager conducts eligibility assessments for DDS and the Autism Waiver program, as needed. The Autism Clinical Manager meets with families of eligible children to discuss the Autism Waiver Program in depth including CMS regulations.

The Autism Clinical Manager works closely with the Autism Support Brokers from the seven DDS funded Autism Support Centers. The Autism Clinical Manager provides indirect supervision to the Autism Support Brokers. The Autism Clinical Manager meets monthly with the ArtCenter 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 support within the program. They also meet with providers and collateral staff to discuss the child's goals to ensure that the child is making progress. Autism Clinical Manager meets with families in their homes, a minimum of quarterly.

This position will require a flexible work schedule as this role is not a traditional work model. 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. 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 Service Coordinators 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

Qualifications :

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 assignments, 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.

Comprehensive Benefits

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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.