The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Metro Regional Office is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Regional Nursing Facility Specialist. This role provides direction to nursing facilities and local area office staff with any issues or concerns about individuals served by DDS residing in nursing facilities. They are responsible for conducting Pre-Admission Screening & Resident Review (PASRR) screenings for all individuals suspected to have an intellectual disability or other related developmental disability pursuant to federal law who are seeking admission or continued stay in nursing facilities. These screenings are conducted in hospitals, nursing facilities, and various community settings. The overall assessment includes medical/health needs, behavioral/mental health concerns or issues, and functional abilities with activities of daily living (ADLs). 

The Regional Nursing Facility Specialist reviews current plans of care, community and medical resources, discharge planning, and transitional placements that have been a barrier to discharge from a nursing facility based on PASRR findings or DDS community placement options. They also offer guidance to area office staff around issues related to MassHealth and DDS Regulations for DDS individuals residing in nursing facilities. They interface and liaison with local aging service agencies, health care agencies, and other state agency partners. 

Duties and Responsibilities (this is a general summary and not a complete list of responsibilities)

• Reviewing all intake information and contacting referral source to schedule screening.
• Meeting at the individual's home, acute hospital, psychiatric hospital, nursing facility, day program, rehabilitation hospital, homeless shelter, etc. to evaluate and provide provisional case management services. 
• Interviewing and observing the individual with intellectual or developmental disability (ID/DD) or family to identify any other resources or services that may benefit them. 
• Interviewing family members, medical professionals, and service providers to obtain accurate and relevant information.
• Requesting and participating in clinical, behavioral, or medical review of the screening process as indicated on the PASRR tool.
• Conducting quarterly or annual reviews of individuals not recommended for specialized services through the PASRR screening process.
• Determining the appropriateness of nursing facility admission or continued stay based on PASRR assessment and other findings. 
• Conducts quarterly or annual PASRR assessments for individuals with ID and DD that are assigned to the Active Treatment Team.
• Reviews "Report of Significant Change" forms received from services coordinators and performs new PASRR screens as needed.
• Participates in the quality review of the PASRR process.

• Participates in statewide PASRR meetings as necessary.

• Participates in and schedules trainings as appropriate with DDS staff, hospitals, aging service agencies, specialized service providers, and nursing facilities to ensure information sharing regarding the nursing facility initiative. 
• Preparing legal and/or comprehensive documents and representing DDS at MassHealth Board of Hearing Appeals in regard to PASRR appeals. 
• Providing oversight and management for targeted residential placements from nursing facilities and the management of tracking "Rolland" funded residential beds for the region. 
• Providing facilitation of discharge planning with individuals/families to review barriers or to identify community placement/transition options.

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge or the principles, practices, and techniques of supporting people with ID/DD, mental illness, and acquired brain injuries. 
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques for individuals with complex physical, medical, and psychiatric needs. 
• Knowledge of types of support available to individuals with ID/DD. 
• Ability to understand and explain laws, rules, regulations, and policies. 
• Ability to make decisions by means of examining health records, interviewing, and clinical observation.
• Ability to make effective oral presentations and conduct trainings. 
• Knowledge of active treatment philosophy, programming, and federal and state standards of active treatment.
• Knowledge and applicable experience working with individuals with disabilities and their families. 
• Knowledge of Medicaid as well as other state agencies and community resources available to persons with disabilities or elders that support their transition to independent living.
• Access to reliable transportation to conduct travel regionally and statewide. 

Please Note: This is Full-time, 40 hour position. 

                       Shift: 8:30am - 5:00pm 

                       Days Off: Saturday and Sunday 

                       Flexibility required to meet the needs of the Regional Office.

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.

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

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.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, administrative or managerial experience in business administration, business management or public administration the major duties of which involved program management, program administration, program coordination, program planning and/or program analysis, and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.

II. A Graduate degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.

Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: No substitutions will be permitted for the required (B) experience.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

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%25 of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.