Human Rights Coordinator

The Compliance Officer II (CO II) will function as the Human Rights Coordinator for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Central Residential Services (CRS). The CO II will serve as a resource to CRS staff and individuals supported by CRS, effectively advocating for individuals to achieve their fullest potential and exercise their rights in the way they choose.

In this position, the CO II will assist the Human Rights Committees in affirming, promoting, and protecting the human and civil rights of individuals served by CRS. The CO II is responsible for ensuring the Human Rights Committees’ memberships comply with regulations, that committees meet regularly, and members are trained and understand their role and function according to 115 CMR 3.09. The CO II will fulfill responsibilities as outlined in said regulations. The CO II will act as a liaison between Human Rights Committees and the agency to communicate related information and issues. The CO II will assist where needed and participate in the Department’s Survey and Certification process as it relates to human rights issues, including Human Rights Committees and Human Rights Advocates, training of staff, individuals, and family members.

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

• Assists in the development of agency policies and procedures according to the Department of Developmental Services regulations related to the function of human rights advocates, human rights committees, and promoting optimal opportunities for individuals to fully exercise their rights and ensure compliance and implementation in all aspects of the agency.
• Consults with ISP team members as needed and assists in the development of appropriate goals, strategies, supports, plans and interventions teaching individuals to make choices and exercise their rights within their capabilities while being the least restrictive.
• Assists in the selection of the human rights advocates for each home and provides the training and support necessary to fulfill their role.
• Completes related documentation in a timely manner, including minutes, waivers, training and informational material, and other written assignments as needed.
• Monitors Commission for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (CPPD) complaints to ensure they are addressed timely and appropriate action plans are submitted.
• Reviews and monitors the Home and Community Services Information System (HCSIS) to ensure incident and restraint reports comply with stated timelines.
• Develops and implements necessary training programs for agency staff orientation related to human rights, the mistreatment complaint process, restrictive interventions, positive behavioral support, and other topics as deemed appropriate.
• Serves as a resource to individuals and their families regarding Human Rights through training, education and/or conflict resolution.
• Participates in regional and state-wide Human Rights Coordinator networking meetings.
• Incorporates information, ideas and processes learned from networking meetings into the CRS Human Rights system to help improve the monitoring and delivery of services.
• Communicates and meets regularly with the Regional Human Rights Specialist.

Please Note:

This position is located in Worcester, MA and provides coverage throughout Central Massachusetts.

Schedule: 8:30am to 4:30pm

Days off: Sunday/Saturday

Flexibility required to meet the needs of the program; some evening hours and weekends may be required to attend Human Rights Committee meetings.

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

​​​​​​​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.

The Compliance Officer II (CO II) will function as the Human Rights Coordinator for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Central Residential Services (CRS). The CO II will serve as a resource to CRS staff and individuals supported by CRS, effectively advocating for individuals to achieve their fullest potential and exercise their rights in the way they choose.

In this position, the CO II will assist the Human Rights Committees in affirming, promoting, and protecting the human and civil rights of individuals served by CRS. The CO II is responsible for ensuring the Human Rights Committees’ memberships comply with regulations, that committees meet regularly, and members are trained and understand their role and function according to 115 CMR 3.09. The CO II will fulfill responsibilities as outlined in said regulations. The CO II will act as a liaison between Human Rights Committees and the agency to communicate related information and issues. The CO II will assist where needed and participate in the Department’s Survey and Certification process as it relates to human rights issues, including Human Rights Committees and Human Rights Advocates, training of staff, individuals, and family members.

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

• Assists in the development of agency policies and procedures according to the Department of Developmental Services regulations related to the function of human rights advocates, human rights committees, and promoting optimal opportunities for individuals to fully exercise their rights and ensure compliance and implementation in all aspects of the agency.
• Consults with ISP team members as needed and assists in the development of appropriate goals, strategies, supports, plans and interventions teaching individuals to make choices and exercise their rights within their capabilities while being the least restrictive.
• Assists in the selection of the human rights advocates for each home and provides the training and support necessary to fulfill their role.
• Completes related documentation in a timely manner, including minutes, waivers, training and informational material, and other written assignments as needed.
• Monitors Commission for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (CPPD) complaints to ensure they are addressed timely and appropriate action plans are submitted.
• Reviews and monitors the Home and Community Services Information System (HCSIS) to ensure incident and restraint reports comply with stated timelines.
• Develops and implements necessary training programs for agency staff orientation related to human rights, the mistreatment complaint process, restrictive interventions, positive behavioral support, and other topics as deemed appropriate.
• Serves as a resource to individuals and their families regarding Human Rights through training, education and/or conflict resolution.
• Participates in regional and state-wide Human Rights Coordinator networking meetings.
• Incorporates information, ideas and processes learned from networking meetings into the CRS Human Rights system to help improve the monitoring and delivery of services.
• Communicates and meets regularly with the Regional Human Rights Specialist.

Please Note:

This position is located in Worcester, MA and provides coverage throughout Central Massachusetts.

Schedule: 8:30am to 4:30pm

Days off: Sunday/Saturday

Flexibility required to meet the needs of the program; some evening hours and weekends may be required to attend Human Rights Committee meetings.

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.