Job Description

　　The Southeast Region of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking a qualified professional for the Regional Nursing Facility PASRR Specialist position.

　　The Nursing Facility Specialist is responsible for conducting PASRR (Pre-Admission Screening & Resident Review) screenings for all individuals having or suspected of having an intellectual disability, or other related condition such as a developmental disability, pursuant to federal law, who are seeking admission or continued stay in nursing facilities. The PASRRs are conducted in hospitals, nursing facilities, and various community settings. The overall screening includes federally required medical/ health needs, behavioral/ mental health concerns or issues, and functional abilities with ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)/ IADLs (Independent Activities of Daily Living). Provides direction to nursing facilities and local area office staff with any concerns or issues for DDS individuals who reside in these facilities. Responsible for the oversight and tracking of discharge planning for DDS individuals in a nursing facility, ensuring that Area Offices are familiar and compliant with Department Policy 2012-2 regarding community placement, and supporting area staff to work with providers, families, and nursing facilities throughout the placement process. Interfacing and acting as a liaison with local ASAPs (Aging Service Agencies Point of Service), health care agencies, and other state agency partners (Mass Health, Department of Public Heather, and Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission)

　　This position reports to the Southeast Region's Community Systems Director and works closely with the Director of PASRR and Nursing Facility Operations. This position also liaisons with local DDS Area Offices regarding any DDS individuals currently residing in nursing facilities, providing direction and guidance regarding interpreting MassHealth & DDS regulations.

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

　　Conducts assessments & screenings within 3 days of receiving PASRR (Pre-Admission Screening & Resident Review) Intake and completes PASRR report within 7-9 days of the assessment and screening.Reviews all intake information & contacts referral sources to schedule screening; reviews infectious control and behavioral precaution information prior to conducting assessment or screening.Meets at the person's home, acute hospital, psychiatric hospital, nursing facility, day program, rehabilitation hospital, homeless shelter, etc., to evaluate and provide provisional case management service.Interviews and observes the individual with intellectual or developmental disability to identify any other resources or services such as diversion or respite resources needed through elder services or frail elder waiver, or other home-based community waiver administered through MassHealth. Takes necessary precautions if infectious/ communicable disease is present or arranges for another staff to be present for a person with threatening/ assaultive behavior. Performs interviews with family members, medical professionals, and service providers to obtain accurate and relevant information. Requests and participates in the clinical, behavioral, or medical review of the screening process as indicated on the PASRR tool.Completes annual reviews of individuals "Not Recommended" for Specialized Services through the PASRR screening process, to determine their continued nursing facility level of services and the finding to continue "Not Recommend" Specialized Services based on their medical complexity to receive these services and determines the appropriateness of nursing facility admission or continued stay based on the following findings or to make a final determination regarding the provision of specialized services.Works in collaboration with DDS Area Offices in arranging pre-admission diversions and preventing inappropriate admissions of persons with ID or DD to nursing facilities as well as conducts the Annual PASRRs for individuals with ID and DD not recommended for Specialized Services.Reviews "Report of Significant Change" forms received from service coordinators, and case managers and performs new PASRR screen as needed.Updates all DDS & NF management staff informed of the PASRR screening process results, including sending all necessary correspondence to individual, guardian, nursing facility and referral source.Participates in the quality review of the PASRR process, including ongoing activities regarding refinement of the process.Attends and schedules trainings with DDS staff, ASAPs, hospitals, specialized services providers, and nursing facilities to ensure information sharing regarding the nursing facility initiative.Collaborates and works closely and Area Liaisons in the admissions, diversions, discharges, and community placements for individuals in nursing facilities while providing and maintaining an ongoing collaboration with ASAPS (Aging Service Agencies Point Service) hospitals, nursing facilities as related to the PASRR process and nursing facility issues and participates in regularly scheduled meetings, addressing and problem-solving regarding DDS administrative issues with discharge planning and transitions.Prepares legal and/or comprehensive documents and represents DDS at MassHealth Board of Hearing Appeals concerning PASRR appeals to include the oversight of discharge planning with area offices, families, and individuals to review barriers or to identify community placement options & transitions, identify medical and other services and including various clinical services to ensure successful community placement from a nursing facility institution.

　　Required Qualifications

　　Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of supporting people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, mental illness, and acquired/ traumatic head injuries. Knowledge and experience in interviewing individuals with complex physical, medical, cognitive, and psychiatric needs.Knowledge of types of support available to individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.Knowledge of infectious disease and infection control precautions. Knowledge of data collection, development of spreadsheets, general report writing, Microsoft Office (Excel, WORD, Access), Meditech, HCSIS and any other databases required to perform job responsibilities.Ability to understand and explain laws, rules, regulations, and policies (such as Active Treatment; DDS, MRC, MassHealth and DPH policies and procedures). Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of data, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations. Ability to exercise leadership skills and exercise discretion in handling confidential information.Ability to make decisions by examining medical, health records/ documents, and through questioning, interviewing, reviewing, and clinical observations.Ability to initiate projects and to work independently and willingness and the ability to adapt to various work situations, as well as to changes and flexibility in schedule. Ability to make effective oral presentations and conduct training.Ability to maintain accurate records.Ability to establish collegial working relationships with representatives of various state agencies, nursing facilities, elder agencies, and area office staff.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 and applicable experience working with Medicaid, state agencies, the provider service system, and the community-based resources that are available to serve persons with disabilities or elders in their transition to community living. Must have access to reliable transportation to travel throughout the Region and statewide as this will be needed to conduct PASRR assessments/ screenings, attend meetings, and attend training as scheduled.Knowledge of the principles and practices of human resource management including planning, forecasting, organizational development, etc...Ability to understand, explain, and to apply the laws, rules regulations, policies, and procedures governing the assigned unit's activities. Ability to provide oversight and technical assistance to area office and regional office staff. Performs other related work as assignedBased on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class 3 Motor Vehicle Operator's license may be required.

　　Preferred Qualifications

　　Strong interpersonal skills and excellent communication abilities, both written and in person.Demonstrated ability to analyze and determine the applicability of data, to draw conclusions, makes appropriate recommendations.Skilled in problem-solving, consensus building and team building.Extensive knowledge, experience and understanding of elder resources and services, working closely with frail elders, Home Based Community Waivers, and with individuals Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.Knowledge and applicable experience working with individuals with disabilities and their families, also knowledge of Medicaid, other state agencies and provide service system and community-based resources available to serve persons with disabilities or elders that support their transition to independent living.Demonstrated knowledge of the organizational structure and functions of DDS.Knowledge of DDS regulations, principles, and mission.

　　Schedule Information:

　　Full-time - 37.5-hour weekly position.

　　Schedule - Hours - 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

　　Days off - Saturday, Sunday

　　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:

　　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-registryCriminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/coriNational Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check.https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

　　As part of the hiring process, the Office of Human Resources will be verifying any college-level degrees conferred to the selected candidate. Additionally, any licensure required for the position will be verified. Information provided as part of the hiring process 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. 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 Online Request Form.

　　For help logging into/resetting your Mass Careers profile, call the Employment Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.

　　For questions concerning the information in this requisition please contact the Human Resources' Field Office at 508-866-8803.

　　ALL EMPLOYEES ARE PAID ON A BI-WEEKLY BASIS AND MUST HAVE DIRECT DEPOSIT.

　　Qualifications

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

　　MINUMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

　　Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full time, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, or public administration the major duties of which involve 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.

　　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!

　　COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption.

　　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.