About Maximus
Maximus is a global organization that partners with national, state and local governments to provide critical health and human services. With decades of experience designing, developing, and delivering innovative programs and comprehensive solutions, Maximus is driven by a mission to strengthen communities and improve the lives of the people we serve.
About the CANS (Children/Adolescent Needs and Strengths)
NY state laws and regulations require that an assessment chosen by OPWDD must be used to review and record a person’s strengths and needs as a condition of receiving OPWDD services. OPWDD has authorized Maximus to conduct these required assessments for individuals ages 17 and younger, using the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS). The CANS is a person-centered assessment tool that is very effective at helping OPWDD to learn more about the strengths and needs of children and adolescents with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The CANS provides important information to assist with care planning and connecting individuals with appropriate services.
Our dedicated team is proud to be part of the OPWDD program. We are doing great things every day!
Position Overview
We are looking for a well-qualified and passionate health care professional for a new position with the CANS program. CANS Assessors will be responsible for conducting CANS assessments with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The incumbent will be responsible for arranging, conducting and thorough assessments using a person-centered approach.
This is a limited-service position, anticipated to extend for the contract duration of 18 months. The position may be shortened or lengthened based on business needs.
If you meet position qualifications, this is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience and grow your career.
Position Summary
- Outreach to individuals and their caregiver/primary supports as necessary during assigned schedule
- Schedule and coordinate the assessment process with individuals, caregiver/primary support and Care Managers/providers in the home and/or community or via telehealth using a person-centered approach
- Schedule and conduct the assessment at a location and time which is most convenient for the individual
- Utilize an in-person, person-centered interview process as part of the assessment process (e.g. conversational style that starts with the person)
- Conduct additional interviews with caregiver/primary support and utilize multiple sources including records to verify information and coding prior to finalizing the assessment
- Arrange formal interpreter services as needed
- Complete all assessments utilizing the provided software
- Code the assessment accurately based on training
- Document all case activity as per program requirements
- Meet or exceed established monthly productivity standards
What You Will Need
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university required in an OPWDD approved health or human services field.
Minimum of one year experience working directly with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities
Willingness to travel required; vehicle may be required depending on region. Must be willing and able to accommodate varying schedules and hours; some evenings and weekend hours required
Preferred experience Minimum of one year conducting assessments with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities; experience in adapting interviewing skills to elicit information from individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, their families, caregivers and staff, and various clinicians. Experience working with children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families and knowledge of the supports and services available.
Job Summary Education and Experience RequirementsEssential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Contact the individual and/or family/caregiver to schedule the appointment at a time and location most convenient to that person.
- Identify whether the individual is capable of participating in an interview (full or partial) and if there is a need for an observation. More than one visit may be required.
- Conduct the interview/observation in person. Assessment cannot be complete without the person being interviewed or observed.
- Interview a knowledgeable person(s), as defined by protocol, who has seen the person within the assessment time frames (e.g. within the last 3 days).
- Review records available as needed for coding.
- Code the assessment accurately based on training.
- Perform other duties as assigned by management.
Minimum Requirements:
- High School diploma or equivalent with 4+ years of experience, or Associate degree with 2+ years' experience.
- May have additional training or education in area of specialization.
- Work on assignments that are moderately difficult, requiring judgement in resolving issues.
- Understand implications of work and make recommendations for solutions.
- Communicate on complex or sensitive issues or draft such responses for supervisor or team lead.
Since 1975, Maximus has operated under its founding mission of Helping Government Serve the People, enabling citizens around the globe to successfully engage with their governments at all levels and across a variety of health and human services programs. Maximus delivers innovative business process management and technology solutions that contribute to improved outcomes for citizens and higher levels of productivity, accuracy, accountability and efficiency of government-sponsored programs. With more than 30,000 employees worldwide, Maximus is a proud partner to government agencies in the United States, Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit
As a large employer and Federal contractor, Maximus is subject to various vaccine mandates across our lines of business. Maximus is committed to complying with any applicable vaccine mandates. The specific vaccine requirements for this position will be outlined throughout the selection process. Individuals who believe they may qualify for a medical or religious accommodation will have the opportunity to apply for an accommodation following an offer of employment. EEO Statement: Active military service members, their spouses, and veteran candidates often embody the core competencies Maximus deems essential, and bring a resiliency and dependability that greatly enhances our workforce. We recognize your unique skills and experiences, and want to provide you with a career path that allows you to continue making a difference for our country. We’re proud of our connections to organizations dedicated to serving veterans and their families. If you are transitioning from military to civilian life, have prior service, are a retired veteran or a member of the National Guard or Reserves, or a spouse of an active military service member, we have challenging and rewarding career opportunities available for you. A committed and diverse workforce is our most important resource. Maximus is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Maximus provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disabled status.