Maritza Lagos is our Caring Force February 2026 Workforce Hero Spotlight honoree! Lagos works as a Long-Term Service Coordinator (LTSC) at Mystic Valley Elder Services.
1. Tell us about your background. How did you decide to pursue a career in human services?
My mother worked at a Home Health Agency when I was younger. I saw the impact she made on her colleagues and clients. My mom is always willing to help, and gave me a deep desire to help others, too. I have been in the human services field for 17 years now.
My first job was at Vinfen as a residential counselor. I then started working at Elder Services and have been here ever since. I take pleasure in connecting consumers with services and community resources. I love hearing from clients about how services help them live independently.
2. What does a typical day look like for you at your organization?
There is never a dull moment within the role of an LTSC! Working as a service coordinator amongst an individual’s care teams is busy and involves a variety of tasks and responsibilities.
There is a great deal of juggling efforts to maintain a healthy balance between the many responsibilities we carry within our role. The primary goal of our work is to assess and coordinate in-home services for individuals with disabilities, working in conjunction with the members’ insurance plan, clinical care teams, as well as identified natural supports. Said day-to-day responsibilities include:
- Preparation for scheduled assessments with members.
- Conducting assessments with members to support in identifying fragmentation in care/services and further, identifying appropriate/effective services to meet the members’ health and wellness needs.
- Ongoing collaboration with the internal and external care teams to support in meeting the needs of the members we serve.
- Consistent documentation such as assessments, coordination of care as well as any communication conducted with members and/or applicable acre teams.
- Consistent advocacy for members to see that appropriate and effective services are implanted to meet health and wellness needs/ensure no gaps in service.
- Supporting members and respective caretakers to navigate access to applicable resources to meet health and wellness needs.
3. What is your favorite professional memory?
I assisted a consumer with getting a teletypwriter (TTY) phone. This consumer was hard of hearing and therefore had difficulty connecting with others telephonically. Once she received the phone, she said it was such a blessing. It’s a reminder that simple things could change someone’s life. I really enjoy helping consumers and having a positive impact. Mystic Valley has funding sources that could help consumers with their needs. Everyone at Mystic Valley is so amazing and helpful. We all strive to empower our consumers.
4. This question is from our January Workforce Hero, Rose Louis: How do you make a difference in the lives of those you served?
As an LTSC, I feel I make a difference in the lives of those I serve by simply being present and remaining a solid resource to support them in addressing any critical unmet needs—especially for those members that have a very limited or no network at all.
5. Do you have a question for the next person we spotlight?
What do you find is one of the most valuable qualities of an impactful Care Coordinator?
A heartfelt thank you to Maritza and every human service worker across Massachusetts! The compassion, hope, and dedication you bring to your work each day transforms lives and strengthens our communities. Your efforts don’t go unnoticed—we’re incredibly grateful for all you do.
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