In Home Support Specialist DMH

The In Home Support Specialist is responsible for monitoring, supporting, and documenting the well being, goal progress, and service quality of participants enrolled in Missouri’s Department of Mental Health (DMH) In Home program. This role ensures that Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are delivering services consistent with each participant’s Individual Support Plan (ISP) and that participants, guardians, and DSPs receive timely support, communication, and follow up.

The Specialist conducts monthly home visits, completes required monthly summaries, and enters all documentation into the Therap electronic health record system. The role is essential for maintaining compliance, participant safety, and service quality.

 Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Participant Monitoring & Home Visits

•          Conduct monthly in home visits for assigned participants (minimum of 30 minutes per visit).

•          Observe the participant’s environment, well being, and service satisfaction.

•          Assess for any discrepancies, safety concerns, or changes that may require reporting to the office or nurse.

•          Ensure the participant’s needs are being met according to their ISP goals and DMH requirements.

2. Oversight of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)

•          Review DSP documentation, notes, and service delivery for accuracy and completeness.

•          Verify that DSPs are fulfilling duties as outlined in the participant’s ISP and service goals.

•          Provide coaching or follow up when DSP performance concerns are identified.

•          Communicate any issues requiring corrective action to the Program Manager or Nurse.

3. Monthly Documentation & Reporting

•          Complete monthly summaries for each assigned participant by the 15th of every month.

•          Summaries must reflect DSP reporting, participant progress, changes in condition, and any follow up needs.

•          Enter all visit notes, summaries, and communications into Therap in accordance with agency and DMH documentation standards.

4. Communication & Support

•          Maintain ongoing communication with participants, guardians, and DSPs to ensure satisfaction with services.

•          Identify and report any changes that may require updates to the ISP.

•          Serve as a liaison between the participant, DSP, guardian, and agency leadership.

•          Promote participant rights, dignity, and person centered care.

5. Compliance & Quality Assurance

•          Follow all DMH, HIPAA, and agency policies regarding documentation, confidentiality, and service delivery.

•          Report incidents, concerns, or suspected abuse/neglect immediately per DMH guidelines.

•          Participate in required trainings, including Therap EHR training, DMH compliance modules, and agency in services.

•          Maintain accurate, timely, and audit ready documentation.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

•          Understanding of DMH In Home services, participant rights, and ISP driven care.

•          Strong observational and assessment skills.

•          Ability to communicate professionally with participants, guardians, DSPs, and interdisciplinary team members.

•          Competency in electronic documentation; ability to learn and use Therap.

•          Strong organizational skills and ability to meet monthly deadlines.

•          Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA standards.

•          Problem solving skills and the ability to escalate concerns appropriately.

 Education & Experience

•          High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, psychology, or nursing preferred.

•          Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities or in a DMH funded program strongly preferred.

•          Prior experience with electronic health records (EHR), especially Therap, is preferred.

•          Must pass all background screenings required by DMH and the agency.

 Work Environment & Requirements

•          Regular travel to participant homes; reliable transportation required.

•          Ability to sit, stand, and conduct in home assessments for extended periods.

•          Must maintain professional boundaries and uphold participant dignity at all times.