Support Coordinator

Opportunities, Inc. seeks to ensure that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are provided chances to build a broad range of skills, gain new knowledge, interact with their community and, most importantly, be provided a variety of inclusive opportunities within the communities where they work, recreate, and live. We provide excellence in vocational, social, and adaptive skill development to help adults with disabilities achieve their fullest potential for independence and self-confidence.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Support Coordinator is responsible for a caseload of between 25-30 people supported by Opportunities, Inc., and is the main point of contact for all people assigned. This position is supervised by a Program Manager and handles the coordination of information related to day­ to-day services with staff, people supported, CCSs, Community Providers, and any other team members for people supported. This position is responsible for the process of creating robust Person-Centered Plans(PCP) for people on the caseload. This includes ensuring that PCPs remain in compliance with State requirements and regularly communicating with team members regarding the strengths, needs, preferences, and desires of people in services. The Support Coordinator is expected to be knowledgeable regarding services offered through the Community Pathways Waiver and the Community Supports Waiver, particularly those services offered by Opportunities, Inc. This position is also responsible for the general coordination of services, ensuring that current PCP goals are known and implemented by Direct Support Staff, and that any additional items related to service needs are communicated with needed support staff.

Office Location: Hybrid Gaithersburg

FLSA Classification: Exempt 

Salary: $60,000 annually

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Community Engagement and Employment Services Coordination

• Act as the primary point of contact for people in services or parents, Coordinators of Community Services. other Provider Agencies, etc. or assigned people supported by Opportunities, Inc.

• Collaborate with Employment Specialists to review information related to people served to build an employment profile that focuses on how best to help achieve employment outcomes.

• As necessary, assist people in Opportunities, Inc.'s services with applying for jobs and following up with employers, as needed to support Employment Specialists. Provide coverage, as necessary, for the absence of Community Supports Professionals at any given time, while still maintaining and prioritizing regular duties. This includes the need to promote any transportation services needed for programming

• Communicate and coordinate with Employment Specialists to share pertinent information that ensures all needs related to employment are addressed, including Job development, on-site support, off-site support, follow-along support, etc.

General Service Coordination

• Complete quarterly reviews of progress on goals for each person receiving Services.

• Complete all required documentation, including progress notes. attendance information. employment forms, etc. Ensure that all information entered into iCM is up to date for all

people on the assignment list.

• As needed, attend all required meetings for people in services that focus on Discovery-related items. Person-Centered Plan development, review of services, employment plan developments, etc.

• Ensure that the staff providing direct support are trained on the Person-Centered Plan or those in services.

• Coordinate and participate in the process of discovering person-related needs, including, but not limited to, AOLs, employment, advocacy, etc.

• Ensure all individuals are served in accordance with approved funding. Reviews utilization of units for services to ensure that people are using the allocated funding provided to them, and reports issues with this to the Director when appropriate.

• Attend and actively participate in any required team meetings.

• Assist in the development of schedules for direct support staff where services focus on

meaningful activities that promote skill-building and goal achievement.

• Keep current records of people supported in iCareManager, regularly updating demographic and contact information as well as support needs, goals, and PCP tracking.

•Manage transportation authorization and spending for people who need support through transportation services.

• Advocate for the person's rights and choices, and preferences within the service system and broader community, following the philosophy of "Nothing about me without me.

• Complete and pass all required DDA and Agency training(s) and remain current with all renewable trainings.

Person-Centered Planning

• Collaborate with Program Manager and Direct Support Staff to develop Person-Centered Plans focused on individualized goals for each person in Services. Ensure communication and feedback as it relates to participants' goals and/or service funding issues.

• Track and share information related to quarterly tracking of PCP goals to inform stakeholders on progress and needs for service delivery.

• Collaborate with the person, their family, team members, and other professionals to create personalized person-centered plans. These plans outline goals, strategies, and timelines for achieving desired outcomes.

• Collaborate with the Program Manager to ensure that all PCPs are completed to the highest standards and are in compliance with the requirements set forth in COMAR and Federal Waivers.

• Regularly review and update person-centered plans, with assistance from the program team, as necessary, to ensure it remains relevant and responsive to the person's evolving needs and preferences.

• Provide training to Opportunities, Inc. team members on the Person-Centered Plan for each assigned person.

• Troubleshoot errors or delays in the PCP approval process and work to mitigate errors or develop an action plan to ensure timely approval of PCPs so no person supported by Opportunities, Inc. experiences delays in their services, and auto-extensions of plans are minimized.

• Monitors LTSS daily for pending plan activity and acts accordingly.

• Compares requested service units as outlined in each person's plan in iCareManager as submitted to data entered into LTSS and confirms accuracy.

• Work with Program teams to ensure goals and implementation strategies fit within the services Opportunities, Inc. provides.

• Monitors the clarification request process and ensures timely resolution of issues.

QUALIFICATIONS AND DESIRED SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree in counseling, Social Work, Business or related field

preferred. Experience working in the I/DD field will be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Creativity related to implementation of services.

• Knowledge regarding the system of supports and Waiver services offered through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).

• Self-Starter with a proven track record of taking initiative to complete tasks.

• The ability to manage multiple priorities in an effective manner.

• Strong organization and time management skills

• Works well within diverse populations, building appropriate rapport, while demonstrating cultural competence.

• Effective and strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office suite.

Prior experience working in LTSS and iCareManager preferred.

• Minimum of 2 years' experience working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• Understanding of and ability to share information regarding activities and resources in Montgomery County and/or Prince George's County.

• A valid driver's license, a clean driving record, reliable transportation, and being willing to drive company vehicles.

A WEEK IN THELIFE OF A SUPPORT COORDINATOR

• Meet with a person and their team to facilitate the Pre-Planning.

• Create a 1-page profile of a person.

• Check iCM for upcoming PCP Tasks and schedule/ complete them, keeping PCPs on track and in compliance.

• Complete PCP Review to see how a person is progressing with their goals and identify any barriers for discussion with the Program Manager.

• Work with a group to provide coverage and monitor how people are doing with their

goals.

• Update iCM with key information about a person, their services, and other documents we must have on file.

• Reach out to CCS to ensure we receive a copy of the approved PCP.

• Train CSP & ES on PCP's.