Coordinator of Community Services

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE

Coordinator of Community Services

DATE

April 1, 2025

POSITION SUMMARY

The Coordinator of Community Services (CCS) ensures quality service delivery and coordinates services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The CCS performs job duties per the agency's Case Management mission, vision, and philosophy. 

REPORTS TO

Resource Coordinator of Community Services

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Possess a current and active licensure or certification with a legal scope of practice that permits independent assessment, OR Must meet all the following qualifications in states that do not require licensure or certification: 

  • Possess a baccalaureate or graduate degree in social work or another health or human services field from an institution that is fully accredited by a nationally recognized educational accreditation organization AND

  • Complete a supervised field experience in case management, behavioral health, or vocational rehabilitation as part of the degree or states’ recognition requirements for permitting legally authorized practice, or two (2) years of full-time equivalent experience providing direct clinical care to the consumer.

• Demonstrated skills and knowledge in:

  • Negotiation and conflict management

  • Crisis management

  • Community resources, including generic, local, state, and federal programs

  • Determining the most integrated setting appropriate to meet the person’s needs

  • Coordinating and monitoring the provision of services to people

  • Coordinating and facilitating interdisciplinary team meetings 

  • Assisting people in gaining access to services and supports

  • Regulations governing services for people with developmental disabilities

• Availability of days, nights, and weekends, as needed

• Excellent communication and organizational skills

• Excellent computer skills with at least intermediate knowledge of Google Suite

• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills

• Strong work ethic with personal qualities of integrity and credibility

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Coordinating services for people in Medicaid and/or waiver programs

• Coordinating services for people with intellectual disabilities/developmental disabilities (ID/DD)

• Social Service intake and referral services

• Coordinate services for eligible individuals as outlined in the Coordinator of Community Services COMAR, the DDA Scope of Service

• Demonstrated skills and knowledge in: 

  • Monitoring the provision of services to participants

  • Allied service delivery systems, including Medicaid, mental health, substance abuse, social services, juvenile justice, vocational rehabilitation, and corrections

  • Regulations governing services for participants

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Accept all participant assignments and fulfill responsibilities to assigned participants in accordance with the participant's needs, current standards of practice, and 
  regulatory requirements.

• Develop and implement individual person-centered plans through comprehensive assessments with the individual, family, other agencies involved, schools, program staff, and/or evaluation professionals.

• Coordinate services for eligible individuals as outlined in the Coordinator of Community Services COMAR, the DDA Scope of Service, and in the Optimal Case Management Inc. Plan of Service.

• Participate in the development and execution of Individual Waiting list Service, Transition Service, Current Request Services, and plans as an active member of an interdisciplinary team.

• Intervene when services are needed in times of crisis and/or outside regular work schedules.

• Serve as an advocate for each individual’s well-being, human and legal rights, and in the individual’s best interest at all times.

• Perform additional resource coordination duties such as referral and intake processes when assigned.

• Perform duties with professionalism, compassion, and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by consideration of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems. 

• Execute duties and represent Optimal efficiently, cooperatively, and ethically.

• Execute procedures outlined in the Optimal Case Management Inc. Policy and 
  Procedure Manual. 

• Comply with Optimal and DDA compliance measures pertaining to participants and 
  their services. 

• Comply with Optimal Personnel Record Policy, including updating applicable licenses, health screenings, and CPR/FA certification.

• Comply with the Optimal Equipment Policy, and do not share usernames and/or passwords with or give anyone access.

• Comply with the provisions of State, local, and Federal laws, regulations, ordinances, requirements, and codes that apply to the performance of services to be rendered. 

• Comply with federal, state, and local laws by not discriminating against anyone based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected basis.

COMPETENCY

• Communicate using professional written and oral communication skills. 

• Respond to calls, emails, or other participant concerns within 24 hours, Monday 
  through Friday.

• Submit required and supporting documentation in the authorized EHR within 24 hours of rendering billable services.

• Bill a minimum of 130 units per week (Thursday through Wednesday).

• Submit billable activity without supervision upon completion of training.

• Obtain participant/family/legal guardian's signature when necessary.

• Secure EHR usernames and passwords and hard-copy documented 
  participant information.

• Adhere to the privacy and confidentiality of client records and communication as outlined in HIPAA regulations and agency policy.

• Develop and implement individual person-centered plans through comprehensive assessments with the individual, family, other agencies, schools, program staff, and/or evaluation professionals. 

• Conduct referral, intake, and resource coordination duties as assigned.

• Maintain proper use of company equipment, including a laptop and mobile phone.

• Participate in regularly scheduled meetings and complete training as required to execute job duties and as requested by the DDA and Optimal. 

• Notify the immediate supervisor at least four (4) hours before the start of the workday if unable to report to work.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position is not responsible for supervising others.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is 80% remote and 20% in-person travel in the community.

• Work may involve exposure to uncomfortable and unpleasant surroundings.

• Work may involve exposure to hazardous conditions, which may result in injury. 

• Work may require the use of protective equipment such as goggles, gloves, masks, etc.

• Work may involve personal contact with individuals served, their families or guardians, and agency representatives in the home, program, workplace, and community or 
  social environments. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Being in a seated position for extended periods of time.

• Manual dexterity is required to manipulate small objects, such as using a keyboard.

• Strength to lift and carry files weighing up to 10 pounds.

POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

• The introductory period will last 90 days from the employee’s start date.

• Full-time, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• Flexibility to meet participant availability.

• As an “essential” employee, you may be called upon to assist with natural disasters and public health emergencies. 

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to make personal contact with individuals served, the family/guardians, 
  and agency representatives in the home, program, workplace, and community 
  or social environments

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and reliable personal transportation

• Current active driver's license and automobile insurance

• Reliable personal transportation

• Current and active CPR and First Aid certification

• Normal tuberculosis skin test (or Chest X-ray within 12 months)

• At least three (3) letters of reference (must be in good standing)

WORK AUTHORIZATION/SECURITY CLEARANCE

• Proof of authorization to work lawfully in the United States is required.

• Federal or state security clearance is not required.

• Not been determined to be:

  • Simultaneously employed by another DHMH-licensed agency

  • On the Medicaid exclusion list

  • Convicted of a crime of violence in violation of Criminal Law Article 14-101, Annotated Code of MD

  • In violation of Health-General Article 7-1102 annotated code of MD

  • A person with a criminal history that would indicate behavior potentially harmful to people receiving services is documented through a state and federal criminal background check.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PLAN (AAP) / EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) 

Optimal is an equal opportunity employer. Per anti-discrimination law, this policy's purpose is to effectuate these principles and mandates. Optimal prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Optimal conforms to the spirit and the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

DISCLAIMER

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

Optimal uses AI-assisted screening to efficiently and fairly review applications. Human recruiters review qualified candidates, conduct interviews, and make final decisions. We do not sell applicant data and use it only for hiring purposes. For accommodations, contact us at 301-790-4962.

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