Recertification Specialist

Why Join Our Team

Person-Centered Care Services is a not-for-profit organization that creates social change within communities by supporting people with disabilities on their journey to self-identity and acceptance. We are more than just a workplace – we are a community built on our core values:

sUpport Our responsibility as human beings are to support ourselves and one another.

eQuity To participate in community is to have active citizenship. To be a participating citizen, one must have opportunities that are equitable, which accommodate the differences all human beings have.

aCCeptance One of the most vital components of having a quality of life is love. It is okay to tell someone you love them; more importantly, it is okay to show them. To accept another for who they are and what makes them human can be a most validating experience; it is self-empowering.

Benefits of Joining Our Team

• Health Coverage: Medical, Vision, Dental, and Life Insurance for employees working 30 hours/week.

• Telehealth Services: Employer-paid access for all employees, regardless of hours.

• Voluntary Benefits: Including Accident, Disability, Legal, Identity Protection, and Pet Insurance.

• 403B Retirement Plan: Secure your financial future.

• PTO & Holidays: Generous time off, including your birthday!

• Employee Perks: Discounts on wireless plans, entertainment, dining, travel, and more.

• Financial Support: Bi-weekly stipends for eligible cellphone and transportation expenses.

• Education & Development: Tuition reimbursement and career advancement programs.

• Wellness Support: Access to the Employee Assistance Program.

• Referral Program: Earn rewards by promoting our inclusive workplace.

Position Overview:

The Recertification Specialist supports the overall operations of the Community Supports Department by overseeing the annual recertification process for all participants receiving a Housing Rental Subsidy (HRS) through OPWDD.

This position ensures that each participant’s recertification packet — including the Participation Agreement, Quality Assurance Checklist, and supporting financial documentation — is accurate, complete, and submitted in accordance with OPWDD and PCCS policies.

The Recertification Specialist collaborates closely with Program Coordinators, Finance, and Quality Assurance to maintain compliance, reduce recertification delays, and promote the long-term housing stability of people supported.

Key Responsibilities:

• Recertification & Participant Support: Serve as the main point of contact for the annual HRS recertification process for all participants. Begin outreach for required documents at least three months before lease expiration, setting clear timelines with participants, staff, and care managers. Act as a liaison between the finance team, program staff, landlords, and participants to ensure timely lease renewals, necessary repairs, and compliance with OPWDD Quality Assurance standards. Provide hands-on support to participants in completing and submitting documentation, maintaining open and respectful communication with participants, advocates, and landlords to keep the process moving smoothly. Record all outreach, communication, and follow-ups in the Housing ISS Activity Log, and promptly notify the supervisor or Program Coordinator of any noncompliance, refusals, or housing concerns. A working knowledge of NYS tenant and landlord laws, HUD fair market rates, and common lease terms is essential.

• Documentation & Compliance: Collect, review, and organize all required recertification materials, including leases, income documents, insurance policies, and other supporting forms. Ensure that all paperwork is complete, up to date, and properly signed in accordance with OPWDD standards. Maintain accurate and organized records in eVero and other agency tracking systems. Submit necessary documentation and budget updates to OPWDD when participants move or have significant income changes. Collaborate with the Finance Department on subsidy budgets and representative payee responsibilities. Always maintain confidentiality and data accuracy in participant files, and complete administrative fee documentation for all billable activities.

• Collaboration & Coordination: Work closely with Program Coordinators to ensure participant housing documents remain current and accurate. Communicate with OPWDD, DDROs, and other relevant agencies to resolve any documentation or compliance issues. Collaborate with the Quality Management and Administrative Support teams to meet audit and reporting requirements. Participate in housing-related meetings, including IDT and OPWDD meetings, as needed, to support ongoing coordination and communication across teams.

• Quality Assurance & Improvement: Participate in all HRS Recertification training and ongoing refreshers to stay up to date with current regulations. Conduct internal file reviews and address any issues identified by the Quality Assurance or Administrative teams. Proactively identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce recurring documentation challenges. Contribute to the development of tools, checklists, and processes that strengthen compliance and overall program quality.

• Other Housing Subsidy Support: Assist with new housing subsidy applications and renewals as needed. Provide accurate information and administrative support to ensure smooth transitions for new participants. Maintain regular communication with participants, care managers, landlords, and other stakeholders to promote stable and successful housing outcomes.

• Advocacy: Advocate for the needs and rights of people supported, ensuring they are receiving adequate services and support. Assist and/or facilitate assessments for people supported as needed. Assist people supported by identifying additional resources and/or services.

• Reporting: Ensure proper reporting, investigation, and review of all incidents relative to OPWDD Part 624 regulations and the New York State Justice Center.

• Professional Development: Complete all mandatory and assigned training as needed. Take initiative in asking for support in areas needed for development and enroll in training opportunities to assist with accomplishing professional goals.

• All other duties that are deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Job Skills

• Communication and Collaboration: Develops and delivers specialized recommendations to stakeholders, facilitating collaboration across departments to achieve technical or functional goals.

• Decision-making and Problem-Solving: Tackles specialized challenges by applying advanced knowledge, offering innovative solutions to complex problems within their domain.

• Adaptability and Flexibility: Navigates evolving industry standards and technological advancements while driving improvements within their area of expertise.

• Organizational Effectiveness: Optimizes systems and processes within a specialized function to improve performance and resource utilization.

• Quality of Service: Designs and implements innovative solutions to elevate the quality and efficiency of service delivery for individuals supported.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Age Requirement: Minimum age 18

Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years' experience working directly with people with developmental disabilities is required.
• Familiarity with OPWDD regulations, Housing Subsidy programs, or HRS documentation, preferred.
• Experience with eVero or similar case management systems, strongly preferred.

Educational Qualification:

• High school diploma/GED, required.
• Associate degree in related fields such as: Psychology, Human Services, Social Work, Mental Health, etc., preferred.

• No On Call Requirement.
• Driving Required - Frequent
• Physical Demands: The nature of tasks may vary based on the individuals being supported. This may include assisting with toileting and hygiene, which could involve lifting. Reasonable accommodation will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to fulfill essential job functions.