$500 SIGN ON BONUS
The Self Direction Specialist works as both a Fiscal Intermediary (FI) and a Support Broker. Ensures persons supported have the opportunity to make choices; develop and achieve; participate in community; maintain good health and secure personal future; be treated with respect and dignity; and experience relationships with family members, friends and neighbors.
As an FI: Responsible for the oversight of the Self-Direction Plan/Budget on their caseload ensuring the person supported their families and circle of support to self-directed services work within the individualized budget. Processes paperwork; bills for services; provides fiscal accounting and reporting; provides Medicaid, corporate compliance and general administrative and staffing supports; and works with persons supported, families and vendors to ensure services and reimbursements of funds are provided in timely and appropriate manner.
As a Support Broker: Assist persons supported through a person centered approach by developing a circle of support and completing approvable individualized plans and budget for services. May provide training and support to persons supported to help in gaining skills and competencies needed to manage self-directed services.
- Works closely with person supported, families, the circle of support and governing bodies to ensure that the person’s funds are used in accordance with approved plan set by OPWDD.
- Assists the service recipient with the management of staff.
- Participates in the hiring and discharge decisions for self-directed staff, with families/individual.
- Participates in annual and semi-annual ISP meetings to discuss issues related to self-directed staffing and/or supports and budget expenditures as required and requested.
- Participates in Circle of Support team meetings as a budget resources as required and requested.
- Meets with prospective participants and/or referring agents for support broker services and assures the timely submission of all required documentation for enrollment in support broker services.
- Uses a 'person centered approach' in all service provision by tailoring service to individual needs. Provides coordination linkage and referring to the following: a place to live, a place to work, counseling, relationship training, recreation, education, clinical services, transportation, and/or financial assistance. (SB)
- Works with the individual to plan a budget for self-directed services. Communicates with the Fiscal Intermediary (FI).
- Acts as a liaison with the Finger Lakes DDRO to obtain start-up and on-going approvals for Broker services.
- Documents all observations and interventions through detailed case notes, habilitation plans, budgets, and ISPs/Life Plans in accordance with OPWDD and agency regulations.
- Ensures the health and safety of the individual through intervention and advocacy. Provides coordination in crises if required. Takes calls from Program areas regarding health or safety issues and provides appropriate follow-through.
Required Skills
COMPUTER SKILLS
- BASIC OUTLOOK skills as evidenced by creating and sending messages, working with address books, message handling, creating and using personal folders, scheduling appointments, working with meeting requests and managing tasks.
- BASIC MICROSOFT WORD skills as evidenced by the ability to produce basic business letters and simple tables and charts; as well as check spelling, set tabs, change page orientation, sort, save, open and organize electronic files.
- ADVANCED EXCEL skills as evidenced by the ability to use workbooks, create simple formulas, insert and delete data, create and edit charts, filter and sort lists, and format data.
OTHER SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE
- Demonstrated ability to assess, monitor and evaluate needs and progress in program.
- Must have excellent observation and analysis skills.
- Strong communication skills including verbal and written communication.
- Must demonstrate good judgment and knowledge of community resources.
- Must be adaptable and possess high tolerance for stress.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Standing 10% of the day. Sitting 75% of the day. Walking 15% of the day.
- Occasionally required to reach and lift.
- Frequently required to lift and carry up to 10 pounds occasionally.
- Visual acuity necessary to determine the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned; as well as view a computer terminal, extensive reading, preparing and analyzing data and figures.
Required Experience
MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s Degree in related field and two years’ experience, working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Or
Associates Degree in a related field and 4 years’ experience, working with individuals with intellectual and development disabilities
FI experience and trainings preferred.
Broker experience and current broker trainings required by OPWDD preferred.
Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved may be considered.
LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION
- Valid NYS Driver's License. Availability of insured personal vehicle to transport self and occasionally individuals as necessary. Additional liability insurance for occasional transport of individuals served is recommended.