SUMMARY
This is a full-time non-exempt position that is responsible for the ongoing assessment of consumer needs and the development, preparation, and implementation of a comprehensive Individual Support Plan. The position is responsible for locating, coordinating, and monitoring services to include incident management, service linkage, crisis intervention, and consumer advocacy. The tasks are carried out within the principles and philosophy of Self-Determination, Positive Approaches, and Everyday Lives. Works as an interdisciplinary team member. Completes and maintains all records and other relevant paperwork accurately and promptly. Adheres to the philosophies of the agency as it applies to Quality Assurance. Primary work hours will be Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm with a 30-minute lunch (37.5 hours/week) unless otherwise agreed upon.
Compliance:
As with all WCSI positions, it is the expectation that employees adhere to WCSI, County, State and Federal guidelines, regulation, policies and laws which govern the business and service of WCSI.
This position requires the employee to perform their daily job duties and responsibilities in an unstructured work environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Includes the following, (other duties may be assigned as deemed necessary by management):
Assessment:
Assess consumer needs utilizing assessment tools such as Prioritization of Urgency of Needs for Services, Personal Plan Information, and Adaptive Behavior Assessment Scales, consumer and/or collateral interview, and review of educational, clinical, and social information. Needs assessment will consider current and historical information.
Individual Support Plan:
Develops, prepares, and implements a comprehensive Individual Support Plan which includes outcomes based on consumer needs and desires, provider and team input. Outcomes are strength oriented and all services are linked to an outcome.
Regulations:
Adhere with Targeted Service Management regulations. A current comprehensive plan must be completed and updated at least annually. Adhere to Waiver Regulations to include the Individual Support Plan and Monitoring Requirements.
Locating, Coordinating, and Monitoring:
Responsibilities include assessing needs, making necessary referrals for services and for community/generic resources, and monitoring the provision of services and the overall health, safety, and satisfaction of the individuals whom they serve. Problem solving techniques are utilized as well. Required to complete service preference when applicable, make referrals for Behavioral HealthServices, and update the POMS Consumer Registry and Quarterly Update Status Forms. Responsible to complete appropriate authorizations.
Home and Community Service Information System (HCSIS):
Possess the necessary computer skills in order to successfully navigate the web-based system. Responsible for developing the Individual Support Plan including outcome development. Responsible for completing critical revisions and budget information. Complete necessary monitoring requirements per regulations and enter the monitoring information into HCSIS. Document in HCSIS case note format all case activity for a particular individual. Complete and update demographic information for each individual. Responsible for Incident Management which includes recognizing an incident, ensuring health and safety of the individual, completing necessary reports in HCSIS, and monitoring the follow through surrounding a particular incident.
Advocacy:
Advocates for the consumer to ensure responsiveness from natural, community, generic, and specialized services. Advocacy includes providing information, removing barriers, and creating options for resolving problems.
Documentation:
Maintain records and document contacts with consumers. Maintains documentation for compliance and regulations. Completes Waiver Packet when funding is identified and also maintains re-certification documentation annually. Completes paperwork and other program related material in an efficient manner. Consistently maintain service provisions in accordance with the department standard, as established by WCSI.
Professional/Technical Responsibilities:
Extensive knowledge of theories, principles, and techniques related to service obtained by attending necessary training and accessing current information in the field. Possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, associates, and agency personnel. Possess knowledge of community resources and have an ability to facilitate meetings and professionally represent the agency. Acts as a liaison to other service systems.
Other Duties
This position may be required to perform other duties, as may be assigned by a Supports Coordinator Supervisor or management staff.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience:
A bachelor’s degree, which includes or is supplemented by at least 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social science; OR
Two years’ experience as a County Social Service Aide 3 and two years of college level coursework, which include at least 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social service; OR
Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social service
and one year of experience as a County Social Services Aide 3 or similar position performing paraprofessional case management functions; OR
A combination of 12 college credits in sociology, social work, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social science and two years’ professional experience in developmental disabilities, special education, mental health, counseling psychology, school psychology, social work or health and rehabilitative services.
Language Skills:
Strong Interpersonal skills, effective oral and written communications skills. Ability to prepare clear and concise reports and documentation.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Valid PA Driver’s License, Proof of Valid Auto Insurance, Act 34 (Criminal Record), Act 33 (Child Abuse) and FBI Clearance. There will be monthly screenings of PA Medi-check List, LEIE and SAM.
Other:
This position requires the availability and utilization of the employee’s personal vehicle, for purposes of transportation to and from work appointments. Transportation of clients in personal vehicles is not permitted, as agency vehicles are available for this purpose.
As a requirement of employment, certain personal information (Birth Date, Driver’s License, Diplomas, Transcripts, etc.) can be shared in a confidential communication as related to regulations, licensure and/or insurance carrier contracts.
As with all WCSI positions, this position will adhere to all random drug screening requirements, as set forth by WCSI Policy.
ENVIRONMENT, PHYSICAL and MENTAL CONDITIONS
Physical/Mental Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to operate a motor vehicle, sit, stand, walk, bend and lift objects of up to 10 pounds. The employee regularly uses a computer, phone, fax, copier and other essential office equipment to carry out daily work assignments.
Substantial problem solving in response to urgent/emergency situations, which may require immediate action. Ability to apply principles of leadership and management in daily practice.
Work Environment:
The services of this job are community based. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to a combination of office and outside/travel conditions and regularly exposed to moderate levels of noise. Exposure to outside weather conditions will exist. The work environment for this position requires the employee to have the skills and ability to perform their daily job duties and responsibilities in an unstructured work environment.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
It is WCSI’s business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with disabilities.