Independent Supports Coordinator Mentor - Community Living Services Inc

Reposted 9/12/2024 

Immediate Opening - Applicants are encouraged to apply early to be considered for next round of interviews.

Pay Rate: Depedent upon Experience

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Reports to the Director of Community Supports

JOB SUMMARY:

The Independent Support Coordination Mentor is responsible for implementing the Self-Determination model of support coordination in the Wayne County division. This person will ensure Independent Support Coordinators are providing services that result in high quality self-directed services aimed at helping the people served achieve Real Life Quality Outcomes. This person will mentor Independent Support Coordinators and assure focus on Person-Centered Planning and the principles of Self-Determination in the lives of people supported. Responsibilities also include assistance with budget development and authorization, community outreach, obtaining and utilizing stakeholder input, assuring quality service delivery, adherence to funder expectations, and satisfaction with services. The Independent Support Coordination Mentor mentors Independent Supports Coordination services, reviews their work product and is responsible for implementing the MDHHS Self-Determination technical requirements. Facilitates best practice implementation of the principles of Person-Centered Planning and Self-Determination, the Michigan Mental Health Code, CLS guiding principles, code of ethics and professional code of ethics. 

SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Customer Services and Community Outreach: Receives Customer Services and stakeholder concerns related to Independent Support Coordination arrangements and assures appropriate follow up and documentation; Assists with community outreach activities including presentations to groups and individuals regarding Community Living Services and Self-Determination principles and practice such as outreach to school districts, community organizations, and other external stakeholders; Encourages and promotes Self-Determination by interacting with others in a way that gives them confidence in the intentions of CLS; Works extended hours as needed to meet the needs of people supported as well as CLS operations; Trains and mentors staff regarding CLS’s commitment to extraordinary Customer Services and responsiveness to the people we support and their allies; Demonstrates, through everyday actions, an ongoing commitment to positive collaborative relationships with all stakeholders; May attend DWIHN stakeholder meetings, annual planning meetings, conferences, and events to promote CLS and our Independent Support Coordination Model and Self-Determination model of support; Attend school events to represent CLS, and MDHHS conferences and events focused on Person-Centered planning and Self-Determination. Person-Centered Planning, Budget Development / Implementation / Oversight: Monitors the Person-Centered Planning process and authorization of plans as it pertains to budget development and management, self-determination service authorizations, and liaison and advocacy activities to pursue identified resources, entitlements and supports; Assures Medicaid resources are the payor of last resort by ruling out the use of other resources such as Home Help and natural supports before CMH services are authorized; Responsible to oversee coordination of pre-planning, plan facilitation, plan documentation, and plan implementation for CLS enrollees, as needed; Completes Social Work Assessments and IPOS documents for people served by Independent Support Coordinators; Reviews Person-Centered Planning processes and IPOS development conducted by Independent Supports Coordinators to assure quality and timeliness; Assists with the development of individual budgets, reflecting the services authorized in their IPOS; Monitors and reviews individual and aggregate budgets via monthly budget reports and finance tracking tools; Facilitates safe and equitable solution planning with people supported and their allies when “outlier” situations are identified; Assists with Utilization Management protocols, and specialist approval processes, for services as mandated by DWIHN; Assists with adapting processes and procedures as MDHHS and DWIHN make changes in expectations. Leadership, Guidance, and Oversight of Independent Supports Coordinators: Provides ongoing education, leadership and direction to Independent Support Coordinators, External Service Providers, stakeholders, and business partners, reinforcing organizational principles and setting the tone and expectation for high quality service delivery; Assists with planning and facilitating Independent Supports Coordination Training and Partnership Meetings on a monthly basis to ensure continued focus on quality services that align with CLS’s Mission, Vision, processes, policies, expectations, and desired outcomes of individuals served; Assists with the recruitment, development, and maintenance of a strong Independent Support Coordination network that is qualified and available to address the identified needs and requests of people served; Assists with qualification screening activities, including credentialing, service descriptions, fee schedules, and other mandates to ensure compliance with all requirements, as well as dedication to Person Centered Planning, Self-Determination, and overall high-quality supports; Also assists with development, implementation, and oversight of tracking systems to ensure accurate and timely submission of required documentation (Individual Plans of Service, Plan progress notes, etc.). Systems / Quality Improvement: Assists with the development, implementation and monitoring of systems to ensure delivery of high-quality services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; Meets with ISCs, DWIHN, MDHHS, Staffing Agencies, Fiscal Intermediaries, and other external stakeholders routinely and as needed to maintain and enhance continuous, effective, quality services and collaborative communication; Actively participates in the development and implementation of policies and procedures; Attends and chairs committee activities as assigned; Assists with the development of systems protocols and practices that meet DWIHN contractual expectations and comply with the CLS Mission and Vision; Utilizes a continuous quality improvement approach to proactively review internal systems, processes, and outcomes to identify and resolve problem areas; Assists with preparation of corrective action plans to address any patterns or trends that reveal need for improvement or areas of deficiency cited following external audits or review; Receives, tracks, and meets DWIHN requirements related to critical and sentinel events; Assists with the development, coordination, and monitoring of CLS Compliance activities; May represent CLS in Medicaid Fair Hearings, Local Appeals, Due Process Hearings, and other grievances that may arise; Prepares documentation for such events in collaboration with DWIHN Due Process staff; Performs special projects and other duties as assigned by Director of Community Supports, COO or President/CEO.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Services area.One or more years of experience working with persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities, must be a Qualified Intellectual/Disabiltiy Profession.Supervisory experience preferred; Experience should demonstrate effectiveness in developing and implementing Self-Determination arrangements, andKnowledge of Independent Supports Coordination models of support;Public speaking skills are preferred;Computer skills required, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, flowcharts, and use of e-mail and the Internet;To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily; This position involves both direct contact / service to people with intellectual and development disabilities and responsibility for the implementation and oversight of Independent Support Coordinators;

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

Knowledge of the principles and implementation of Person-Centered Planning and Self-Determination; A clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the Independent Support Coordinator; Ability to clearly convey information and ideas
to individuals and groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message; Practical experience and demonstrated effectiveness in the development and monitoring of individual budgets; Ability to communicate effectively and establish positive professional relationships with both internal and external stakeholders; Good understanding of community mental health functions and systems; Experience with systems development and policy implementation preferred; Ability to use initiative, plan, organize, maintain systems, and meet deadlines (while paying attention to detail and maintaining a high level of accuracy); Ability to work well within a team
atmosphere and maintain a positive, upbeat attitude; Flexibility and a willingness to learn; Good interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and in writing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This job is essentially an office position with field work required; Physical tasks are minimal; Adjusted hours are required and scheduled, and non-scheduled travel is a function of position. Travel to individuals’ homes, schools, hospitals, and other
community locations as needed is required to execute job duties. 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT:

Extensive scheduled and non-scheduled travel is required in executing essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Employees must provide their own transportation. Maintenance of a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and
vehicle registration and insurance in compliance with State of Michigan requirements are all continuing conditions of employment. If driving a vehicle other than the one listed on file with the Human Resources Department, employee is responsible for ensuring the vehicle is registered, insured, and meets all other State of Michigan motor vehicle requirements and providing documentation as requested. CLS policy restricts the use of an alternate driver without the express, prior written authorization of the Human Resources Director. A review of such request will be based on evaluation of HIPAA compliance issues, work restrictions, other relevant factors and whether the request will present an undue hardship to the organization.

TRAINING:

On the job training will be provided; Must complete all mandatory management training courses, contractual training requirements, and other training courses as recommended and approved by COO or CEO