A Social or Human Services Specialist identifies and arranges community services for clients. Can involve coordination of services for people with disabilities or those in recovery. They may also coordinate housing or job training assistance for immigrants, veterans, former inmates or families in crisis and can be involved in advocating for client needs.
Under the supervision of the Service Coordinator Supervisor, the Service Coordinator will be responsible for responding to inquiries about home and community services from individuals with disabilities, their families, medical/health professionals and the general public. The Service Coordinator will assist individuals who receive waiver services in gaining access to needed supports and state plan services, as well as medical, social, educational and other services regardless of funding source. Service coordinators have extensive knowledge of Home and Community Based Services in the Commonwealth, and promote the Independent Living Philosophy while working with and at the direction of the participant whenever possible to identify, coordinate and facilitate waiver services of the Allied Services Waiver Coordination division. An extensive knowledge of the following waiver services from the Department of Human Services, Office of Long Term Living and Office of Aging will be required: Attendant Care Act 150 and Medical Assistance Attendant Care waiver, OBRA waiver, Independence waiver, COMMCARE waiver, and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) waiver. Activities of Service Coordinators will include, but are not limited to: Performing eligibility determinations of applicants through initial assessment for waiver and non-waiver programs; the development of service plans with eligible consumers; assisting participants during the eligibility determination with documentation to support waiver eligibility; providing information and assistance to participants regarding self-direction; information consumers/participants of their rights and responsibilities, as well as liabilities when choosing a service model (agency or consumer model option); monitoring the health and safety of the participant and their quality of services through home monitoring and reassessment visits, as well as quarterly phone contacts(or per contract); providing participants with copies of Service Plans and all notices of eligibility/ineligibility; identifying risk and reviewing all services to meet consumer/participants' needs, preferences and goals through a Service Plan review at least annually. Promotes and advocates for the Independent Living philosophy of the Home and Community Based Services (HBCS) of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Assigned duties are implemented in a manner appropriate to the age-specific needs of the consumers served. Provides excellent customer service and interaction with other providers/agencies and funding sources on a regular basis.
Type of supervision exercised:
Team Leader.
Jobs reporting to this position:
none.
EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE
Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) or Nursing (MSN), or another human services field such as sociology, special education, rehabilitation counseling or psychology, OR Bachelor's degree in human services and one year of professional experience in human services, which may include conducting psycho-social assessments, nursing, attendant care, resource/case management, etc.
SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Above average verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills required for effective communication with staff, employees, external agencies, consumers and the general public. Ability to manage several projects simultaneously with good organizational skills Ability to carry out instructions with a significant degree of independent judgment /decisions required. Above average interpersonal skills, as well as exceptional customer service skills required. Must demonstrate a clear understanding of In Home Services goals and the Independent Living philosophy. Working knowledge of personal computer, Microsoft Office Products and all business machines preferred. Must possess a PA driver's license and have available transportation for travel to consumer homes and agencies as required.
