The Program Specialist will be responsible for the Continuity of Services in assisting individuals with enrolling in various IDD programs while coordinating with ICF/IDD providers, SSLCs, Waiver providers and state agencies. The Program Specialist will provide coordination of Diversion activities necessary to deflect individuals from State Supported Living Centers or Nursing Facilities by intervening and educating individuals, families and referring entities about support services that allow people to remain in a community setting. The Program Specialist shall provide Enhanced Community Coordination to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities residing in a state supported living center or a nursing facility transitioning to a community Medicaid waiver program or community Intermediate Care Facility to maintain caseloads 30 or less. The individual in this position should be highly effective when interacting with consumers/families, service providers, SSLCs, nursing facilities, as well as knowledgeable about community resources for people with IDD.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED::

• Identify available community living options, services, and supports to assist individuals to successfully live in the community.

• Provide information and assistance to service coordinators and other LIDDA staff who are facilitating diversion for individuals at risk of admission to a nursing facility or SSLC and to individuals transitioning from a nursing facility or SSLC into the community. Coordinate educational activities for service coordinators and other LIDDA staff about available community services and strategies to avoid placement. Review PASRR Level 1 evaluations in TMHP for appropriate admissions statuses are selected for PASRR Level 1s.

• Monitor CLO presentations to individuals upon admission to nursing facilities and transition activities for individuals seeking a return to the community.

• Complete enrollment packets for ICF/IDD and send them to potential providers. Follow-up with potential providers to determine if an individual will be accepted. Completing the enrollment.

• Coordinate with Jail Diversion to assist individuals with placements in State Supported Living Centers or community settings when appropriate and eligible.

• Initiate, review, and update Permanency Plans for individuals under the age of 22 in various residential settings.

• Serve as point of contact for liaison with State Hospitals and assist with placement or continuation of services for individuals being released.

• Provide Community Living Options to individuals residing in State Supported Living Centers during annual review meetings.

• Coordinate waiver enrollments for children aging out of CPS services.

• Completing documentation related to service provision, including Transition Plans, Person Directed Plans, Individual Plans of Care, ICSR’s, Permanency planning, and CARE data entry as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Essential Functions

• Excellent written communication and computer keyboarding for inputting clinical documentation

• Excellent verbal and telephone communication with consumers, staff, and community providers

• Time management required to meet service goals

• Constant travel to provide services for clients, including regional travel up to 25% of time

• Stooping, bending, sitting, standing, and keyboarding for prolonged periods, lifting up to 30 lbs.

• Ability to be CPR and PMAB certified

• Valid driver's license, liability insurance, and reliable transportation required

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's/Master's degree in social work, psychology or related field Required:

• 1 year of experience working with people with IDD Required:

Hours: M-F 8AM-5PM with other as needed:
Salary: :
Bachelor's Degree $46,851-$51,536 Annually DOE
Master's Degree $50,131-$55,144 Annually DOE:
Benefits:

Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network strives to offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Employer paid Health Insurance
Employer paid Dental Insurance
Employer paid Life Insurance
Payroll Direct Deposit
12 paid Holidays per year
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

Excellent 401-K Retirement Plan (Center will contribute 12% of employee earnings)
**Certain Requirements Needed**:
Location: Developmental Services:
3420 W Waco Drive Waco, TX: