The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or any combination of these. As Georgia’s public safety net, DBHDD operates six field offices and five hospitals throughout the state within three program areas: behavioral health, developmental disabilities and hospital services.

The main office for DBHDD is located in downtown Atlanta.

Job Title: Planning List Administrator (PLA) Navigator - Region 5

Pay Grade: I

Job Description, Responsibilities, Standards, and Qualifications

The physical address for the Region Five Field Office is Georgia Regional Hospital at Savannah

1915 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, GA 31406

The position is field based, with supervision from the Region 5 Field Office in Savannah, Georgia.

DBHDD Region 5 service individual residing in the following counties: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Bleckley, Brantley, Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Dodge, Effingham, Evans, Glynn, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Laurens, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Montgomery, Pierce, Pulaski, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Wayne, Wheeler, and Wilcox.

The candidate chosen for this position will perform the duties listed below for multiple counties in North Georgia. The position reports to the Regional Planning List Administration Supervisor for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).

• Serves as the primary customer service representative for individuals on the planning list and the families of those individuals.
• Provides detailed information on waiver services and the waiver entry process for individuals and families seeking I/DD services.
• Provides ongoing telephonic support to families awaiting services, particularly when family or individual circumstances change.
• Requires telephone support to individuals and families on the Planning List and bringing resolution to phone calls and messages.
• Responds to families in stress with patience and empathetic listening.
• Collaborates with others in the Regional Field Office to provide referrals to outside agencies for non-waiver services and supports
• Completes a significant number of needs assessments for those seeking services and those on the planning list; as well as annual renewals for individuals on the Planning List.
• Communicates status and need level changes / concerns to the Regional Planning List Administration Supervisor; has significant interaction with the State Admissions Manager.
• Prepares and provides detailed information on the needs of individuals awaiting services to Division of I/DD leadership in response to requests from a variety of internal (DBHDD) and external requestors.
• During normal operations, this position requires presence at the Regional Field Office M-F during regular business hours; this is not a field-based position.
• Must be a highly organized individual, as this position will require a significant amount of tracking and follow-up for many different job functions.
• Other supports / duties for the Planning List team as assigned.

Qualifications:

Master's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university OR Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university AND Two years of related experience. Note: Some positions require eligibility for licensure.

Bachelor's degree, human services field preferred. Experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities is strongly preferred. Must have at least an intermediate level of computer knowledge, Office knowledge preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Intermediate to expert level of skill with Microsoft Office Suite products
• Experience with or knowledge of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, Medicaid waivers, and DBHDD I/DD services
• Familiarity with the IDD Connects information management system
• Ability to work successfully without daily contact with a supervisor
• Bilingual / Spanish fluency

Benefits 
In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. For more information, visit https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/benefits

Employment Requirements 
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia.

The following are a listing of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care: 

- Drug Screening
- TB Evaluation
- Annual Influenza*

*Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

DBHDD is an Equal Opportunity Employer 
It is the policy of DBHDD to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process. 

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. 

When applying for this position, you will be asked if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as stated below and may possibly be presented with additional questions to assess preferred qualifications. Preference will be given to applicants who meet one or more of the preferred qualifications and have demonstrated relevant experience clearly indicated in their work history. 

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.