Designated Coordinator Specialist

Position Summary:

The Program Specialist plays a key role in advancing CHOICE’s mission to enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. This position empowers Designated Coordinators to create effective, person-centered Support Plans that help participants achieve meaningful life goals. With a strong foundation in service coordination, the Program Specialist also serves as a mentor and trainer to Designated Coordinators, ensuring compliance with 245D licensing standards. This role maintains all previous caseload management responsibilities while continuing direct engagement with participants across all service areas.

Primary Duties:

Direct Care:

1. Plan and implement onsite life enrichment and educational programs and activities.
2. Provide training, assistance, modifications, and supports to participants at their community-based job sites.
3. Provide the necessary supports for participants to safely access and participate in community-based activities.
4. Transport participants in company vehicles to and from their homes, CHOICE facilities, and community locations.
5. Implement individualized Positive Support Strategies in accordance with written Support Plans.
6. Perform basic health care procedures according to individual protocols.

Caseload Management:

1. Manage a caseload of 10-15 individuals at your primary location.
2. Attend and participate in Support Team planning meetings for each assigned individual.
3. Develop required reports, assessments, and service plans in accordance with 245D regulations.
4. Guide Direct Support Staff on the implementation of Support Plans and ensure consistent follow-through.
5. Design, facilitate, and evaluate outcome-driven goal programs.
6. Advocate for opportunities for competitive employment, community access, and activities of preference on behalf of assigned individuals.
7. Maintain current knowledge of MN Chapter 245D licensing statutes and ensure compliance across client documentation.

Training and Mentorship:

1. Maintain and update the “Designated Coordinator Training Plan” in alignment with evolving internal processes and legislative changes.
2. Work alongside new Designated Coordinators for at least 6 months (no longer than 1 year) as they complete their DC Training Plan.
3. Provide ongoing mentorship and support to new and current Designated Coordinators in areas of: documentation, file compliance, 245D standards, goals and outcomes, IDT meetings, and organization.
4. Provide intermittent caseload support during employee transitions, resignations, and leaves of absence.
5. Utilize electronic platforms (i.e. Dropbox, Google Drive) to maintain and/or enhance paperwork organization systems.
6. Upon request, assist the Designated Manager with file reviews and support the implementation of corrective actions.
7. Aid in the intake process by preparing documentation, attending meetings, and developing initial service plans.
8. Collaborate with program leaders to develop improved procedures/documents/systems related to service coordination.
9. Ensure that your competency is prominently displayed in your work, so as to be referred to as a positive example.
10. Remain adaptable as responsibilities may shift in this dynamic and evolving role.

What does it mean to be a mentor at CHOICE?

As an emerging leader at CHOICE, you’ve been recognized for your potential and are expected to continue exemplifying the core values of PRIDE: Professionalism, Responsibility, Innovation, Dedication, and Ethics.

Being in a mentorship role means actively and intentionally contributing to a positive, inclusive, and growth-oriented workplace. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Lead by example – Consistently demonstrate professional communication, a solid work ethic, and effective leadership.
• Foster connection – Build meaningful relationships with your team through regular check-ins, timely responses, and ongoing encouragement.
• Support diverse learning styles – Understand that everyone learns differently and adapt your mentoring approach to meet individual needs.
• Celebrate growth – Recognize and celebrate the progress and achievements of your coworkers.
• Collaborate with leadership – Work in partnership with supervisors and management to ensure your mentorship aligns with CHOICE’s goals and standards.
• Maintain trust and respect – Set healthy boundaries, uphold confidentiality, and cultivate mutual respect in relationships with both your team and with management.
• Commit to your own growth – Take advantage of learning and development opportunities that will enhance your skills as a Program Specialist and leader.

Qualifications:

• At least 2 years of experience in a Caseload Management role, preferably taking place at CHOICE.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and maintain a clean driving record for occasional local travel between sites.
• A history of high achievement with assigned Key Competency goals.
• A history of consistently contributing to a positive work environment.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate, both written and orally, with high professionality.
• Ability to efficiently utilize basic technology resources, including Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Dropbox.

Relationship to Others: 

• Reports to Program Director for supervision.
• Receives support and consultation from the Designated Manager, specifically related to 245D compliance measures.
• Provides training and mentorship to new Designated Coordinators.
  
• Supervises the delivery of services and provides instructions to DSP’s carrying out those services.

Scope of Responsibility: While mentorship is a key part of this role, addressing performance concerns or conducting disciplinary conversations with Designated Coordinators remains the sole responsibility of the employee's Direct Supervisor.

Employment Specifications: 

• Program Specialists must be available to work 35 - 40 hours/week depending on assigned duties, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
• The Program Specialist position is currently being considered for all three CHOICE locations, and the selected employee(s) will primarily work out of their designated or preferred location. 
• Program Specialists can be expected to offer training and support at other sites when needs arise. 
• All work is done in office. Remote work is not currently available.
  

CHOICE is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance.