Participant Choice Specialist #2083

**We have a current opening on our team for a Participant Choice Specialist** 

Job Title: Participant Choice Specialist

Job Type: Full-time, Non-Exempt, Hourly, Bargaining Unit – Location: Atascadero, Santa Maria or San Luis Obispo

Job Summary:

The Participant Choice Specialist is responsible for a variety of functions related to the implementation and administration of the Self-Determination Program (SDP) and Participant Directed Services at TCRC. The primary function of this position is supporting individuals and families served by Tri-Counties Regional Center to gain an understanding of and access to Participant-Directed Services and the Self-Determination Program. This position will provide support, training and advocacy for persons to have access to Participant-Directed Services and the Self-Determination Program. The Participant Choice Specialist reports to the Self Directed Services Manager

Primary Functions:

• Provides training to TCRC staff about the principles of self-determination including how services are obtained through the Self Determination Program (SDP) and the rights of – SDP participants.
• Working with TCRC staff and the community, will provide outreach for both Self Determination and Participant Directed Services by providing information and training around both service
• Working with the Self Directed Services Manager, will identify concerns or barriers to accessing these service delivery options and will work to reduce barriers by developing and implementing an outreach and training plan that includes a focus on diverse communities.
• In coordination with the Self Directed Services Manager, schedules and conducts all orientation and trainings for TCRC’s staff and community about the Self Determination Program and Participant Directed Services.
• Works with individuals receiving services through TCRC and or their families, service providers and outside agencies on topics related to Participant Directed Services and the Self Determination Program including program description, service standards, generic resources, spending plan, and Fiscal Management Services (FMS).
• Collaborates with service coordinators to obtain updates on participant’s understanding and use of Participant Directed Services and the Self Determination Program. Identify barriers and create solutions to resolve them.
• Works with TCRC Person Centered Thinking Coordinator on training for Person-Centered Thinking staff to develop and expand network of person-centered planners and independent facilitators. Participates in person- centered planning meetings with individuals, families, independent facilitators as needed.
• Trains TCRC staff, people served, family members, providers and community members on individual budget development and establishing spending plans, including estimating costs for goods or services if historical or exact costs are not known
• Participates in the development, review, and certification of individual budgets for Self Determination Program participants as needed
• Participates in the review of the spending plans and individual program plans of Self Determination Program participants as needed.
• Train SCs on how to set up authorizations for Self-Determination services and Participant Directed Services Research and resolve problems related to deferred authorizations with the SCs.
• Provide training and guidance to SCs on goods and services that are allowed to be funded in the SDP and those that are handled outside of the individual’s spending plan through traditional services.
• Train SCs and participants on the different FMS models and fees, how direct staff rates are set and how they get paid, and provide guidance for SCs to help people served in making FMS
• Provides training and guidance to TCRC staff and people served on the process for transfer of funds within spending plans. Serves as liaison to resolve issues with transferring funds.
• Works with FMS agencies to request spending reports, reviews data, and resolves issues between FMS agencies and participants.
• Attends TCRC’s Self-Determination Advisory Committee (SDAC) meetings and works with the committee on oversight and quality improvement processes as well as accomplishing projects contracted with SDAC funding.
• Attends TCRC’s Self-Determination Infrastructure meetings, provides updates and follows up on issues as appropriate.
• Works with TCRC Person Centered Thinking Coordinator on training for Person Centered
• Participates in statewide Self-Determination Program (SDP) and Participant Directed Services (PDS) meetings. Stays informed of DDS regulations, guidance, training and other information related to SDP and PDS.
• Other related duties as assigned.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Ability:
• Ability to effectively plan, think ahead, be proactive, and minimize or avoid potential future
• Ability to understand, create and analyze individual
• Demonstrated knowledge of and skills in person centered thinking / person centered planning
• Knowledge of service delivery methods to people with developmental disabilities. Ability to conduct creative, engaging, and meaningful presentations and training to service providers, community partners and internal staff.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving Ability to work on challenging problems towards a successful outcome.
• Knowledgeable about the Self Determination Program and Participant Directed Services statutes and updates to the law.
• Understanding of and ability to interpret legal regulations, state directives, policies, procedures, and contractual agreements.
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity and an ability to work effectively with culturally diverse populations in a variety of situations; excellent group facilitation skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and cooperatively as a part of an interdisciplinary
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing at the highest professional level with members of the business and service communities.
• Must be a self-starter who can work independently on complex problems, interacting with a wide variety of constituents with multiple priorities.
• Excellent organizational skills to meet stringent deadlines/time frames
• Working knowledge of developmental disabilities and case
• Proficient with Word, Excel, PowerPoint presentations, e-mail, and database
• Must exercise skill in creative problem solving with minimal supervision and
• Use of discretion to maintain confidentiality

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in human services or related field and 4 years case management experience within a social services environment. Bachelor’s degree may be considered depending on experience.
• Bilingual required
• Valid California driver’s license and reliable, insured vehicle or equivalent means of transportation. This position will require regular travel throughout the Tri-Counties area and occasional travel to state or national meetings

Physical Requirements: