Self-Determination Program/ Participant Choice Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Self-Determination Program/ Participant Choice Specialist

SALARY RANGE: $3,092.27 - $4,568.68 Bi-weekly; $80,399.02 - $118,785.68 Annual

REPORTS TO: Manager, Federal Programs

LOCATION: Concord, CA or San Leandro, CA

New hires with no prior Regional Center work experience will start at the very beginning of the salary scale.

The Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB) is one of 21 Regional Centers that are community-based, private non-profit corporations under contract with the California Department of Developmental Services. RCEB provides intake, assessment, diagnosis, and coordinates community-based services for over 25,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

RCEB envisions a future where persons with developmental disabilities are truly a part of the community. Persons with developmental disabilities receive supports and services they need to succeed. The supports and services change as the need changes.

In our dream, children with developmental disabilities live with families in typical communities. Many choose to attend their neighborhood schools and play with neighborhood friends. Adults with developmental disabilities live in the residence of their choice – with family members, with friends, or with their spouse / significant other. They engage in activities of their choice – work, volunteering, education, training, or leisure. They have meaningful relationships with friends and coworkers and are seen as valuable, contributing members of their communities.

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION :

Under general direction, this position is part of a team serving as subject matter experts on all things to do with the Self-Determination Program (SDP) and other Participant Choice service options, to assist individuals served by RCEB and their families and case managers through the processes. This individual will serve as the Self-Determination Specialist and share the responsibility for the implementation and administration of the Self-Determination Program (SDP) and as a main contact for Agency staff and the community. The functions of this position include providing orientation training to individuals served by RCEB and their families, staff and community partners. It also serves as liaison to the Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB) SDP Volunteer Local Advisory Committee. This position will provide knowledgeable guidance and tracking to ensure that all aspects of the SDP standards are implemented in accordance with SDP Waiver standards.

DUTIES :

1. Under general supervision, develop, implement, evaluate and modify as necessary, all SDP activities for RCEB.
2. Conducts orientation and/or training for RCEB staff, consumers, and families to ensure understanding of the principles and mechanics of Participant Choice options and the Self-Determination Program as it relates to the planning process and the management of budgets, services and staff.
3. Creates and assists in the implementation of processes that provide oversight of the expenditure of self-determination funds and the achievement of participant outcomes over time.
4. Develop and maintain training materials on relevant elements of Participant Choice and the Self Determination Program.
5. Collect, maintain and disseminate data to RCEB staff and community partners as needed.
6. Assess for and report on any unmet service needs or additional service development that may be necessary to fully implement Participant Choice options and SDP.
7. Establish effective communication, teamwork, and partnership with vendored Fiscal Management Services, all RCEB case management and other departments as needed.
8. Develop and conduct training within the RCEB and in the community.
9. Represent the Case Management Services Department for all Person Centered Thinking training, planning, and activities, both within the agency and with the greater provider community.
10. Collaborate with the HCBS Specialist on training for Person Centered Thinking.
11. Work with Local Advisory Committee on oversight and quality improvement processes.
12. Other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

1. Master’s degree in education, social work or a human services field and a combination of 2 years of experience or education in the areas of concentration listed below.

OR

Bachelor’s degree in education, social work or a human services field, and a combination of 4 years of experience or education in the areas of concentration listed below.

Areas of concentration (Must have at least 4) :

• Case management to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (any setting)
• Working for an agency that is funded by or is in partnership with a Regional Center (Preferably RCEB)
• Creating Individual Program Plans or Individual Service Plans
• Teaching or implementing Person Centered Thinking Practices
• Planning and facilitation of activities to promote personal independence access to the community

1. Knowledge of the Self-Determination Program and Participant Choice services and how they can meet the needs of individuals served by RCEB.
2. Basic knowledge of regional center Purchase of Service process.
3. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both verbal and written form.
4. Excellent organizational skills and must be able to develop a course of action and follow through within
5. Ability to conduct creative, engaging, and meaningful presentations and training to service providers, community partners and internal staff.
6. Ability to analyze data and utilize computer software including but not limited to PowerPoint and Excel.
7. Ability to formulate and implement project goals and objectives within timelines.
8. Automobile and valid driver’s license.
9. Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity and an ability to work effectively with culturally diverse populations.
10. Basic understanding of Person Centered Thinking and openness to be certified as a trainer.
11. Ability to represent the Agency on community committees and task forces as assigned.
12. Ability to occasionally participate in meetings out of area and outreach activities during evenings and weekends.
13. Oral fluency preferred in English and one of the following languages: Spanish, ASL, Korean, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Cantonese or Mandarin**

BENEFITS:

At the Regional Center of the Easy Bay, we offer a full spectrum of competitive benefits including:

• 3 weeks paid vacation + 12 sick days
• 14 paid holidays + 3 floating holidays
• Multiple options for medical care (including Kaiser at 100% employer paid for employee)
• Dental and vision plans
• CalPERs Retirement (pension)
• Student Loan Forgiveness*
• Flex schedule, if applicable
• Work at Home schedules, if applicable
• Employee Assistance Program, including mental health care

* The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is a federal program that forgives student loan debt for nonprofit employees after 120 qualifying payments. Employees who work at least 30 hours per week for a governmental, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, or other qualifying nonprofit organization may apply to have the balance of their student loans forgiven (tax free) after making 120 monthly payments.

Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB) does not discriminate against job applicants on account of race, color, creed or religion, national origin including language use restrictions, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition or HIV/AIDS status, political affiliation, military or veteran status, genetic characteristics, or ancestry.