Support Coordinator - Autism

SCCMHA JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

CLASSIFICATION: Support Coordinator- Autism

PAY RANGE: $62,726.33 - $77,200.86 annually

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under general supervision of Mental Health Supervisor (Autism Services), coordinates support and services for consumers diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder receiving Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority (SCCMHA) services. Primary service delivery is ages 0-21. Develops and monitors individual service and support plans containing desired outcomes, supports to be provided, and methodologies to assist consumers in achieving their desired life outcomes using person-centered planning techniques. This position facilitates consumer integration within their communities. This position will be knowledgeable about and actively support culturally competent recovery based practices; person centered planning as a shared decision making process with the individual, who defines his/her life goals and is assisted in developing a unique path toward those goals; and a trauma informed culture of safety to aid consumer in the recovery process.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

Works in conjunction with the supervisor and clinical staff to develop and implement services specific to individuals diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, primarily monitoring Behavioral Health Treatment (BHT) intervention under the Medicaid benefit. Ensuring consumers are receiving quality intervention that is promoting successful outcomes and clinical review of treatment. Coordinating with BHT providers to assist facilitation with change and treatment objectives. Serving as a liaison between the caregiver, individual being served and BHT provider.

2. Prepares professional assessments of consumer need and participates in consumers personal futures planning activities.

3. Develops individual service and support plan containing outcomes, support arrangements, health and safety needs and methodologies to support the consumer in achieving their desired life outcomes. Monitors level and quality of supports and services provided to consumers in all settings, including customer satisfaction with services. Reviews progress notes, writes progress statements and gives feedback to consumer and caregivers concerning progress.

4. Organizes, facilitates and participates in planning meetings to develop service and support plans. Prepares meeting notes. Takes reports written by other professionals and prepares the service and support plan. Insures a person centered process is used.

5. Links and coordinates supports and services for consumers to insure quality of life including finding and maintaining residential placements, clinical services, public services and addressing family needs. Facilitates consumer development of community networks of support. Provides crisis intervention/supportive counseling as needed.

6. Assists consumers in securing inter-agency resources. Participates in processes for authorization of internal and external services and supports. Actively pursues outside resources for services and supports, including use of third party coverage and public benefits. Provides information and referral for community resources.

7. Coordinates communication of consumer status with physician’s offices, nurses, therapists, psychiatrists, or other professionals involved with the individual being served. Keeps direct care staff, family members, and other professionals informed of changes. Responsible for making sure all treatment team members involved with the individual are aware of what is occurring with the individual.

8. Participates in staff meetings and individual meetings to receive current information, guidance and direction from supervisor.

9. Facilitates conflict resolution of service and support related problems.

10. Coordinates in-home skilled nursing and respite care program for care of severely medically involved children and in-home behavior services for children with severe behavior challenges.

11. Prepares and maintains extensive documentation such as assessments, periodic reports, case files, progress notes, documentation, financial updates, invoices, etc. The BHT benefit is highly regulated and this position is responsible for maintaining compliance with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services standards and BHT providers compliance with the benefit.

12. Adheres to the mission, vision, core values and operating principles of SCCMHA at all times.

INCIDENTAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

1. Performs various administrative/clerical functions such as preparing travel vouchers, making copies of documents, filing, time management, data collection, reporting, etc.

2. Attend meetings, seminars, workshops, and community events related to the public mental health mission.

3. May occasionally transport consumers to and from agencies and community resources in personal automobile or agency vehicle.

4. React productively to change and handles other essential tasks as assigned.

5. Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement functions.

6. May need to work past traditional hours of 8am-5pm to meet consumers needs as many of the individuals we serve are attending school.

7. Home visiting is a required component of this position.

8. Uses computer hardware and software to perform tasks.

(The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of personnel so classified.)

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: Mental Health Supervisor - Autism

Supervises: None

WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT:

Works in office environment with pressures of dealing with time constraints. Frequently drives automobile in all kinds of weather conditions. May counsel individuals who maybe become potentially violent

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Employees must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a human services field.

Experience: A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in working with people with developmental disabilities and/or serious emotional disturbance, preferably with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pre-degree mental health experience or post-degree human service experience less than two years will be considered if the applicant exhibits the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below.

Licenses and Credentials: Valid Michigan Driver’s license with a good driving record.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Clinical awareness and sensitivity, including a belief that individuals with developmental disabilities can be meaningful participants in our community.

2. Experience with program development; behavioral interventions and ability to assess behaviors and their causes; develop strategies to change problem behaviors and familiarity with Applied Behavior Analysis techniques and interventions.

3. General skills with resource allocation, including inter-agency, intra-agency, and insurance coordination.

4. Ability to plan, organize and complete work in a timely fashion.

5. Ability to facilitate small groups and work effectively in a team environment.

6. Ability to coordinate other disciplines to maximize positive consumer-chosen outcomes.

7. Effective oral and written communication skills, minimum at a college level.

8. Effective problem solving and mediation abilities.

9. Ability to maintain favorable public relations and provide community leadership.

10. Ability to exercise independent and mature judgment.

11. Ability to accept and implement constructive supervision.

12. Ability to embrace and practice the concepts associated with person-centered planning.

13. Possesses functional knowledge of Microsoft Office, Word and Excel.

14. Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

Physical/Mental Requirements:

1. Hearing acuity to converse in person and on telephone.

2. Visual acuity to observe consumers behavior, read and proofread documents and use EHR and other electronic devices.

3. Ability to walk, stand or sit for extended periods of time.

4. Manual dexterity to write and to operate standard office equipment (PC, Keyboard, Copy Machine, Fax Machine, etc.)

5. Ability to lift and carry files and supplies at least 20 pounds.

6. Strong interpersonal skills to interact with leadership, employees, consumers and the general public.

7. Analytical skills necessary to conduct research, analyze, and interpret complex data and identify and solve problems by proposing courses of action.

8. Ability to plan short and long range and to manage and schedule time.

9. Ability to handle stress in meeting deadlines and dealing with large numbers of employees and/or consumers.

(Listed qualifications are for guidance in filling this position. Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered; however, mandatory licensing or certification requirements cannot be waived. Physical/mental requirements cannot be waived unless specifically indicated.)