Supports Coordinator – Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Services

We believe…

• We consider our employees to be our most valuable asset.
• People are to be treated with dignity and respect in every interaction.
• Diversity enhances our world.
• We must find a way to help others succeed, not fail.
• People who provide care sometimes need to be cared for.
• Learn more about our VALUES on our webpage at www.sam-inc.org!

Benefits at SAM, Inc. include

• Generous paid time off including paid holidays
• Employer matching 401k
• EMPLOYER PAID dental and vision
• Affordable healthcare
• Potential for QUARTERLY BONUSES
• Opportunities for professional development
• AND MORE!

Join our Supports Coordination Team!

Our Supports Coordination Team provides services to individuals (and their families) diagnosed with Autism, Intellectual, and/or Developmental disabilities. We are committed to supporting individuals and their families throughout their lifespans. We take an individualized and person-centered approach to our efforts and support. We recognize and value that individuals, their families, and communities are rich in resources. We believe in teamwork and serving others. Therefore, we ensure that our staff has the necessary resources, information, and knowledge to help individuals, and their families navigate their communities and the developmental disability service system so that persons served can define and achieve their vision of a good life.

If you are passionate about your career, enjoy helping people, and want the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities, apply now!

Job Description

Summary of Responsibilities:

The primary purpose of the Supports Coordinator is to provide service coordination to individuals with Autism and Developmental Disabilities and support their vision of a good life. Once individuals are determined eligible for services through the Office of Developmental Program (ODP), Supports Coordinators are responsible for assisting individuals in navigating the ODP service system, accessing supports and services, providing information to individuals and families, collaborating with individuals and team members, and helping to create positive connections within the community.

Support Coordinators utilize a strength-based approach to better understand the needs, interests, and goals of the individuals (and families) that they support. Support Coordinators are responsible for developing an individual support plan that identifies individual support needs and goals. Collaboration with identified team members is essential during the plan development process. Support Coordinators provide ongoing monitoring to ensure plan adherence as well as to support the overall health, safety, and wellness of the individuals served. Services are not timed-limited and, therefore, Support Coordinators provide support to individuals throughout the individual’s lifespan.

The primary functions of a Supports Coordinator include locating (services), coordinating (with team members), and monitoring (for safety and plan adherence). As part of the service process, Support Coordinators are required to document services delivered. Supports Coordinators are required to ensure that documentation standards are achieved so that individual needs are clearly communicated to relevant parties. Services may be provided in the community, in family homes, and in schools. Given the nature of the work, no two days are ever alike and an ability to be adaptable, flexible, organized, and resourceful are essential.

Supports Coordinators are provided with extensive training to ensure that staff members have the needed skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the work that is required. Ongoing training is encouraged and required to ensure that staff members remain knowledgeable of changing requirements.

All duties are conducted in accordance with all existing policies, procedures, and regulations in accord with the Mission and Vision of the organization.

Essential Functions

• Develop relationships with individuals (and families) served to gain an understanding of goals, strengths, abilities, and support needs.
• Support individuals in achieving their goals through the monitoring process and meeting with individuals when needed and required.
• Collaborate with family and team members to support the individual’s positive quality of life.
• Provide information regarding available services and supports within the community.
• Assist individuals and families in navigating the ODP service system by answering questions and directing them to resource information.
• Develop and maintain individual support plans to ensure that information is accurate, relevant, and up to date.
• Identify, locate, and refer individuals to services (and supports) when needed.
• Coordinate, participate, and facilitate meetings as needed to ensure team members are working together to support the needs of individuals.
• Ensure proper maintenance of records including ensuring documentation regulations and standards are met.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to provide quality service and support that ultimately leaves individuals (and families) better off!

Personal Characteristics

Independent, Tech-Savvy, Responsive, Kind, Ethical, Motivated, Active Listener, Life-Long Learner, Adaptable, Confidential, Resourceful, Values, & Trustworthy

Education And Experience

• A bachelor’s degree, which includes or is supplemented by at least 12 college credits in sociology, social work, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social science; or
• Two years’ experience as a County Social Service Aide 3 and two years of college level course work, which include at least 12 college credits in sociology, social work, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social service; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social work, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social service and one year of experience as a County Social Services Aide 3 or similar position performing paraprofessional case management functions; or
• A combination of 12 college credits in sociology, social work, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social science and two years professional experience in developmental disabilities, special education, mental health, counseling psychology, school psychology, social work or health and rehabilitative services.

Employment Requirements

Automobile and Valid Insurance, Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License, acceptable Motor Vehicle Record Check, Act 33 and Act 34 Clearances, FBI Fingerprint Clearance, Social Security Card, Immigration and Naturalization (I-9), Drug Screening Clearance

Working Conditions

Prolonged periods working on a computer in an open office environment, comfortable communicating through virtual technology, and travel throughout the assigned region may occur and may be in adverse weather conditions, must be able to lift to 15 pounds.