Developmental Disabilities Program Specialist I - Eligibility Coordinator

The Eligibility Coordinator is responsible for determining eligibility for enrollment in the Developmental Disabilities service system and Medicaid waivers for individuals with a diagnosis of Intellectual Disabilities and Autism. The Eligibility Coordinator will identify service needs; review waiver services preference; voting rights, benefits and other resources that will assist the eligible individual and family. The Eligibility Coordinator will educate the general public on eligibility requirements, services and support provided by the Developmental Disabilities service system by attending and participating in outreach events and presentations.

The Eligibility Coordinator will be responsible to meet with the individual and/or family to discuss service availability to complete intake into the Developmental Disabilities program. The Eligibility Coordinator will complete enrollment and reevaluation for eligible individuals into the Medicaid waivers offered under the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Disabilities.

As Program Specialist I, the Intake Coordinator is also responsible for assisting the Program Director in providing technical assistance to providers and county staff in areas that relate to program planning, development, implementation and coordination for developmental disability services. The Intake Coordinator will complete activities related to compliance with the Administrative Entity Operating Agreement by participating in Provider Monitoring, Quality Management Activities, and timely review and authorization of Individual Support Plans.

• Upon initial referral, an individual and/or family is informed of the intake process, eligibility requirements and supporting documents necessary to determine eligibility for DD services. Intake packet is sent to individual/family within 3 days of the initial phone call. Assistance to the individual/family is provided as necessary in collecting required documents.
• Intake interview is scheduled, within two days of the QDDPs review and approval of Eligibility documents and meetings are held within two weeks. Service Needs Assessment is completed to accomplish Social History, Service Preference and Voter registration is discussed, if applicable.
• Process waiver applications by determining eligibility and continued eligibility for the Medicaid waivers by submitting required paperwork to the County Assistance Office. Enrollment into the waiver must be completed within 90 days of individuals being offered waiver funding and re-evaluated within 365 days of enrollment into the waiver.
• Representing the County at community outreach events on as needed basis; this may include doing presentations on the DD system to stakeholders in a variety of settings.
• Supporting an environment that encourages teamwork and positive morale.
• Accepts other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MUST MEET ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
* Bachelor's Degree which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice or other comparable social sciences and;
* Two years of professional level experience in the field of Developmental Disabilities.
* Or any equivalent combination of experience and training.

SKILLS:

• Build relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders and community organizations.
• Foster open communication.
• Interact with teams effectively.
• Develop short- and long-range plans.
• Make timely and sound decisions.
• Handle sensitive situations diplomatically.
• Prioritize and organize multiple tasks and responsibilities.
• Run meetings effectively.
• Exhibit exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Proficient knowledge of the DD system.
• Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations of interfacing departments that impact on individuals in the DD system.
• Basic medical knowledge.
• Demonstrate knowledge of principles of Self-Determination and Every Day Lives.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environmental characteristics described here are representative of those employee counters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.