Self-determination Program (SDP) Specialist

Summary

Post

Under the direction of the Director of Children’s Services, the SDP specialist will provide clients and families the option of exercising more authority over how, and by whom, services are provided. Incumbent will also be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Participant Directed Services (PDS), will educate clients and families on PDS and will ensure that Service Coordinators are properly trained and prepared to handle the requirements of SDP and PDS. Incumbent will also collaborate with the Center’s SDP fiscal specialist as needed.

Essential Duties:

1.  Develop, implement, evaluate, and modify as necessary, all SDP and PDS activities for HRC.

2.  Manages SDP related community engagement activities for purposes of promoting community awareness of the SDP.

3.  Conducts orientation and/ or training for HRC staff, clients, families, providers, and community partners to ensure understanding of the principles and mechanics of the SDP and PDS.

4.  Develop and maintain training materials on relevant elements of the SDP and PDS.

5.  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. 

6.  Collect, maintain and disseminate data to HRC staff, community partners, and the Department as needed. 

7.  Assess for and report on SDP resource needs.  

8.  Establish and maintain effective communication, teamwork, and partnership with all key professional partners in the SDP, including but not limited to, HRC service coordination staff, Fiscal Management Services, Person-centered Planners, and Independent Facilitators etc.

9.  Keeps abreast of legislative initiatives and DDS directives related to SDP/ PDS and ensures that HRC staff and community remain informed.

10.  Work with the SDP Local Advisory Committee on oversight and quality improvement processes.

Secondary Duties:

Performs related duties as required.

ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

The incumbent is in a non-confined setting in which he or she is free to move about at will. The environment for this position is mostly clean and comfortable but may include some minor annoyances such as noise, odors, drafts, etc. In addition, the incumbent spends time at group homes and other community facilities. The incumbent will be exposed to volatile and emotional clients and their families. 

In the course of performing this work, the incumbent may also be required to travel via personal vehicle or public transportation to other facilities, group homes, service providers, and community locations as needed. He or she:                                                                      

  • Will spend time sitting, utilizing the computer.
  • Will spend time standing/walking throughout the facilities and group homes.
  • May lift up to 15 lbs. periodically.  If more, the incumbent must request assistance.
  • May stoop or stretch to access file cabinets, shelves.

The individual in this position may operate any standard office equipment including telephones, copy machines, scanning equipment, computer peripheral equipment, etc.

Computer software may include any or all of the following:

  • Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, Excel and Power Point
  • VirtualCHART
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Learning Management System
  • Laserfiche

The incumbent must be able to perform this job safely, without endangering the health or safety of him/herself or others.  Individuals with disabilities that may impact their ability to perform these duties are encouraged to meet with Human Resources to discuss options for accommodation.

Position Requirements:

These specifications are general guidelines based on the minimum experience normally considered essential to the satisfactory performance of this job.  Individual abilities may result in some deviation from these guidelines.

To perform effectively in this position, the incumbent must have:

  • Bachelor’s degree in social, behavioral or life science or special education and 3 to 5 years of experience working with people with developmental disabilities. A master’s degree may be substituted for one year of required experience.
  • At least 2 years of experience working for or in partnership with the Regional Center system.
  • A working knowledge of developmental disabilities and must demonstrate a strong knowledge of current values and practices in the field of developmental disabilities.
  • Capacity to model positive behaviors and Regional Center values.
  • Ability to establish and maintain collaborate working relationships with clients, families, a team of professionals, and a diverse public.
  • Ability to lead and motivate others and work cooperatively with service providers and regional center staff.  
  • Strong knowledge of the key principles and mechanics of the SDP.
  • The ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and the ability to prepare clear, accurate and concise reports, including the analysis and interpretation of statistical data and recommendations.
  • Strong public-speaking skills, ability to create and facilitate presentations and trainings, manage multiple projects and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong problem-solving and organizational skills, and demonstrated ability to apply independent judgment in critical situations; conflict resolution skills
  • Computer skills sufficient to meet production demands of the job including but not limited to MS Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Availability/flexibility to work varied hours including occasional evenings, nights and weekends.
  • Valid California driver’s license and State-required insurance required when using personal vehicle on Center business and a driving record acceptable to the organization and/or its insurance carrier.
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
  • Bilingual; English/ Spanish required

Other Requirement:

Upon job offer acceptance, candidates will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. A reasonable accommodation may be requested for an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement.

Filing Deadline: November 1st 2021

Please submit resume to HR@harborrc.org