IDD Services Eligibility Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:  The Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Eligibility Specialist works under the direction of the Social Services Supervisor for I/DD providing coordination of services for persons experiencing intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Like the I/DD Services Coordinators, the Eligibility  Specialist assesses needs, facilitates services planning, makes referrals, and authorizes services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, working closely with program participants, guardians, and families. The Eligibility Specialist also coordinates services with local and statewide governmental entities, community partners, independent providers, and provider agencies, and interacts with applicants for I/DD services, individuals with I/DD, guardians, and families, CDDPs, eligibility specialists, schools, mental health providers, medical providers, local and statewide governmental entities, community partners, and others.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinates the I/DD eligibility application process for the County. Assists individuals, guardians, and families in completion of the I/DD eligibility application;
• Completes intakes with I/DD eligibility applicants;
• Requests and gathers documentation required for I/DD eligibility determination;
• Reviews documentation and makes eligibility determinations by utilizing guidelines provided by the Oregon Administrative Rules and the Seniors and People with Disabilities Services Division;
• Completes redeterminations of eligibility, as required;
• Assists individuals in identifying service options;
• Competes all aspects of eligibility process within timelines specified in Oregon Administrative Rules;
• Consults with the I/DD Program Manager to determine the assignments of individuals to services coordinators’ caseloads. Communicates timelines for the initial delivery of I/DD services to assigned services coordinators;
• Assures individual choice of case management and service delivery/setting;
• Maintains a date tracking system for I/DD eligibility determinations and process steps;
• Facilitates transfers of individuals’ services between counties and/or CMEs, including transfer and review of eligibility documentation and case files, as required;
• Provides education and outreach related to I/DD eligibility and services to individuals, guardians, families, community partners, providers, schools, agencies, and others;
• Provides I/DD services coordination support as needed;
• Acts independently in the community and promotes a positive image of the county, the Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Program, and BestCare Treatment Services;
• Protects confidentiality and client rights of all program participants of BestCare Treatment Services at all times, in accordance with HIPAA, regulations, and BestCare’s policies and procedures;
• Serves as liaison between the agency and community or other County personnel; provide high level technical information and referral expertise and service relating to the program; make presentations to community groups and provide program training to staff, volunteers, etc. and assists the program supervisor in meeting the needs of the community;
• Completes documentation within agency stated timelines;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs work in alignment with BestCare’s mission, vision, values and professional code of ethics;
• Supports the organization’s commitment to fostering and maintaining a culture of inclusivity, equity, open-mindedness, cultural awareness, compassion, and respect for all individuals; 
• Strives to meet Program/Department goals and supports the organization’s strategic goals;
• Adheres to the organization’s Code of Conduct, Business Ethics, Employee Handbook, and all other relevant policies, procedures, and other compliance needs;
• Understands and maintains professionalism and confidentiality per HIPAA, 42 CFR, and Oregon Statutes;
• Attends required program/staff meetings and completes assigned training timely and satisfactorily;
• Ensures that any required certifications and/or licenses are kept current and renewed timely;
• Works independently as well as participates as a positive, collaborative team member;
• Performs other organizational duties as needed.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES: Must have demonstrated competency or ability to attain competency for each of the following within a reasonable period

• Meets Eligibility Specialist training requirements, including completion of eligibility core competency training, with demonstrated competency and completes 20 hours per year of Department sponsored training or other training in the areas of intellectual or developmental disabilities;
• Knowledge of the public system for Developmental Disability Services in Oregon is required. Must be familiar with Oregon Administrative Rules governing services to persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities;
• Must have a working knowledge of the public service system for adults and children with intellectual or developmental disabilities in Oregon; 
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully in a diverse, multi-cultural environment;
• Must have demonstrated skills in developing cooperative and collaborative efforts with providers, families, advocates, and persons with developmental disabilities. Must have interpersonal skills necessary to assist and advocate for program participants in group and individual settings;
• Proficiency in MS Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook), EHR platform, databases, virtual meeting platforms, internet, and ability to learn new or updated software;
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills;
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written);
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through;
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines;
• Critical thinking skills;
• Ability to maintain strict confidence as required by HIPAA, 42 CFR, and Oregon Statutes;
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships;
• Ability to function well and use good judgment in a high-paced and at times stressful environment;
• Ability to manage conflict resolution and anger/fear/hostility/violence of others appropriately and effectively;
• Ability to work independently as well as participate as a positive, collaborative team member.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, social science, or closely related field plus 1 year of human services-related experience or
• Associate’s degree in behavioral science, social science, or closely related field plus 3 years of human services-related experience
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities 
• For individuals recovering from the disease of addiction, must have maintained continuous sobriety for the previous two years at the time of hire 

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Must maintain a valid Oregon Driver License or ability to obtain one upon hire, and be insurable under the organization’s auto liability coverage policy (minimum 21 years of age and with no Type A violations in the past 3 years, or three (3) or more Type B violations), must have a reliable vehicle with adequate insurance to travel, and ability to travel locally and out of the area, as needed

PREFERRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, social science, or a closely related field is preferred
• Bilingual in English/Spanish a plus