Community Supports Specialist

Description

Position Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Community Supports Supervisor, the Community Supports Specialist serves in a supporting role to Lakeland Care, Inc’s Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) staff and Provider Network, related to Employment, Day Habilitation, Supported Living, Assistive Technology, Community Connections, Self-Determination specialties and others as assigned. This position will also support and maintain a network of high quality and culturally competent service providers to meet members’ needs, negotiate rates for service provider contracts, and monitor provider contract adherence. This position will focus on building positive working relationships with service providers, IDT staff, and collaborating with both internal and external stakeholders to develop and maintain specialty support resources that are necessary to meet the needs of Lakeland Care, Inc’s (LCI) population. The specialist role will provide consultative subject matter expertise to support the organization’s goals. In addition, this role will support efforts regarding Community Supports pay for performance efforts outlined as such in the DHS contract language.

Essential Competencies:

Accountability

• Highly self-driven and accountable.
• Evaluate and implement initiatives by using data for continuous improvement strategies and increase the use of Community Support Services.
• Results-driven and identify steps to achieve goals.
• Provide support with the DHS pay for performance deliverables.  
• Assist with specialty Community Support department needs assigned. 

Critical Thinking

• Drive innovative strategies to enhance community supports utilization.
• Plan, evaluate, and achieve departmental goals to meet DHS contractual requirements.
• Provide subject matter expertise to support IDT staff and LCI members.
• Resolve complex problems by identifying barriers and implementing solutions.
• Effectively manage challenging conversations to support LCI’s Community Supports Providers, ensuring a cost-effective, high-quality provider network.

Commitment to Excellence

• Support infrastructure for strong IDT and provider network support; be known as a trusted resource within LCI.
• Collaborate with the Community Supports Team to plan, implement, and evaluate department objectives.
• Support the development and ongoing maintenance of standard operating procedures. 
• Strong Customer Service focus and timely communication with all stakeholders.
• Monitor data and reporting to measure departmental goals and contractual requirements related to the pay for performance.
• Demonstrate high-quality support and resource development that aligns with organizational goals and standards.

Interpersonal Awareness

• Respect other opinions and concerns and value diversity in thought and action.
• Exhibit maturity, resiliency, and sound judgment when dealing with organizational challenges.
• Demonstrate emotions appropriate to the situation and continue to perform steadily and effectively. 
• Respond constructively to emotional situations, high pressure, and conflict.

Relationship Building

• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with service providers, IDT staff, and other internal/external stakeholders to support organizational goals.
• Support care planning by providing consultation, education, subject matter expertise, and process improvements to support LCI’s members. 

Organizational Regard

• Liaison with external stakeholders such as provider agencies, community provider associations, and others relating to scope of work as assigned.
• Train and collaborate with other Community Supports Team members as appropriate.
• Attend professional meetings such as work group meetings.

The duties listed above are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Work Relationship and Scope:

The Community Supports Specialist will have regular contact with IDT staff via consultative support, Service Providers, and other key stakeholders to meet the needs of Lakeland Care, Inc’s (LCI) population related to Employment, Day Habilitation, Supported Living, Assistive Technology, Connections, Self-Determination specialty supports and others as assigned.  

Working Conditions:

Work is performed largely remote with minimal chance for personal injury. Responds to various operational, county, community, or customer situations and fulfills multiple priorities within established deadlines. Effective written and verbal communications and development of positive working relationships with others are critical to successful performance of the duties required of this position. Work hours are generally during normal business hours Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm.

Requirements

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The attributes listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability appropriate for the level of work performed.

• Bachelor’s degree in a human service field, business related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience (including knowledge, skills, and abilities). 
• Minimum of two (2) or more years of experience working with the population(s) served in the Family Care program preferred. 
• Strong mediation, negotiation skills and ability to have challenging conversations are strongly preferred.  
• Knowledge of the disabilities associated with LCI target groups preferred. 
• Knowledge of network provider contracting in a managed care model is a plus. 
• Knowledge of community resources and social service agencies.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with providers, external stakeholders, and care management staff.
• Must have creative problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Must have excellent organization and interpersonal skills.
• Must be flexible and cooperative.  
• Must have strong written and oral communication skills.  
• Must demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Must have exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Current driver’s license, acceptable driving record and proof of adequate insurance required.

In evaluating candidates for this position, Lakeland Care may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position.