Director of Community Supports – CMHAM – Community Mental Health Association of Michigan
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Director of Community Supports

Agency Name: Community Living Services

Agency Contact: Diana Kaszyca

  • Position Type: Full Time
  • Job Type: Permanent
  • County: Wayne
  • Salary Range: $57,500 - $63,000 per Year
  • Send applications to: dkaszyca@comlivserv.com
  • Please include your resume when applying.

Job Summary: The Director of Community Support is responsible for overseeing the Independent Support Coordination activities in the Wayne County Division. The Director of Community Supports is responsible for overseeing the operational implementation of CLS’ Self-Determination model of support in the Wayne County division. This person will ensure daily operations, systems and procedural protocols are in place that result in high quality self-directed services aimed at helping the people served achieve Real Life Quality Outcomes. This person will lead the implementation of new systems and systems improvement initiatives focused on Person-Centered Planning and the principles of Self-Determination in the lives of people supported. Responsibilities also include assistance with budget development and authorization, community outreach, obtaining and utilizing stakeholder input, assuring quality service delivery, adherence to funder expectations, and satisfaction with services. The Director of Community Supports directly supervises the Self-Determination Broker and Independent Support Coordination Mentors. The Director oversees Independent Supports Coordination services, is responsible for implementing the MDHHS Self-Directed Services technical requirements, The Director is the primary liaison with the Independent Support Coordination Network Providers. Facilitates best practice implementation of the principles of Person-Centered Planning and Self-Directed Services, the Michigan Mental Health Code, CLS guiding principles, code of ethics and professional code of ethics. The Director of Community Supports will be CLS’s active and persistent champion for self-directed services, with success in this position being measured by consistent increases in the demand for, and access to, Self-Directed Service arrangements in Wayne County.

Reporting Relationship: Reports to the Chief Operating Officer of CLS

Responsibilities: Customer Services and Community Outreach: Acts as the primary liaison between Community Living Services, Inc., the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network, and MDHHS as it relates to Independent Support Coordination Services and Self-Directed Service initiatives. Receives Customer Services and stakeholder concerns related to Independent Support Coordination services and Self-Directed Service arrangements and assures appropriate follow up and documentation. Assists with community outreach activities including presentations to groups and individuals regarding Community Living Services and Independent Support Coordination services and Self-Determination principles and practice. Provides outreach to school districts, community organizations, and other external stakeholders. Encourages and promotes Self-Directed Services by interacting with others in a way that gives them confidence in the intentions of CLS. Serves as the Customer Service liaison with DWIHN to resolve any concerns/ issues involving Self-Directed Service arrangements. Works extended hours as needed to meet the needs of people supported as well as CLS operations. Trains and mentors staff regarding CLS’s commitment to extraordinary Customer Services and responsiveness to the people we support and their allies. Demonstrates, through everyday actions, an ongoing commitment to positive collaborative relationships with all stakeholders. Attends DWIHN stakeholder meetings, annual planning meetings, conferences, and events to promote CLS and our Independent and Self-Determination models of support. Attend school events to represent CLS, and MDHHS conferences and events focused on Person-Centered planning and Self-Directed Services; Person-Centered Planning, Budget Development / Implementation / Oversight: Oversees and monitors the Person-Centered Planning process and authorization of plans as it pertains to budget development and management, self-directed service authorizations, and liaison and advocacy activities to pursue identified resources, entitlements and supports. Works collaboratively with the IT team to increase automation in all self-directed service processes. Works to achieve the most streamlined and efficient budget process to ensure clearly distinguished funding streams and increase transparency. Assure Medicaid resources are the payor of last resort by ruling out the use of other resources such as Home Help and natural supports before CMH services are authorized. Tracks key performance data to identify and address any gaps and initiate process improvements. Responsible to oversee coordination of pre-planning, plan facilitation, plan documentation, and plan implementation for CLS enrollees, as needed. Reviews Person-Centered Planning processes and IPOS development conducted by Independent Supports Coordinators to assure quality and timeliness. Oversees and assists with the development of individual budgets, reflecting the services authorized in their IPOS Monitors and reviews individual and aggregate budgets via monthly budget reports and finance tracking tools. Facilitates safe and equitable solution planning with people supported and their allies when “outlier” situations are identified. Oversees and manages Utilization Management protocols, and specialist approval processes, for services as mandated by DWIHN. Responsible to adapt processes and procedures as MDHHS and DWIHN make changes in expectations; Leadership, Guidance, and Oversight of Departmental Team: Serves as a mentor for the Independent Supports Coordination Mentors and the Self Determination Broker and other CLS team members to be added as the department grows. Assures quality job performance and ongoing skills enhancements in all areas of identified job functions for directly supervised employees. Works cooperatively with the Support Coordination Department, Intake and Customer Services Department, and other CLS team members to achieve operational goals and objectives. Oversees the provision of quality customer services and Person-Centered Planning practices that promote Self-Determination, and culturally respectful supports. Actively involved in recruitment, selection, hiring and performance management process for positions under line of supervision. Assists with recruitment of network providers for the Independent Support Coordination Department; Plans and facilitates meetings on a monthly basis to assure that all team members and network providers remain trained and informed regarding CLS Mission, Vision, expectations, processes, and policies. Provides informational sessions and training to both internal and external stakeholders to promote high quality Person-Centered Planning and Self-Directed Services. Seeks and prepares applications for grant opportunities and pilot initiatives to help keep CLS on the forefront of the most progressive service models; Actively participates in the Operations Team Meetings to work toward the greater good of Community Living Services and those supported by Community Living Services; Leadership, Guidance, and Oversight of Independent Supports Coordinators and other External Service Providers: Provides ongoing education, leadership and direction to Independent Support Coordinators, External Service Providers, stakeholders, and business partners, reinforcing organizational principles and setting the tone and expectation for high quality service delivery. Plans and facilitates Independent Supports Coordination Training and Partnership Meetings on a monthly basis to ensure continued focus on quality services that align with CLS’s Mission, Vision, processes, policies, expectations, and desired outcomes of individuals served; Consults with CLS Executive Leadership in the development of our future operational structure – i.e. discussion, evaluation, and cost analysis of whether Independent Support Coordinators are best to conduct assessments, facilitate PCP meetings and do the IPOS development, or whether the Director of Community Supports and other future hired CLS employees should maintain these roles with ISCs being focused exclusively on IPOS implementation; Assists with the recruitment, development, and maintenance of a strong ISC network that is qualified and available to address the identified needs and requests of people served. Assists with qualification screening activities, including credentialing, service descriptions, fee schedules, and other mandates to ensure compliance with all requirements, as well as dedication to Person Centered Planning, Self-Directed Services, and overall high-quality supports. Also assists with development, implementation, and oversight of tracking systems to ensure accurate and timely submission of required documentation (Individual Plans of Service, Plan progress notes, etc.); Oversees claim submission related to Independent Support Coordinators to Financial Management Agencies. Works cooperatively with FMS agency and problem solves as needed to assure the Independent Support Coordinators are paid appropriately as well as CLS being paid appr; Systems / Quality Improvement: Assists with the development, implementation, and monitoring of systems to ensure delivery of high-quality services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Meets with ISCs, DWIHN, MDHHS, Staffing Agencies, Financial Management Service agencies, and other external stakeholders routinely and as needed to maintain and enhance continuous, effective, quality services and collaborative communication. Actively participates in the development and implementation of policies and procedures. Attends and chairs committee activities as assigned. Assists with the development of systems protocols and practices that meet DWIHN contractual expectations and comply with the CLS Mission and Vision. Utilizes a continuous quality improvement approach to proactively review internal systems, processes, and outcomes to identify and resolve problem areas. Prepares corrective action plans to address any patterns or trends that reveal need for improvement or areas of deficiency cited following external audits or review. Receives, tracks, and meets DWIHN requirements related to critical and sentinel events. Assists with the development, coordination, and monitoring of CLS Compliance activities; May represent CLS in Medicaid Fair Hearings, Local Appeals, Due Process Hearings, and other grievances that may arise. Prepares documentation for such events in collaboration with DWIHN Due Process staff; Performs special projects and other duties as assigned by COO or President/CEO.

Education and Experience: Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Services area, and current, valid State of Michigan Social Work License is required; Five or more years’ experience working with persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities; Two years of supervisory experience preferred; Experience should demonstrate effectiveness in developing and implementing Self-Determination arrangements, and knowledge of Independent Supports Coordination models of support; Public speaking skills are required; Computer skills required, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, flowcharts, and use of e-mail and the Internet; To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily; This position involves both direct contact / service to people with intellectual and development disabilities and responsibility for the implementation and oversight of systems improvement initiatives.

Special Knowledge: Knowledge of the principles and implementation of Person-Centered Planning and Self-Determination; A clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the Independent Support Coordinator; Ability to clearly convey information and ideas to individuals and groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message. Practical experience and demonstrated effectiveness in the development and monitoring of individual budgets; Ability to communicate effectively and establish positive professional relationships with both internal and external stakeholders; Good understanding of community mental health functions and systems; Experience with systems development and policy implementation preferred; Ability to use initiative, plan, organize, maintain systems, and meet deadlines (while paying attention to detail and maintaining a high level of accuracy); Ability to work well within a team atmosphere and maintain a positive, upbeat attitude; Flexibility and a willingness to learn; Good interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and in writing.

Physical Demands: This job is essentially an office position with fieldwork required. Physical tasks are minimal. Adjusted hours are required and scheduled, and non-scheduled travel is a function of position. Travel to individuals’ homes, schools, hospitals, and other community locations as needed is required to execute job duties.

Travel Requirement: Extensive scheduled and non-scheduled travel is required in executing essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Employees must provide their own transportation. Maintenance of a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and vehicle registration and insurance in compliance with State of Michigan requirements are all continuing conditions of employment. If driving a vehicle other than the one listed on file with the Human Resources Department, employee is responsible for ensuring the vehicle is registered, insured, and meets all other State of Michigan motor vehicle requirements and providing documentation as requested. CLS policy restricts the use of an alternate driver without the express, prior written authorization of the Human Resources Director. A review of such request will be based on evaluation of HIPAA compliance issues, work restrictions, other relevant factors and whether the request will present an undue hardship to the organization.

Training: On the job training will be provided. Must complete all mandatory management training courses, contractual training requirements, and other training courses as recommended and approved by COO or CEO.

CLS, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All administrative, management and supervisory personnel are directed to support and cooperate with the EEO program and other equal employment opportunity efforts. Performance will be evaluated in this regard.

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