Community Supports Specialist (Org Wide)

Lakeland Care Incorporated•Fond Du Lac, WI

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Community Supports Supervisor, the Community Supports Specialist supports Lakeland Care, Inc.’s Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) staff and Provider Network in areas including Employment, Day Habilitation, Supported Living, Assistive Technology, Community Connections, and Self-Determination, along with other assigned specialties. The role supports and maintains a high-quality, culturally competent provider network, negotiates service provider contract rates, and monitors adherence to provider contracts. It builds positive working relationships with service providers, IDT staff, and internal and external stakeholders, and develops and maintains specialty support resources for LCI’s population. The specialist provides consultative subject matter expertise and supports the organization’s goals, including Community Supports pay-for-performance efforts specified in DHS contract language. The position primarily focuses on provider relations and community connections within the Community Support Department. It uses data to evaluate and implement continuous-improvement initiatives, increase use of Community Support Services, monitor departmental and contractual goals, and support DHS pay-for-performance deliverables. The specialist also provides consultation, education, expertise, and process improvements to support care planning for LCI members; helps resolve complex problems; and supports departmental objectives, procedures, and provider and IDT infrastructure. Lakeland Care is a Wisconsin-based nonprofit managed care organization providing long-term care services to eligible elders and people with physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities. It serves members in 22 counties and has 11 offices throughout Wisconsin’s Central to North East region.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a human service or business-related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, including relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of community resources and social service agencies.
Ability to develop effective working relationships with providers, external stakeholders, and care management staff.
Creative problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Flexibility and cooperativeness.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Current driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and proof of adequate insurance.
Ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of experience working with populations served in the Family Care program is preferred.
Strong mediation and negotiation skills and ability to handle challenging conversations are strongly preferred.
Knowledge of disabilities associated with LCI target groups is preferred.
Knowledge of network provider contracting in a managed care model is a plus.

Responsibilities

Support LCI Interdisciplinary Team staff and the Provider Network in assigned Community Supports specialties.
Support and maintain a high-quality, culturally competent network of service providers.
Negotiate rates for service provider contracts and monitor provider contract adherence.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with providers, IDT staff, and internal and external stakeholders.
Develop and maintain specialty support resources to meet the needs of LCI’s population.
Provide consultative subject matter expertise to support organizational goals and IDT staff and members.
Support Community Supports pay-for-performance efforts and DHS deliverables.
Use data to evaluate and implement continuous-improvement initiatives and increase utilization of Community Support Services.
Plan, evaluate, and achieve departmental goals in accordance with DHS contractual requirements.
Monitor data and reporting to measure departmental goals and contractual requirements related to pay for performance.
Resolve complex problems by identifying barriers and implementing solutions.
Manage challenging conversations with providers while supporting a cost-effective, high-quality provider network.
Collaborate with the Community Supports Team to plan, implement, and evaluate department objectives.
Support development and ongoing maintenance of standard operating procedures.
Provide timely customer service and communication to stakeholders.
Support care planning through consultation, education, subject matter expertise, and process improvements.
Act as a liaison with external stakeholders, including provider agencies and community provider associations, as assigned.
Train and collaborate with other Community Supports Team members as appropriate.
Attend professional meetings, such as work group meetings.
Assist with assigned specialty Community Support Department needs.