Community Supports Specialist (Org Wide)
About The Position
The Community Supports Specialist works under the general supervision of the Community Supports Supervisor, supporting Lakeland Care, Inc.’s Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) staff and provider network across specialties including Employment, Day Habilitation, Supported Living, Assistive Technology, Community Connections, and Self-Determination. The role helps maintain a high-quality, culturally competent provider network, negotiates service provider contract rates, monitors contract adherence, and develops positive working relationships with providers, IDT staff, and internal and external stakeholders. The specialist provides consultative subject matter expertise and supports community support resources, service utilization initiatives, and pay-for-performance deliverables outlined in the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) contract. The position primarily focuses on provider relations and community connections, while also supporting departmental objectives, contractual requirements, care planning, and process improvement.
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.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Creative problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Strong organization, interpersonal, mediation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to manage challenging conversations and work effectively with providers, external stakeholders, and care management staff.
- Flexibility and cooperation.
- Current driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and proof of adequate insurance.
- Ability to use data for continuous improvement, evaluate initiatives, and work toward goals.
- Ability to respond constructively to emotional situations, pressure, and conflict, demonstrating sound judgment and resilience.
Nice To Haves
- Two or more years of experience working with populations served in the Family Care program; preferred.
- Knowledge of disabilities associated with Lakeland Care, Inc.’s target groups; preferred.
- Knowledge of provider network contracting in a managed care model; a plus.
- Knowledge of community resources and social service agencies.
- Strong mediation and negotiation skills and ability to have challenging conversations; strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
- Support IDT staff and the provider network in Community Supports specialties, including Employment, Day Habilitation, Supported Living, Assistive Technology, Community Connections, and Self-Determination.
- Build and maintain a high-quality, culturally competent network of service providers to meet members’ needs.
- Negotiate rates for service provider contracts and monitor provider adherence to contract requirements.
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with providers, IDT staff, and internal and external stakeholders.
- Develop and maintain specialty support resources and drive strategies to increase Community Support Services utilization.
- Provide subject matter expertise and consultation to IDT staff and members, including support for care planning, education, and process improvement.
- Support Community Supports pay-for-performance efforts and DHS deliverables; monitor data and reporting related to departmental goals and contractual requirements.
- Plan, implement, and evaluate initiatives and departmental objectives using data and continuous-improvement strategies.
- Identify barriers, resolve complex problems, and implement solutions, including through challenging provider conversations.
- Support the development and ongoing maintenance of standard operating procedures.
- Serve as a liaison to external stakeholders, including provider agencies and community provider associations.
- Train and collaborate with other Community Supports Team members as appropriate.
- Attend professional meetings, such as work group meetings.
