Developmental Disabilities Eligibility Specialist (30 hours a week)

Center for Human Development, Inc.•La Grande, OR

25d•Onsite

About The Position

Center for Human Development, Inc. is seeking a 30-hour-a-week Developmental Disabilities Eligibility Specialist. The role provides intake and entry into the Developmental Disabilities (DD) program and serves as the first contact for individuals and families seeking services. Its overall purpose is to establish eligibility for services and enroll people with intellectual or developmental disabilities into the program according to applicable rules and priorities. The Eligibility Specialist receives referrals, interviews applicants or their legal representatives, completes application documentation, enters individuals into the case management system, and manages eligibility records and determinations. The role also arranges evaluations, reviews medical records, communicates determinations, monitors eligibility expiration and redeterminations, and supports county-to-county transfers and case closures. Once eligibility is established, the specialist assigns a Service Coordinator and provides information needed to begin individual planning. The position requires familiarity with Oregon Administrative Rules relating to the DD system and knowledge of Oregon’s public DD services system. The specialist works with individuals, families, guardians, professionals, agency staff, community organizations, and the public; explains program information and procedures; and helps resolve disagreements regarding decisions or required actions. The role also develops, maintains, and educates community partners and families regarding DD services. Initial Core Competency must be completed within the first year, followed by ongoing annual training, in person and virtually. The position is described as 30 hours per week. The posting also refers to a full-time position and lists a benefit package. The work location is associated with La Grande, Oregon.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, social science, or a closely related field; or a bachelor’s degree in any field and one year of human service-related experience; or an associate’s degree in behavioral science, social science, or a closely related field and two years of human services-related experience; or three years of human services-related experience.
Valid driver’s license.
Pass required criminal history checks and drug screenings.
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
Punctual and regular work attendance.
Computer literacy and ability to type and use word-processing and other software programs or systems.
Familiarity with OARs pertaining to the DD system and knowledge of Oregon’s public service system for Developmental Disability Services.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently and complete responsibilities thoroughly and on time.
Ability to represent the interests of the person and the agency favorably in the community.
Ability to maintain positive, professional working relationships with coworkers, individuals, and other agencies.
Independent problem-solving ability using available resources.
Knowledge of human service case-management principles and practices, including person evaluation and assessment, advocacy, or resource development.
Knowledge of community resources typically available to adults and children needing basic services such as medical or personal care.
Knowledge of English-language structure and content, including word meanings and spelling, composition, and grammar.
Must meet criminal history check requirements under ORS 181.536–181.537 and OAR 407-007-0200–407-007-0370.

Responsibilities

Receive referrals from individuals, advocates, community partners, and internal partners.
Interview applicants and/or their legal representatives and complete applications and accompanying documents.
Enter new individuals into the case management system.
Open and close eligibility in the State payment and reporting platform as needed during the eligibility process.
Request patient records through Medical Records and review them within 10 days of receipt.
Authorize and arrange required IQ, developmental disability, and adaptive impairment evaluations to determine eligibility.
Process eligibility determinations within OAR timelines and notify the individual and/or legal representative of the determination.
Participate as a witness in reviews of eligibility denials or formal hearings related to eligibility.
Monitor eligibility expiration dates, issue redetermination notices, and complete redeterminations before expiration.
After eligibility is determined, assign a Service Coordinator and provide information needed to begin individual planning.
Work with support staff to complete steps to close clients who move out of the county, voluntarily leave services, or are found no longer eligible.
Review eligibility documentation for individuals moving into or out of Union County according to the county-to-county transfer process.
Complete initial Core Competency within the first year of employment and ongoing annual training, in person and virtually.
Develop, maintain, and educate community partners and families regarding Developmental Disabilities Services.
Coordinate and arrange services, provide program information, and explain policies and procedures.
Perform other related duties and assigned duties.