Self-Determination Program/ Participant Choice Specialist

Regional Center of the East Bay • Concord, CA

17d

About The Position

Under general direction, the Self-Determination Program/Participant Choice Specialist serves on a team of subject matter experts supporting the Self-Determination Program (SDP) and other Participant Choice service options. The specialist assists individuals served by the Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB), their families, case managers, agency staff, and community partners with these processes. The role shares responsibility for SDP implementation and administration, acts as a primary contact for staff and the community, provides orientation and training, and serves as liaison to the RCEB SDP Volunteer Local Advisory Committee. The specialist provides guidance and tracks implementation to ensure compliance with SDP Waiver standards.

The position develops, implements, evaluates, and modifies RCEB SDP activities; creates and supports processes for monitoring fund expenditures and participant outcomes; and develops training materials. It gathers and shares data, identifies unmet service needs, and works with Fiscal Management Services, case management, and other departments. The role also represents Case Management Services in Person Centered Thinking training and activities and collaborates with the HCBS Specialist on training. The position is based in Concord or San Leandro, California, and may involve occasional out-of-area meetings and evening or weekend outreach.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in education, social work, or a human services field, plus a combination of two years of experience or education in the listed areas of concentration; OR a bachelor’s degree in one of those fields, plus a combination of four years of experience or education in those areas.
• Experience or education in at least four of the following areas: case management for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; work for an agency funded by or partnered with a Regional Center; creating Individual Program Plans or Individual Service Plans; teaching or implementing Person Centered Thinking practices; planning and facilitating activities that promote personal independence and community access; or knowledge of SDP and Participant Choice services and how they meet the needs of individuals served by RCEB.
• Basic knowledge of the Regional Center Purchase of Service process.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to develop and follow through on a course of action.
• Ability to conduct creative, engaging, and meaningful presentations and training for service providers, community partners, and internal staff.
• Ability to analyze data and use computer software, including PowerPoint and Excel.
• Ability to formulate and implement project goals and objectives within timelines.
• Automobile and valid driver’s license.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity, and ability to work effectively with culturally diverse populations.
• Basic understanding of Person Centered Thinking and openness to becoming certified as a trainer.
• Ability to participate occasionally in out-of-area meetings and evening or weekend outreach activities.

Nice To Haves

• Oral fluency in English and one of the following languages: Spanish, ASL, Korean, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Cantonese, or Mandarin.
• Experience working with the Regional Center of the East Bay is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, evaluate, and modify Self-Determination Program activities for RCEB.
• Conduct orientations and training for RCEB staff, individuals served, and families on Participant Choice options and the Self-Determination Program, including planning and management of budgets, services, and staff.
• Create and assist with implementing processes to oversee expenditures of self-determination funds and track participant outcomes over time.
• Develop and maintain training materials on Participant Choice and the Self-Determination Program.
• Collect, maintain, and disseminate data to RCEB staff and community partners as needed.
• Assess and report unmet service needs and service development needs related to Participant Choice options and SDP.
• Build effective communication, teamwork, and partnerships with vendored Fiscal Management Services, RCEB case management, and other departments.
• Develop and conduct training within RCEB and in the community.
• Represent the Case Management Services Department in Person Centered Thinking training, planning, and activities within the agency and in the provider community.
• Collaborate with the HCBS Specialist on Person Centered Thinking training.
• Work with the Local Advisory Committee on oversight and quality improvement processes.
• Represent the Agency on community committees and task forces as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Three weeks of paid vacation and 12 sick days.
• 14 paid holidays and three floating holidays.
• Multiple medical plan options, including Kaiser coverage that is 100% employer-paid for the employee.
• Dental and vision plans.
• CalPERS retirement pension.
• Student Loan Forgiveness, including potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Flexible schedule, if applicable.
• Work-at-home schedules, if applicable.
• Employee Assistance Program, including mental health care.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level