Self-Determination Program/ Participant Choice Specialist

Regional Center of the East Bay • Concord, CA

1d • $80,399 - $118,786

About The Position

Under general direction, the Self-Determination Program/Participant Choice Specialist serves as a subject matter expert on the Self-Determination Program (SDP) and other Participant Choice service options. The role assists individuals served by the Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB), their families, case managers, agency staff, and community partners through these processes. The specialist shares responsibility for implementing and administering SDP, serves as a primary contact for agency staff and the community, provides orientation and training, and liaises with RCEB’s SDP Volunteer Local Advisory Committee. The position provides guidance and tracking to ensure SDP requirements are implemented in accordance with SDP Waiver standards.

The position develops, implements, evaluates, and modifies RCEB SDP activities; supports oversight of participant funds and outcomes; develops training materials; collects and shares data; identifies unmet service needs; and builds partnerships with Fiscal Management Services and RCEB departments. It also represents Case Management Services in Person Centered Thinking training and activities, collaborates with the HCBS Specialist on training, and works with the Local Advisory Committee on oversight and quality improvement.

The Regional Center of the East Bay is a community-based, private nonprofit corporation under contract with the California Department of Developmental Services. It provides intake, assessment, diagnosis, and coordination of community-based services for children and adults with developmental disabilities in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The position is located in Concord or San Leandro, California. New hires without prior Regional Center work experience start at the beginning of the salary scale. Salary is $3,092.27–$4,568.68 bi-weekly ($80,399.02–$118,785.68 annually).

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; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in one of these fields plus a combination of four years of experience or education in those areas.
• Experience or education in at least four listed 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; knowledge of SDP and Participant Choice services and how they meet the needs of individuals served by RCEB; or 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, with 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 outreach activities during evenings and weekends.

Nice To Haves

• Oral fluency in English and one of the following languages is preferred: Spanish, ASL, Korean, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Cantonese, or Mandarin.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, evaluate, and modify RCEB Self-Determination Program activities.
• Conduct orientation and training for RCEB staff, consumers, families, and community partners on Participant Choice options and SDP, including planning and management of budgets, services, and staff.
• Create and help implement processes to oversee self-determination fund expenditures and 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 needed to implement Participant Choice options and SDP.
• Establish 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 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 3 floating holidays.
• Multiple medical plan options, including Kaiser coverage fully paid by the employer for the employee.
• Dental and vision plans.
• CalPERS pension retirement plan.
• Student loan forgiveness eligibility through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• 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