Support Broker

Overview:
**Summary/Objective**

The primary role of the Self-Directed Services Support Broker is to ensure that all of the needs of the people supported in the program are met while working in partnership to help them to achieve their Personal Outcomes. This includes working with the individual and their families to identify, self-direct and manage needed services to lead more independent and productive lives. The Support Broker helps individuals with intellectual disabilities through the person-centered planning process, by assisting the person to develop a circle of support and complete an individualized plan and budget for services. The Broker may also provide training and support to the person to help him/her gain the skills and competencies he/she needs to manage self-directed services.

**Responsibilities**:
**Essential Job Functions**
- Meets and maintain OPWDD broker training and certification requirements
- Work with the people we support to help them identify and realize their personal life goals
- Work in partnership with the people we support to ensure that their rights, health, safety and personal outcomes are being supported at all times
- Effectively communicate and support the organization’s mission, vision and values
- Advocate with the people we support in a variety of situations
- Work with the people we support and other members of their circle of support to develop budgets that aid the person in achieving their personal life goals
- Adhere to the organization’s Code of Ethics and all other agency policies, procedures and best practices.
- Always communicate in a respectful manner with all people including the people we support, supervisors, other valued team members, and members of the community.
- Ensure that FREE, Inc. comprehensive policies and procedures are being followed at all times.
- Works collaboratively with the Individual and family, Care Manager, Fiscal Intermediary, Support Staff, Voluntary Providers and entire circle of support of the individual seeking self-directed services. Travel will be required at times.
- With understanding of the Person Centered Planning Process, assists individuals to self-direct/manage services on a daily or as needed basis by providing assistance and practical skills training in the areas of:

- Understanding and managing self-direction responsibilities;
- Community inclusion responsibilities towards more independent living;
- Managing the Life Plan;
- Monitoring expenditures to ensure spending does not exceed Self Direction budget allocations;
- Negotiating terms and service arrangements with providers;
- Employer responsibilities including hiring and termination;
- Service documentation requirements;
- Risk assessment, planning and ensuring safeguards are identified and met.
- Develop and distribute Staff Action Plans when an individual chooses to self-hire staff for Community Habilitation and Supported Employment (SEMP).
- Assist with hiring and retaining appropriate support staff (including assisting the individual in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, scheduling, and supervising self-hired staff.
- Support the budgetary authority of the individual, creates the Personal Resource Account (PRA) in accordance with the designated level of service rates indicated by the DDP 2 score/LCED and region of service. The PRA:

- Indicates services to be paid including the provider, cost and frequency
- Each service must correspond to an identified need/goal in the LIFE PLAN
- Identify staffing plans including Wages/Benefits as per the Fiscal Intermediary
- Effective dates
- Ensure appropriate provider agreements are in place for FI as well as all other required memorandums of understanding (MOU) and contracts.
- Ensure that the Broker is working with the individual, reviews Expenditure Reports received from the FI to monitor monies billed and spent are in accordance with the PRA, Medicaid and New York State Standards.
- Support Broker must ensure that only Self Directed services are accounted for in the PRA and review to ensure that all other Medicaid Eligible Services are billed directly.
- Meets and documents face to face planning meetings with individuals at least once every six months to assist the individual to review, revisit and update his/her Life Plan.
- Attend the Life Plan Review meetings with the individual. All meeting notes must include required billing elements.
- Ensures that all training requirements are met and updated as necessary.
- Support Broker must complete their required trainings and remain in good standing on the OPWDD Broker list.
- Other duties/responsibilities as necessary to ensure compliance with Medicaid, OPWDD, and FREE rules and regulations.

Qualifications:
**Education, Work Experience, and Competencies -**
- Associates’ Degree in a Human Services field required with a minimum of one year of experience working with persons with disabilities.
- Must have the required OPWDD Broker training and certification
- Dem