IDD Community Support Specialist

StarCare Specialty Health System (StarCare) is seeking a full-time Community Support Specialist to join its outstanding Aging & Disability team. The Community Support Specialist performs the management of primary contact for people supported in the HCS (home and community-based services) and TXHML (Texas home living) waiver programs. The Community Support Specialist is an active member of the person’s service planning team who is responsible for facilitating renewal and revision meetings, coordinating with other staff members to ensure the completion of eligibility documents such as financial assessments and applications for benefits, monitoring current services and the need for additional services to ensure that the person’s needs are met. The Community Support Specialist is responsible for developing and maintaining each person s Implementation Plan, Individual Plan of Care, all necessary consents, provide and ensure each service provider receives Special Needs training and support other starcare staff to obtain required signatures on. The Community Support Specialist is responsible for the contract service providers (CFC/TR, HH, in-home DH) and monitors services to ensure quality services are provided.

Responsibilities:

• Monitors the finances of the person supported by monitoring budgets and assist the person to stay below the resource limits.
  
• Collaborates with Service Coordinators, caregivers, residential providers, and direct support staff to coordinate services and address individual needs.
  
• Facilitates annual Implementation Plan meetings with the individual, guardian, and support team to review progress, evaluate service effectiveness, and identify needed supports.
  
• Obtains and maintains required consents, conducts satisfaction reviews, and facilitates discussions regarding goals and objectives for the upcoming service year.
  
• Develops, implements, and updates individualized service plans to reflect changing needs, preferences, and goals.
  
• Reviews, approves, and monitors requests for dental services, adaptive aids, and other authorized supports, ensuring timely revisions when necessary.
  
• Coordinates medical transportation services and assists in identifying needs for specialized equipment, supplies, medications, or additional support.
  
• Maintains required documentation to comply with contractual requirements and ensures all necessary records, authorizations, and signatures are complete and current.
  
• Monitors service delivery documentation and processes invoices for Host Home providers, Community First Choice trainers, and ISS providers to support accurate billing and reimbursement.
  
• Conducts site reviews of Host Homes and external ISS programs to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, health and safety requirements, and quality-of-care expectations.
  
• Ensures annual completion of required consents, financial assessments, program eligibility documents, and related documentation, addressing concerns and implementing corrective actions when feedback indicates service issues.
• Completes site reviews to ensure compliance and safety (working smoke detectors, no fall/trip hazards, workign adaptive equipment, sufficient food, etc) for the host home and external ISS programs.
  
• Assists individuals and families with Social Security, guardianship, Medicaid eligibility, and other benefit-related documentation and processes.
  
• Maintains positive and professional working relationships with individuals receiving services, family members, advocates, service providers, Service Coordinators, and other stakeholders to support effective service delivery.
  
• Reconciles Community First Choice service events in the Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) system and the EHR to ensure appropriate documentation of services, billing accuracy and prevent claim denials.
  
• Maintains system records by adding new Community First Choice providers and newly enrolled individuals receiving services.
  
• Completes and maintains documentation required to support billing and service authorization, including annual Intellectual Disability-Related Condition (IDRC) and Inventory for Client and Agency Planning (ICAP) assessments.
  
• Coordinates and facilitates emergency response services during crisis situations to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of individuals receiving services.
  
• Maintain regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours.
  
• Ensure all required training and credentials are current and compliant with Center, federal, state, and local regulations, in addition to StarCare policies and procedures.
  
• Complete special departmental projects and other responsibilities with similar skill and work conditions as assigned.
  
• Support all activities in alignment with StarCare’s mission, values, and operational goals.

Schedule:

This is a full-time, hybrid, position scheduled Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm, with flexibility to meet the needs of the department.

Benefit Package:

StarCare offers Benefit eligible employees an expansive benefit package including but not limited to: Company-paid medical coverage, fully funded employer contribution to HSA, company-paid life insurance, company paid hospital indemnity plan, retirement plan with up to 12% employer match, front loaded paid time off (PTO), thirteen (13) paid holidays, sabbatical leave, longevity augmentations, and employee referral augmentations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university required.
  
• Degree in Human Services or a related field preferred.
  
• Experience monitoring the work of others preferred.
  
• Experience coordinating services for individuals with disabilities preferred.
  
• Knowledge of HCS, TxHmL, Medicaid waiver programs, and person-centered service planning preferred.
  
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with individuals, families, providers, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate documentation, and ensure regulatory compliance.
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and electronic documentation systems preferred.
  
• Must have a current Texas driver’s license and be insurable under the Center’s insurance.
  
• Must pass all required pre-employment and annual screenings applicable to the position or services provided, as required by law, regulation, or agency policy, which may include criminal background, nursing registry, MVR, and drug screening based on applicable requirements.

Skills & Abilities:

• Problem Solving: Ability to analyze situations, identify challenges, and develop effective solutions.
• Communication: Strong verbal, written, and electronic communication skills to convey information clearly and professionally.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with others across teams and departments to achieve shared goals.
• Exhibiting Corporate Values: Demonstrates behaviors and decision-making aligned with the organization’s core values and mission.
• Documentation: Proficient in accurately recording, organizing, and maintaining information in various formats.
• Productivity & Reliability: Demonstrates consistent performance, meets deadlines, manages time effectively, and maintains dependability in fulfilling job responsibilities.
  
• Job Specific Safety: Understands and follows safety protocols and procedures relevant to the role and work environment.