Job Description

The Intake Specialist is responsible for determining system eligibility and providing resources and reliable information regarding the ODS system and community supports to individuals and families. ODS serves individuals with the following diagnoses: Intellectual Disability, Autism, Developmental Disability, and Medically Complex Conditions. The Intake Specialist may refer individuals/families to other system services as appropriate (i.e.: MH, EPSDT, CCBHO, CHC). Individuals and families will also have an opportunity to make an informed choice of service providers including the choice of a Supports Coordination Organization (SCO).

The Intake Specialist is also responsible for the operations surrounding assessment and resource mapping with individuals and families utilizing Charting the Life Course planning tools, while upholding the principles of Self Determination.

This position requires some travel to individual/family homes or other community locations for intake meetings, etc. Flexible hours may be required. Travel within and outside the county may be required on occasion.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as a resource for individuals/families that have multiple needs for triage.
• Utilizes knowledge of existing resources and assists in locating new available resources.
• Enters information into the ODS Intake and Registration Application and updates information within this online resource portal as necessary.
• Develops a mechanism to document resources in both the community and service systems in individuals’ record.
• Develops mechanism to follow up with individual teams to assess effectiveness of resources.
• Provides resource consultation for Base funded requests.
• Provides information and support during the intake process to Supports Coordination Organizations (SCOs).
• Coordinates with other ODS teams including Multi-System, LeCSI, Planning Team, etc.
• Works collaboratively with the ODS Planning Team to plan for waiver services, as necessary.
• Creates relationships with organizations in the community.
• Maintains a working relationship with the PA Family Network.
• Assures that the individual and family receive accurate information regarding the various ODS services/providers.
• Assists individual or family in the completion of application for Medical Assistance, if appropriate.
• Assures that the individual and family are apprised of their rights regarding appeals processes that include County Conference, Mediation, and Fair Hearing.
• Works collaboratively across teams to outline and relay necessary information to address and uphold quality factors in relation to planning and service delivery. This includes reviewing and analyzing various reports from the county and state.
• Participates in Individual Support Planning team meetings as appropriate.
• Works collaboratively when county policy needs to be reviewed, revised, or improved in areas relevant eligibility, planning and service delivery.
• Implements policies and procedures based on county, state and/or federal regulations.
• Participates in on-going training regarding changes in the HCSIS system as well as other relevant training to this position.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Additional Responsibilities

From time to time the employee will be required to perform additional tasks and duties as assigned by the employer.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Excellent organizational, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent knowledge of the county, state, and provider delivery systems.
• Basic computer skills in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Internet research methods, remote video/audio technology (Microsoft Teams & Zoom).
• Proficiency with discovery and navigation, connecting and networking and goods and services.
• Knowledge of ID, Autism, Developmental Disability and Medically Complex Condition eligibility criteria and processes.
• Knowledge of other DHS service systems including but not limited to the Office of Behavioral Health (OBH), Community Health Choices (CHC), and Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL).
• Ability to connect with other professionals to assist with eligibility/registration information and to refer individuals to other service systems.

To perform this job successfully, the employee must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, consistent with applicable law.

Education/Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field, plus 1-year previous experience working with individuals/families in the field of intellectual disability, which may also include autism, developmental disability and/or medically complex conditions.

-OR-

Any equivalent combination of education and experience that meets the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Act 33, 34 and FBI clearances

-AND-

Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.