Job Description

The Mentor role in Supported Decision-Making (SDM) works collaboratively with the Facilitators to advance the Supported Decision-Making Agreement for each person supported. This role provides operational, programmatic, and administrative support to ensure successful implementation of AIM’s Supported Decision-Making service delivery model. The mentor will provide direct supervision to AIM’s agency facilitators and work collaboratively with subcontracted mentors and facilitators. The mentor will provide ongoing coaching, quality oversight, and direct supervision of facilitators, ensuring the integrity of the facilitation process. They work alongside the Supported Decision-Making Administration team to support in training and outreach efforts and work closely with state and local partners to promote a person-centered, rights-based approach that empowers people with developmental disabilities to make informed choices and lead self-directed lives.

Essential Functions:

• Support the Supported Decision-Making Administration in the implementation and coordination of AIM’s statewide SDM initiatives.
• Provide direct and ongoing Supervision of Facilitators; Monitor and guide the work of Facilitators through their work with each person, and provide Facilitation, as required by OPWDD.
• Through the use of the eVero case management system, mentor’s must review facilitation notes, records, and proposed SDMAs generated by facilitators, and return notes to the facilitator prior to the SDMA’s finalization
• Participate in training programs for continued development of professionalism, emphasizing dignity of risk, autonomy, and person-centered practices.
• Collaborate with OPWDD, provider agencies, CCOs and courts to promote and integrate SDM principles within the service systems.
• Participate in program evaluation, data collection, and reporting to ensure compliance with OPWDD requirements and AIM quality standards.
• Engage in community outreach, stakeholder engagement, and marketing activities to expand awareness and adoption of SDM across New York State.
• Collaborate on continuous improvement efforts, contributing ideas for process refinement and system innovation.
• Assist with training facilitators, mentors, people supported, supporters and stake holders. In addition, assisting with the creation of training, outreach, and facilitation materials.
• Support the integration of SDM into Life Plans, Self-Direction budgets, and transition planning processes.
• Mentors must gain direct experience providing SDM facilitation on regular basis.
• Foster a culture of empowerment, collaboration, and respect for individual choice throughout the agency and among external partners.

Other duties:

• Represent AIM Services at meetings, conferences, and events as requested.
• Adherence to all Agency policies
• Participate as an active member of the individuals’ Circle of Support team.
• Flexibility of schedule to ensure individual care and program implementation.
• Any and all other related duties as requested by supervisor.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services Related Field with 2 years’ experience working with individuals with disabilities as a SDM Facilitator preferred; OR High School Degree with 4 years’ experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred and one year as an active SDM Facilitator.
• Supervisory Experience required.
• Program specific training (provided) At minimum, the same comprehensive training as facilitators and use approved materials and protocols.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License acceptable to Agency Insurance standards. Maintain valid insurance and provide insurance card if using your own vehicle.
• Ability to exhibit/maintain a professional, kind, courteous and patient manner
• Direct experience providing Supported Decision-Making facilitation. All mentors should ideally have served as facilitator for three separate prospective decision-makers and must do so no later than the second anniversary of their employment as mentor.
• Statewide travel required with possibility of overnight stays.

Physical/Cognitive:

• Effective verbal and written communication and facilitation skills
• Bending, reaching, pushing, pulling as needed in the workplace - must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Use of computer for extended periods of time.