Self Determination Program (SDP) Support Specialist at San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center – Pomona, California

The Organization

San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center (SG/PRC) is a private, nonprofit agency contracted with the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to provide services and supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We proudly serve 30 cities across the Foothill, Pomona, and El Monte Health Districts within Los Angeles County. Our services span the full lifespan—from infants and toddlers, school-age children, and transition-age youth to adults and aging adults. At SG/PRC, our work is guided by compassion, collaboration, integrity, and a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals and families we serve.

The Position

Under the direction of the Specialized Services Manager of Special Projects II, the primary responsibility of this position is to provide individuals served and their families direction and leadership for implementation of the Self-Determination Program. The SDP Support Specialist works in collaboration with service coordinators and managers in supporting individuals served and their families with timely transitions to SDP. They also make accurate information available to regional center staff, individual served and families about SDP related services, including state and federal regulations that determine allowable and non-allowable use of SDP funds. The SDP Support Specialist understands the principles of self-determination, how services are obtained through SDP and the rights of SDP participants.

Essential Job Functions

• Participate with service coordination staff in the assessment of needs and coordination of services related to SDP.
• Ensure that services are planned and delivered within the Person-Centered Planning model.
• Review 12-month expenditure reports and policies for purchase of services.
• Assist in the development of Individual Budgets and review of Spending Plans.
• Work collaboratively with the Fiscal Department and the SDP Vendor Payment Specialist.
• Support service coordination staff in collaborating with Independent Facilitators and FMS providers, individuals and/or family members as required in the SDP process.
• Maintain effective communication and provide solutions within a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance of agency standards, policies, procedures, and may assist in the development of SDP training material.
• Participate in weekly SDP Clinic meetings as well as separate SDP SC coaching sessions.
• Participate in planning and implementation of Self Determination training activities.
• Participate in planning and/or implementation of SDP project activities.
• Assist with process for Notices of Proposed Action regarding SDP unmet needs, when necessary.
• Participate in all aspects of the case management process.
• Write inter-disciplinary notes.
• Perform additional duties that support departmental and organizational goals including and not limited to service coordinator case management of approximately 1:35.

Employment Standards

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, human development, sociology, public health nursing or a related field and two years’ experience in developmental disabilities or a related field.
• A master’s degree in a related field can be substituted for one year of the required experience.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Knowledge of the Self Determination Program offered by California’s Regional Centers and rights of SDP participants is necessary.
• Knowledge of interviewing, counseling, and crisis intervention techniques.
• Demonstrate the ability to independently plan and schedule work.
• Ability to assess individuals’ needs and formulate goals and objectives.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to multi-task and set priorities.
• Must be able to meet strict documentation timelines.
• Must be able to interact with others from a wide variety of cultural and social backgrounds.
• Knowledge of word processing software (Microsoft Word) is required.

Other Essential Requirements

• This position is a community-based position that requires meeting with individuals served and their families in their home, in the community, or in our office location.
• Frequent telephone, virtual, and out-of-office meetings are required.
• A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and minimum liability insurance coverage is required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Works 60% of the time in an office environment and 40% in the community at meetings or home visits.
• Ability to drive to and from meetings or home visits and walk from car to and from appointments.
• Occasional walking and standing to attend and participate in office meetings and trainings.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and operate a computer for report writing
• Occasional lifting, pushing, or pulling of items up to 25 pounds.
• Adequate visual acuity to read documents, use a computer monitor for prolonged periods, and review detailed information.
• 60% of the work time occurs in a typical office setting with standard lighting, temperature, and moderate noise levels.
• Employees are expected to follow safe and ergonomic work practices.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

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