Job Details

Level: Experienced

Job Location: Main Office - Springfield Gardens, NY 11434

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: 2 Year Degree

Salary Range: $24.00 - $24.00 Hourly

Job Shift: Day

Job Category: Health Care

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Respite Coordinator ensures the seamless delivery of operations and services by state and federal regulations, agency policies, and the organization’s mission. This pivotal role involves coordinating and managing the overall program, primarily focusing on personnel management and program coordination. This includes overseeing the recruitment of top-quality staff, ensuring their thorough orientation and ongoing training, and providing continuous support. Additionally, the Respite Coordinator monitors all program aspects, from developing individualized services to implementing safeguards in compliance with regulations and policies. Crucially, they are tasked with coordinating and managing the operational, medical, and maintenance facets of the facilities, guiding and directing employees to ensure optimal functioning. The Respite Coordinator plays a critical role in overseeing and managing Respite Services operations and is dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities/mental health issues in achieving their goals and developmental milestones. This entails fostering a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment conducive to growth and developing independent living skills. Furthermore, the Respite Coordinator is responsible for training, planning, supervising, and coordinating staff interactions, while ensuring strict compliance with state and federal regulations. Moreover, this position involves maintaining and refining systems within Developmental Disabilities services, including quality assurance, training, and billing systems. The Respite Coordinator is accountable for the efficient organization and utilization of these systems and provides supervision and guidance within Respite Waiver Services.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

The ideal candidate for this role must embody a professional and ethical demeanor and foster positive interactions with individuals and staff alike. Key competencies include the ability to comprehend and execute service plans effectively, coupled with the skill to produce clear and timely documentation. A genuine passion for serving individuals with intellectual and other disabilities is fundamental, underpinned by a solid understanding of basic human physical and psychological needs, as well as health and safety protocols. Proficiency in crafting professional progress reports, utilizing computer systems, and engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders is imperative. Moreover, the candidate must demonstrate a capacity for continuous learning and adaptation, alongside the ability to prioritize tasks efficiently and uphold meticulous attention to detail. Flexibility, patience, and a collaborative spirit are indispensable qualities, as is the ability to observe, record, and accurately report on individual behavior and conditions. The candidate should be prepared to work extended hours, travel between service locations, and maintain a proactive and results-oriented approach to tasks. Additionally, the ideal candidate should possess experience in handling confidential information with the utmost discretion, demonstrating adeptness in multitasking, problem analysis, and corrective action determination. They should exhibit initiative and goal-oriented professionalism, capable of working both independently and as a cohesive team member in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Evidence of proficiency in prioritizing, managing, and completing tasks and projects within tight deadlines is essential for success in this role.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Ensuring Adequate Services and Supervision: Develop and implement strategies to ensure the provision of high-quality services to individuals receiving Respite Services. Conduct regular assessments of staffing levels and service delivery to identify areas for improvement and ensure adequate supervision. Implement effective scheduling practices to maintain appropriate staffing ratios and coverage at all times. Provide ongoing training and support to staff members to enhance their skills and knowledge in providing adequate supervision and support to individuals. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of service delivery and supervision through regular observation, feedback sessions, and documentation review. Collaborate with team members and external stakeholders to address any issues or concerns related to service provision and supervision promptly.
2. Maintaining Facilities and Equipment: Conduct daily morning walk-throughs of the facility to ensure cleanliness, safety, and proper equipment functioning. Perform checks on fire extinguishers, fire safety equipment, and smoke alarms to ensure they are operational. Coordinate maintenance and repair services for any identified issues promptly, following established procedures. Ensure that program vehicles are well-maintained and that staff follow driving procedures, including completing travel logs.
3. Observation and Compliance: Conduct arrival and departure observations to ensure adequate supervision and adherence to safeguards and plans. Monitor programming and mealtimes to ensure individuals' safety and adherence to protective oversight plans. Compile data on services for individual progress and billing purposes through daily and weekly notes. Ensure that all life plans and daily service documentation comply with OPWDD and OMIG requirements.
4. Interpersonal Communication and Support: Utilize effective professional and empathetic interpersonal skills when counseling, supporting, or negotiating with families, staff, and outside agencies. Directly supervise staff in planning and coordinating services to support individuals in maintaining health and safety skills. Evaluate the performance of direct support professionals, providing training and fostering team building and positive work relationships. Conduct monthly staff meetings with management and direct support professionals to ensure relevant agency information is delivered. Attend and participate in required meetings, staff development, and training services meetings, and agency-wide management meetings.
5. Community Service Intake: Implement intake procedures for community services (Respite, Community Habilitation and Family Support), including screening, referrals, admissions and liaison with families and care managers. Assess individuals' needs and develop personalized service plans in collaboration with support coordinators and families. Coordinate with external agencies and community partners to facilitate access to resources and support services for individuals and families.
6. Family Support Services: Provide comprehensive support services to families, including counseling, education, and advocacy. Assist families in navigating the service system and accessing available resources and supports. Develop and implement family support plans tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each family. Collaborate with other service providers and community organizations to address the needs of families effectively.
7. Other Duties: Coordinate with program planning teams to maintain all individuals' interdisciplinary team summaries/reports and recommendations. Cover leadership roles in the event of a vacant position or leave time, ensuring immediate notification to the Director of the Department. Enforce company policies and procedures and support the mission and vision of the organization. Perform all other duties assigned by the supervisor and/or director.

Qualifications

EDUCATION:

Minimum requirement: Associate's Degree in a Human Service-related field (or equivalent credits). Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in a Human Service-related field.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum requirement: Six years of work experience in the OPWDD field, serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and at least three years of experience in a supervisory role. Preferred: Five years of work experience in the OPWDD field and at least two years of experience in a supervisory role.

CERTIFICATIONS:

Successful completion of mandated training such as SCIP (Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention), AMAP (Approved Medication Administration Personnel), and CPR/First Aid certifications. Familiarity with OPWDD regulations and requirements.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Ability to interact professionally and ethically with individuals and staff. Proficiency in comprehending and implementing service plans. Strong documentation skills, including clear and timely record-keeping. Passion for working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Understanding of basic human physical and psychological needs. Knowledge of health and safety precautions. Proficiency in using computers and electronic systems. Effective communication skills with various stakeholders. Ability to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and work efficiently. Flexibility, patience, and a collaborative approach to teamwork. Attention to detail and accuracy in observing, recording, and reporting individual behavior and conditions. Availability to work extended hours and travel between service locations as needed.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES SPECIFICATIONS

Physical Demands:

The physical demands outlined below represent the requirements necessary for an employee to effectively carry out the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to fulfill these requirements. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will need to sit for extended periods, engage in repetitive physical and mental activities, have face-to-face and telephone interactions with individuals or teams, participate in telephone conversations, write letters and memos, utilize electronic mail, meet strict deadlines, collaborate with others in a group or team setting, and interact with external customers or the public. Job tasks often involve close physical proximity to others. The employee may occasionally be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities necessary for the role include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.