Developmental Disabilities Eligibility Specialist (30 hours a week)

Center for Human Development, Inc. is seeking a 30 hour a week Developmental Disabilities Eligibility Specialist

to provide intake and entry into the Developmental Disabilities (DD) program and is the first contact for individuals and families seeking services for family members.  The overall purpose of the Eligibility Specialist is to establish eligibility for services and enroll people with developmental disabilities into the program as defined and prioritized herein to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

The Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, social science or a closely related field.
• A bachelor’s degree in any field and one year of human service-related experience.
• An associate’s degree in behavioral science, social science or closely related field and two years of human services related experience
• Three years of human services related experience
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and pass all criminal history check requirements and drug screenings.

Essential Functions: 

Establish eligibility as specified in Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 411-320-0080 which include but are not limited to:

• Receive referrals from individuals, advocates, community partners and internal partners.
  
• Interview applicants and/or their legal representatives to complete the application and accompanying documents.
  
• Enter new individuals into the case management system.
  
• Open and close eligibility in the State payment and reporting platform as needed throughout the eligibility process.
  
• Request patient records through Medical Records and review within 10 days of receipt.
  
• Authorize and arrange needed Intelligence Quotient, Developmental Disability and adaptive impairment evaluations as required to determine eligibility for services.
• Process eligibility determinations with the timelines established by OAR and provide notification of determination to the individual and/or legal representative.
  
• Participate as a witness in any request for review of a denial of eligibility or formal hearing related to eligibility.
  
• Monitor eligibility expiration dates in compliance with OAR, issue redetermination notices and complete eligibility redetermination prior to expiration.
  
• Once eligibility is determined, assign Service Coordinator and provide necessary information to begin the individual planning process.
  
• Work with support staff as appropriate to complete steps necessary to close clients who have terminated their participation in the program by moving out of the county, voluntarily leaving services or being found no longer eligible.
• Review eligibility documentation for individuals moving into or out of, Union County, per County-to-County transfer process.
• Must complete initial Core Competency within the first year of employment, as well as ongoing annual training both in-person and virtually.
• Have the ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Must maintain punctual and regular work attendance.
• Must be computer literate and have the ability to type and utilize word processing and other software programs/systems.
• Must pass all criminal history check requirements as required by ORS  181.536-181.537 and in accordance with OAR 407-007-0200-407-007-0370.
• Perform other related duties and assigned.  This document in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.
• Develop, Maintain and Educate Community Partners and Families regarding Developmental Disabilities Services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Maintain familiarity with OAR’s pertaining to the DD system. 
• Requires knowledge of the public service system for Developmental Disability Services in Oregon. 
• Must have the ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing and have the ability to work independently and complete all responsibilities in a thorough and timely fashion. 
• Possess the ability to represent the interest of the person and the agency in a favorable light to the community. 
• Must have the ability to maintain positive and professional working relationships with co-workers, person and other agencies. 
• Independent problem solving by accessing available resources. 

Relationship with others: 

Employees have in-person, telephone and written contact with people, their families, and guardians seeking DD services.  Employees have in-person, telephone and written contact with medical professionals, psychiatric and mental health professionals, and social service professionals.  They also have contact with internal agency staff, community organizations, and the public.  Coordinate and arrange services, give program information or explain policies and procedures.  Employees may encounter people who disagree with decisions or what needs to be done and must resolve those situations.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of human service case management such as person evaluation and assessment, advocacy, or resource development. 
• Community resources are typically available to adults and children in need of basic services such as medical or personal care.
• Structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar.

The Benefits:

Full-time position with attractive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life/AD&D insurance, long-term disability insurance, excellent retirement benefit with generous contribution to 401k after orientation, Professional Development Plan, gym discounts, and more. Paid time off includes 1 day of sick time accrued each month, 1 day of vacation time accrued each month (increases with years of service), 10 paid holidays each year, and one month paid renewal leave every 7 years!

The Area:

Tired of the rat race? La Grande, Oregon is a small town in Eastern Oregon that offers fresh air, a strong community presence, virtually no traffic, and lots of outdoor recreation in the surrounding Blue Mountains.  Enjoy hiking, horseback and mountain bike trails, and ATV access at Mt. Emily Recreation Area, bird watching at Ladd Marsh, picnics along the Grande Ronde River, inland links style golf courses and more. Home of Eastern Oregon University.

To apply please visit our website https://www.chdinc.org/employment. Cover Letter REQUIRED with application.

If you need assistance please call 541-962-8881 or email hr@chdinc.org .

The Center for Human Development, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer.  We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. We assure you that your opportunity for employment with CHD depends solely on your qualifications.