Consumer Direct Services Specialist

Paraquad; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Paraquad is seeking a CDS Specialist to monitor service delivery for participants needing home and community-based services and to support Veterans Directed Services. You will conduct monthly contacts, home visits, and field services while ensuring health, safety, and wellbeing.

The role requires strong documentation and client communication in a community-based setting. Ideal candidates have a social services background, experience in independent living or HCBS, and at least one year of case

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or related field preferred with social services focus.
• Experience in independent living or Home and Community Based Services is desirable.
• One year of case management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor service delivery for CDS participants and complete monthly contacts and home visits.
• Ensure documentation is complete and in compliance with policy.
• Provide information and referrals to assist participants with short-term needs.
• Maintain participant files and ensure proper handoffs to Paraquad services.

Skills

Positive interaction

Interpersonal communication

Acute observation

Documentation

Deadline oriented

Organization

Microsoft Office

Database literacy

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related field

Experience in Independent Living or HCBS

At least 1 year in case management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database software

Job description

About Us

Paraquad champions equity and independence for people with disabilities through services partnerships, education, and advocacy.

Position Summary

The CDS Specialist ensures service delivery monitoring for participants who require home and community based services and meet nursing home level of care. The CDS Specialist completes monthly service contacts, home visit monitoring, and participant field services for the CDS program and the Veteran's Directed Services program. The CDS Specialist provides customer service to CDS participants and attendants and veterans and their attendants to help ensure their health, safety, and wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Service Delivery Monitoring
  • Complete monthly contact and annual home visits with assigned participants to monitor service delivery and to ensure participant needs are met; complete required documentation per policy and procedure, including annual paperwork.
  • Utilize telephone and timesheet reports to ensure the highest level of program compliance is maintained; address non-compliance per procedure and as directed.
  • Provide general information or refer to Information and Referral as appropriate to assist participants with short-term needs.
  • Make internal referrals for Paraquad Services to help participants achieve and plan for long-range personal goals.
• Participant Field Services
  • Conduct face to face intakes of new CDS Participants which includes but is not limited to: training new participants and completing all required paperwork.
  • Provide set-up, instruction and retraining to participants and attendants regarding telephony.
  • Provide training and documents to participants who receive new care plans.
  • Conduct spot-check or unannounced home visits as directed.
• Administrative Duties
  • Track required participant documents including, but not limited to: monthly, quarterly, annual, care plan, training, and intake for assigned Administrative caseload.
  • Prepare documents assigned Administrative caseload; receive completed documents from CDS Specialists; review for accuracy, deliver to compliance
  • Make reports to appropriate hotlines concerning participant abuse, neglect, exploitation; make reports per policy and procedure regarding program fraud.
  • Understand and adhere to State CDS and Paraquad CDS program policy and procedures.
• Customer Service
  • Provide support, instruction and re-training to participants and/or attendants regarding questions or issues pertaining to program requirements, including but not limited to: timesheets and telephony, payroll, hiring, directing and firing of attendants, use of services, etc.
  • Document participant case notes in a professional manner using Paraquad's database per procedure.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Human Services or related field preferred.
• Relevant experience which includes the Independent Living field or Home and Community Based Services.

Skills And Competencies

• Positive and courteous interaction with others
• Strong interpersonal communication and training skills
• Acute observation
• Accurate and thorough documentation
• Meets deadlines
• Organized
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office programs and database environment

Qualifications

• Extensive regional travel using own vehicle
• Understanding of and commitment to the independent living philosophy
• Working knowledge of disability
• At least one year of experience in a case management position

Working Conditions

• Prolonged sitting (6-8 hours/day) with short breaks for standing/walking.
• Occasional standing for meetings or equipment use.
• Prolonged movement required when working in the State Capitol.
• Light lifting (<10-15 lbs) of files, laptops, or supplies.
• Repetitive hand/wrist motions (typing, mouse, handling documents).
• Office: Indoor, climate-controlled, ergonomic furniture, moderate noise from conversations/equipment.
• Ability to travel to approximately 100 home visits a year.
• Work in both indoor and outdoor environments in all seasons

EEO Statement

Paraquad is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individual\'s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation. We are dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment- fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Our employees proudly reflect the diversity and ideas of the communities we serve.

Accommodation: If you are unable to use our online application process due to a disability, please contact Barb Cant at 314-289-4200 or [e-mail] with the nature of your accommodation request.

Employee Certification

This job description is not intended to cover all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. Additionally, this job description does not constitute a contract of employment, and the company may exercise its employment-at-will right at any time.

I have read and understand the requirements of the job for which I have applied. I can meet these requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

Successful drug screen and background check required.