Financial Management Services (FMS) Coordinator – California SDP

TRAC Therapy Research Autism Center; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading therapy center in California is looking for an FMS Coordinator for the Self-Determination Program. This role involves supporting participants by managing their individualized budgets and providing essential customer service. The ideal candidate will have experience in social services or fiscal management, strong communication skills, and proficiency in various software systems. The position may require remote work and occasional travel for training. Join a team dedicated to helping individuals direct their own services!

Qualifications

• Experience in social services, fiscal management, or disability services.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret financial guidelines and program rules.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for SDP participants and families.
• Establish and maintain individualized SDP budgets.
• Process payroll for participant-hired workers.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Data entry

Financial tracking

Attention to detail

Education

Experience in social services or fiscal management

Tools

Excel

Payroll software

Accounting software

Job description

Overview

Job Title: FMS Coordinator / FMS Specialist – Self-Determination Program (SDP)

Location: California (remote/onsite)

Reports To: FMS Program Manager / Director of Operations

Department: Financial Management Services – Self-Determination Program (SDP)

Position Summary: The FMS Coordinator supports individuals enrolled in California’s SDP by managing their individualized budgets, processing payroll and vendor payments, and ensuring compliance with state and Regional Center requirements. This role provides essential administrative, financial, and customer support so participants can direct their own services while following SDP rules.

Responsibilities

• Participant Support & Customer Service: Serve as the primary point of contact for SDP participants, families, Independent Facilitators, and Regional Centers. Assist participants with enrollment, orientation to FMS services, and ongoing support. Respond to questions regarding budgets, spending, hiring workers, and allowable expenses.
• Budget Management: Establish, track, and maintain individualized SDP budgets in accordance with Regional Center approvals. Monitor expenses to ensure spending aligns with the participant’s Person-Centered Plan and spending plan. Notify participants of budget issues, such as overages, under-utilization, or missing documentation.
• Payroll & Payment Processing: Process payroll for participant-hired workers, ensuring time sheets and rates follow SDP rules. Verify and process invoices, reimbursements, and vendor payments within required timeframes. Ensure workers meet requirements such as background checks, employment eligibility, and documentation.
• Compliance & Documentation: Ensure FMS processes comply with DDS (Department of Developmental Services) and Regional Center requirements. Maintain accurate, confidential records for each participant. Support audits, quality reviews, and documentation requests.
• Collaboration & Coordination: Communicate regularly with Service Coordinators, Independent Facilitators, and vendors. Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and program updates. Support implementation of system improvements, policy changes, and new SDP guidelines.

Qualifications

• Required: Experience in social services, fiscal management, disability services, or administrative support. Strong customer service and communication skills. Ability to interpret policies, financial guidelines, and program rules. Proficiency in data entry, financial tracking, and computer systems (Excel, payroll or accounting software). High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Preferred: Experience working with a California Regional Center, FMS provider, IHSS, or disability-related programs. Knowledge of DDS regulations and the California Self-Determination Program. Bilingual skills (e.g., Spanish). Experience with payroll systems, vendor payment platforms, or budgeting tools.

Core Competencies

• Customer-centered communication.
• Confidentiality and professionalism.
• Financial accuracy and accountability.
• Problem solving and adaptability.
• Cultural competence and sensitivity.

Work Environment & Requirements

• May require remote work with reliable internet and workspace.
• Occasional travel for trainings or participant meetings.
• Background check may be required.