Olmstead Specialist (J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center)

Health & Human Services; United States; On-site; USD 45,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) invites applications for an Olmstead Specialist at JIRDC to focus on resident transitions to community settings.

You will coordinate with the treatment team, guardians, and care coordinators to advance re-entry efforts.

Qualifications

• Documented knowledge of MCOs, general community supports available for people with developmental disabilities, and transitions to get institutionalized people with IDD back into the community.
• Considerable knowledge of community IDD resources, service systems, and waiver programs.
• Considerable knowledge of various community resources and/or home/community-based support options for persons with developmental disabilities.
• Documented knowledge regarding MCOs, funding sources (to include Innovations waiver, Money Follows the Person, in lieu of services), and general community supports available for people with developmental disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Facilitating progress of the residents’ transition through scheduling and leading transition meetings with the treatment team, guardian, MCO, and other participants.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of community options and prerequisites to access them; keep staff informed of trends.
• Counseling guardians and residents regarding community options aligned with individual needs.
• Reviewing facility referrals to ensure exploration of community-based supports before screening.

Skills

MCO knowledge

Community supports

Transitions to community

ID/DD resources

Waiver programs

Funding sources

Olmstead knowledge

Transition experience

Education

Master’s degree in social work

Bachelor’s degree in social work

Master’s degree in human services

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field

Job description

Agency Dept of Health and Human Services Division J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center Job Classification Title Social Worker (S) Position Number Grade NC11

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well‑being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The Olmstead Specialist will serve a specialized role and lead efforts specific to the transition process for residents at JIRDC who are under a MOA and /or on the Community Transition List (CTL). Specifically, this position will serve as the primary liaison between the resident’s treatment team, legal guardian, and care coordinator/MCO in matters regarding community re‑entry.

• Facilitating progress of the residents’ transition through scheduling and leading transition meetings that involve the treatment team, guardian, MCO, and any other relevant participant (e.g., Vocational Rehab, identified provider, etc.).
• Maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge of available community options and the prerequisites needed to access them. Keeping JIRDC social workers and admissions committee members abreast of service trends and community options pertinent to the population served.
• Counseling legal guardians and residents regarding community options that best align with the person’s needs in light of JIRDC's commitment to assuring people be afforded the opportunity to live in community settings.
• Reviewing facility referrals to assure adequate exploration of community‑based supports/resources prior to the initiation of the screening process.

This position also requires notable skill at forming trusting relationships with stakeholders and the ability to effectively address and resolve issues that interfere with the transition process. This position reports to the Director of Professional Services.

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range: $45,431.00 - $79,504.00

A Sign‑on bonus of $4,000 may be offered to the successful applicant(s) of this posting, contingent on the 2025‑2026 Budget Approval.

Qualifications

Preference is given to applicants who possess the following skills:

• Documented knowledge of MCO’s, general community supports available for people with developmental disabilities, and/or transitions to get institutionalized people with IDD back into the community.
• Considerable knowledge of community IDD resources, service systems, and waiver programs.
• Considerable knowledge of various community resources and/or home/community‑based support options for persons with developmental disabilities.
• Documented Knowledge regarding MCO’s, funding sources (to include innovations waiver, money follows the person, in lieu of services), and general community supports available for people with developmental disabilities.
• Experience working on transitions to get institutionalized people with IDD back into the community.
• Demonstrated experience in Olmstead efforts and/or knowledge of the integration mandates of the North Carolina Persons with Disabilities Protection Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Position Details

Position [Number 60048669] is designated as mandatory and must report or stay over during adverse weather events.

Shift Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00a - 5:00p with variation.

Location

The J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center in Morganton, North Carolina is an ICF certified facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities. We provide comprehensive residential care to citizens from 37 counties in the western portion of the state. JIRDC is a caring community where professionals work with people of various ages, cognitive, & functional abilities. The J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center is located just an hour from the Queen City of Charlotte, home of the Carolina Panthers and the City of Asheville, home to the world renowned Biltmore Estate and Grove Park Inn. Our facility sits on one of the most picturesque properties in Burke County. We are nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge and South Mountains and just minutes from beautiful Lake James. Nearby Pisgah National Forest offers outdoor adventure and fun for the whole family.

Additional Employment Information

Positions in the Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities shall be subject to pre‑employment drug testing and criminal record background checks. Also, the use of tobacco products of any kind including vapor products are prohibited from our campuses. All employees are required to adhere to the facility's Vaccination Policy. DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second‑chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated, or justice involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in social work from an appropriately accredited institution;
• Bachelor’s degree in social work from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of directly related experience;
• Master’s degree in a human services field from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of directly related experience;
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of directly related experience;
• or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.