Self-Direction Coordinator - Howard Beach, Queens NY

Colonial Group; New York (NY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Group in New York is seeking a Self-Direction Coordinator to supervise participant budgets and ensure compliance with OPWDD Self-Direction programs. You will manage fiscal intermediary services and support families, with a strong emphasis on accurate documentation and service quality.

You will collaborate with Care Managers and provider agencies, attend Life Plan meetings, and help participants align budgets with Life Plan goals, while coordinating across EHR/CHOICES systems.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in OPWDD HCBS Waiver programs; Self-Direction experience preferred.
• Associate degree in a related field preferred.
• Experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all fiscal intermediary services comply with OPWDD regulations and funding guidelines.
• Review, verify, and approve invoices and payments per participant budgets.
• Review and approve Staff Action Plans for regulatory compliance.
• Monitor budget usage to prevent variances and submit amendments as needed.
• Serve as main contact for participants and families, guiding policies and procedures.
• Attend Life Plan and Circle of Support meetings and collaborate with providers.

Skills

Bilingual Spanish/English

Math proficiency

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Independent worker

Education

Associate degree in related field

Tools

Word

Excel

Outlook

Teams

Smartphones

Job description

Location: Howard Beach, Queens, NY

Pay Range: $26.25 per hour

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30AM-5:00PM (40hrs)

This position may require you to commute within New York State.

Overview

The Self-Direction Coordinator manages an assigned caseload and provides support to individuals and families enrolled in the New York State OPWDD Self-Direction program. This role oversees participant budgets to ensure effective utilization within established limits and full compliance with regulations, while maintaining a strong emphasis on quality customer service.

Primary Responsibilities

Budget Management & Compliance

• Ensure all fiscal intermediary services comply with OPWDD regulations, policies, and funding guidelines.


• Review, verify, and approve invoices and payment requests in accordance with each participant’s approved Self-Direction budget.


• Review and approve Staff Action Plans, ensuring regulatory compliance


• Monitor budget usage to prevent overspending, underspending, and discrepancies.


• Review and submit budget amendments to the Developmental Disabilities Regional Office (DDRO).


• Review and approve Support Broker billing for accuracy and compliance.

Participant & Family Support

• Serve as the main point of contact for assigned participants, families, and their Circle of Support.


• Provide guidance on fiscal policies, documentation requirements, and program procedures.


• Assist participants and families with budgetary components to ensure alignment with Life Plan goals.

Collaboration & Meetings

• Attend Life Plan and Circle of Support meetings to ensure budgets align with individual outcomes.


• Participate in Community Class Approval Committee and other planning or review meetings.


• Collaborate with Support Brokers, Care Managers, and provider agencies for coordinated services.


• Provide administrative support, including data entry into EHR and CHOICES systems (e.g., DDP1s).

Additional Support

• Other assignments may be determined as needed to support program and organizational goals.

Qualifications & Attributes

• Bilingual Spanish/English strongly preferred.


• Strong understanding of fiscal or budget management principles.


• Excellent communication, documentation, and organizational skills.


• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work independently.


• Proficiency with Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and smartphones.


• Strong math skills and ability to interpret OPWDD guidelines.


• Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.


• Collaborative, respectful, and person-centered approach to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.

Education & Experience

• 1+ years of experience in OPWDD HCBS Waiver programs; Self-Direction experience preferred.


• Associate degree in a related field preferred.


• Experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR) preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand at a computer for extended periods.


• Work in close proximity to coworkers (within 3 feet).

IND2024