The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or any combination of these. As Georgia’s public safety net, DBHDD operates six field offices and five hospitals throughout the state within three program areas: behavioral health, developmental disabilities and hospital services.

The main office for DBHDD is located in downtown Atlanta.

Job Description

Job Title:  Aging Program Specialist – Region 2 - Augusta

Pay Grade:  K

Job Summary
Aging Program Specialist – Region 2

DBHDD Division of Developmental Disabilities

Office of Community Service

Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) Specialist

Under the supervision of the Family Support Services Manager, the ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Connection) Specialist position is an extension of the Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services Aging and Disability Resource Connection. This position implements ADRC through the No Wrong Door philosophy to provide information and resources to community services across long-term care service and support populations. This will include aging, developmental disabilities, behavioral health, traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, physical disabilities, deaf, vision impairment, etc.

Roles and Responsibilities:

·         Serve as the ADRC Specialist covering each of the assigned DBHDD Regional Field Offices to facilitate access to long term services and supports.

·         Liaison with assigned Department of Human Services Division of Aging Area Agencies on Aging

·         (AAA) to include staff meetings, technical assistance, coordination of resources and warm transfer of people across organizations and Medicaid Waivers

·         Coordinate services for people across networks, funding sources, and organizations

·         As a subject matter expert in long-term services and supports, assist with solution seeking for complex support needs.

·         Train DBHDD, DAS, community stakeholders, schools, advocacy groups and families on the ADRC work and accessing the No Wrong Door System

·         Work in partnership with the Regional Field Office Navigators in seeking resources to meet individuals needs while awaiting DBHDD waiver services.

·         Provide resources to support the family unit in maintaining stability in the community where they live, work, and play.

·         Attend all required trainings, conferences, and meetings associated with the ADRC work.

·         Track work completed in conjunction with long-term services and supports for reporting purposes.

·         Maintain up to date understanding of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Administration for Community Living (ACL), and state of Georgia initiatives and policies related to the ADRC No Wrong Door System

·         Be a subject matter expert in Supported Decision Making and Person-centered philosophy and share that knowledge across stakeholders.

·         Share pertinent long-term care services and support information back to Regional Field Office Staff as part of the partnership between DBHDD and DHS Division of Aging

·         Provide resource information and referrals for individuals in state-funded services as well as individuals who are not eligible for Medicaid waiver services.

·         Engage individuals in supported decision-making when in pursuit of competitive, integrated employment.

·         Participate in regional garden activities related to supported employment.

·         Work with the Central Office Supported Employment team on tracking of referrals, data collection, and technical assistance.

·         Complete work on projects as assigned.

·         May be asked to assist in other regions.
Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of a bachelor's degree in a Human Service field and two years of experience in working with populations who need services to support community living.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:  

Preference will be given to candidates who possess one or more of the following:

Experience in human service program delivery

AIRS (Alliance of Information and Referral Systems) Certification

CHES {Certified Health Education Specialist) Certification or other adult training certification

Excellent customer service skills 
Strong mathematic, written communication and

verbal communication skills 
Proficient with Microsoft WORD and EXCEL

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. For more information, visit https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/benefits

Employment Requirements
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia.

The following are a listing of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care:

·                     Drug Screening

·                     TB Evaluation

·                     Annual Influenza*

*Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

DBHDD is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of DBHDD to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.  

When applying for this position, you will be asked if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as stated below and may possibly be presented with additional questions to assess preferred qualifications. Preference will be given to applicants who meet one or more of the preferred qualifications and have demonstrated relevant experience clearly indicated in their work history.