Community Supports Specialist (Org Wide)

Description

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Under the general supervision of the Community Supports Supervisor, the Community Supports Specialist serves in a supporting role to Lakeland Care, Inc’s Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) staff and Provider Network, related to Employment, Day Habilitation, Supported Living, Assistive Technology, Community Connections, Self-Determination specialties and others as assigned. This position will also support and maintain a network of high quality and culturally competent service providers to meet members’ needs, negotiate rates for service provider contracts, and monitor provider contract adherence. This position will focus on building positive working relationships with service providers, IDT staff, and collaborating with both internal and external stakeholders to develop and maintain specialty support resources that are necessary to meet the needs of Lakeland Care, Inc’s (LCI) population. The specialist role will provide consultative subject matter expertise to support the organization’s goals. In addition, this role will support efforts regarding Community Supports pay for performance efforts outlined as such in the DHS contract language.

Essential Competencies:

• Highly self-driven and accountable.
• Evaluate and implement initiatives by using data for continuous improvement strategies and increase the use of Community Support Services.
• Results-driven and identify steps to achieve goals.
• Provide support with the DHS pay for performance deliverables.  
• Assist with specialty Community Support department needs assigned. 
• Drive innovative strategies to enhance community supports utilization.
• Plan, evaluate, and achieve departmental goals to meet DHS contractual requirements.
• Provide subject matter expertise to support IDT staff and LCI members.
• Resolve complex problems by identifying barriers and implementing solutions.
• Effectively manage challenging conversations to support LCI’s Community Supports Providers, ensuring a cost-effective, high-quality provider network.
• Support infrastructure for strong IDT and provider network support; be known as a trusted resource within LCI.
• Collaborate with the Community Supports Team to plan, implement, and evaluate department objectives.
• Support the development and ongoing maintenance of standard operating procedures. 
• Strong Customer Service focus and timely communication with all stakeholders.
• Monitor data and reporting to measure departmental goals and contractual requirements related to the pay for performance.
• Demonstrate high-quality support and resource development that aligns with organizational goals and standards.
• Respect other opinions and concerns and value diversity in thought and action.
• Exhibit maturity, resiliency, and sound judgment when dealing with organizational challenges.
• Demonstrate emotions appropriate to the situation and continue to perform steadily and effectively. 
• Respond constructively to emotional situations, high pressure, and conflict.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with service providers, IDT staff, and other internal/external stakeholders to support organizational goals.
• Support care planning by providing consultation, education, subject matter expertise, and process improvements to support LCI’s members. 
• Liaison with external stakeholders such as provider agencies, community provider associations, and others relating to scope of work as assigned.
• Train and collaborate with other Community Supports Team members as appropriate.
• Attend professional meetings such as work group meetings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a human service field, business related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience (including knowledge, skills, and abilities). 
• Minimum of two (2) or more years of experience working with the population(s) served in the Family Care program preferred. 
• Strong mediation, negotiation skills and ability to have challenging conversations are strongly preferred.  
• Knowledge of the disabilities associated with LCI target groups preferred. 
• Knowledge of network provider contracting in a managed care model is a plus. 
• Knowledge of community resources and social service agencies.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with providers, external stakeholders, and care management staff.
• Must have creative problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Must have excellent organization and interpersonal skills.
• Must be flexible and cooperative.  
• Must have strong written and oral communication skills.  
• Must demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Must have exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Current driver’s license, acceptable driving record and proof of adequate insurance required. 

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Lakeland Care is a Wisconsin-based non-profit organization that focuses on creating a world we all want to live in. With long-standing roots as a managed care organization (MCO), Lakeland Care provides long-term care services and supports to eligible frail elders and individuals with physical and intellectual or developmental disabilities to achieve their daily and lifelong goals through Wisconsin’s Family Care program. Currently we serve in 22 counties and have 11 offices in the Central to North East region of Wisconsin.

Our Mission

Empowering individuals. Strengthening communities. Inspiring futures.

Our Vision

To create a world we all want to live in.

Our Core Values

Kindness – We believe kindness is always possible and that no compassionate act is ever wasted.

Inclusion – We believe that open hearts and open minds are the only path to a brighter future.

Trust – We believe that honesty is still in style and that promises still have power.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer functioning under an Affirmative Action Plan. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. We are an organization that participates in E-Verify.