Community Supports Specialist (Org Wide)

About the Role

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 supports and maintains a network of high-quality, culturally competent service providers to meet members’ needs, negotiates rates for service provider contracts, and monitors provider contract adherence.

The role focuses 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. The specialist provides consultative subject matter expertise to support the organization’s goals and assists with Community Supports pay-for-performance efforts outlined in the DHS contract language.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and implement initiatives using data for continuous improvement strategies to increase the use of Community Support Services.
• Support DHS pay-for-performance deliverables and assist with specialty Community Support department needs.
• 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.
• 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; serve 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.
• Monitor data and reporting to measure departmental goals and contractual requirements related to pay-for-performance.
• Demonstrate high-quality support and resource development aligned with organizational goals and standards.
• Support care planning by providing consultation, education, subject matter expertise, and process improvements.
• Liaise with external stakeholders such as provider agencies, community provider associations, and others.
• Train and collaborate with other Community Supports Team members as appropriate.
• Attend professional meetings such as workgroup 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 and negotiation skills; ability to have challenging conversations is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of 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.
• Creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent organization and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible and cooperative.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Current driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and proof of adequate insurance required.

About Lakeland Care

Lakeland Care is a Wisconsin-based non-profit organization focused 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, intellectual, or developmental disabilities through Wisconsin’s Family Care program. Currently, we serve 22 counties and have 11 offices in the Central to Northeast region of Wisconsin.

Mission: Empowering individuals. Strengthening communities. Inspiring futures.

Vision: To create a world we all want to live in.

Core Values: Kindness, Inclusion, and Trust.