Designated Coordinator - Skills Development Specialist

Direct Care and Treatment (DCT) is a specialized behavioral health care system serving individuals with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes psychiatric hospitals, inpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment facilities, dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites, and sex offender treatment facilities.

About the role

The Designated Coordinator (DC) – Skills Development Specialist (SDS) functions as the Designated Coordinator per MN Statute 245D, under the guidance of the Designated Manager (DM). The DC develops Individualized Plans for individuals with cognitive/intellectual diagnoses, brain injuries, mental health diagnoses, and other co-occurring issues in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team. The role ensures Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are trained to implement plans as written and is responsible for data collection and review of plans according to the frequency determined by the individual’s team or at least annually.

The DC collaborates with individuals, family members, guardians, case managers, and community providers to ensure culturally sensitive, person-centered supports. The role utilizes motivational interviewing, positive behavioral supports, and trauma-informed care to advocate for rights and needs, foster inclusivity, and empower individuals to maximize their potential and enhance their quality of life.

Responsibilities

• Develop person-centered support plans using Positive Support principles, including Person-Centered Thinking and Planning, Positive Behavior Support, and recovery-oriented mental health supports.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, to promote a shared understanding of support goals and implementation methods among team members.
• Develop schedules to ensure effective use of resources in implementing programs according to plans.
• Apply consistent principles in assessing individuals’ interfering behavior, skill development needs, and progress toward achieving individual goals.
• Work rotating or irregular hours as needed or directed.
• Provide direct care as needed.
• Transport and accompany individuals to medical appointments, community outings, recreational activities, and spiritual events.
• Stay informed on regulations and best practices to advocate for individuals’ rights and needs.

Requirements

• Must meet qualifications to be a Designated Coordinator under 245D Designated Coordinator Requirements.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Ability to develop person-centered support plans using Positive Support principles.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work rotating or irregular hours as needed.
• Knowledge of coaching principles to motivate and guide employees.
• Understanding of support principles and techniques to plan, design, and implement individual program strategies.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include one of the following:

• 4 years of full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons 65 years and older; AND a minimum of 50 hours of education and training related to human services and disabilities.
• A diploma in a human services-related field from an accredited post-secondary institution AND 3 years of full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons 65 years and older.
• An associate degree in a human services-related field AND 2 years of full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons 65 years and older.
• A bachelor’s degree in a human services-related field AND 1 year of full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons 65 years and older.

Human services-related degrees may include, but are not limited to: Family Social Sciences, Health Care Management, Special Education, Public Health, Recreational Therapy, Social Work, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Social Science, Health Science, or Psychology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working effectively with diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Lead work experience in a direct care setting.
• Experience writing, modifying, or evaluating program plans.
• Experience with financial management of home or individual accounts.

Pay

$24.40 - $35.30 / hourly; $50,947 - $73,706 / annually.

Schedule

• Full-time, unlimited (regular) position.
• Rotating shift: Monday - Friday (e.g., 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.; hours may vary depending on program needs).

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays each year.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Fertility care, including IVF.
• Diabetes care.
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
• Pension plan providing income after at least three years of service.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
• Resources promoting physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being.
• Training, classes, and professional development opportunities.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including mental health, relationship challenges, grief and loss, finances, and legal issues.
• Daily living/convenience services such as chore services, home repair, trip planning, and child/elder care.

Benefits eligibility varies based on employment type, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service.