Designated Coordinator - Skills Development Specialist

Direct Care and Treatment (DCT) provides specialized behavioral health care for individuals with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental or intellectual disabilities. This role is part of a team that supports individuals in community-based settings.

About the role

The Designated Coordinator (DC) – Skills Development Specialist (SDS) serves as the Designated Coordinator per MN Statute 245D. Under the guidance of the Designated Manager, the DC develops Individualized Plans for individuals with cognitive/intellectual diagnoses, brain injuries, mental health diagnoses, and co-occurring issues in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team. The DC ensures Direct Support Professionals are trained to implement plans as written, collects and reviews data, and collaborates with individuals, family members, guardians, case managers, and community providers to deliver culturally sensitive, person-centered supports. The role utilizes motivational interviewing, positive behavioral supports, and trauma-informed care to advocate for rights, foster inclusivity, and empower individuals to maximize their potential and enhance 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, including providing direct care.
• 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.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, family members, guardians, and community providers to ensure culturally sensitive and person-centered supports.

Requirements

• Must meet qualifications to be a Designated Coordinator under MN Statute 245D.
• One of the following combinations of education and experience:
  • 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.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Ability to develop schedules and use resources effectively.
• Ability to work rotating or irregular hours as needed.
• Knowledge of coaching principles to motivate and guide employees.
• Knowledge of support principles and techniques to plan, design, and implement individual program strategies.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Pay

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

Schedule

• Full-time, unlimited (regular) position.
• Rotating shift with hours varying based on program needs (e.g., 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.).
• Days of work: Monday – Friday.
• Travel required to transport and accompany individuals to appointments, outings, and activities.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays each year.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Fertility care, including IVF, and 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 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 for physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being.
• Training, classes, and professional development opportunities.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility (for qualifying positions).
• 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.