DISABILITY ACCESS POINT COORDINATOR

Job Summary

Performs advanced, professional, and consultative social work duties for the Disability Access Point by ensuring high-quality navigation services across subcontracted providers. Supports contract compliance, operational oversight, and technical guidance to ensure effective and uniform service delivery.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Affirms the Disability Access Point Supervisor in ensuring contract compliance, addressing subcontractor questions, and contributing to program initiatives for sub-contractor Disability Service Navigators serving individuals and their caregivers across District 5.
• Provides technical guidance to subcontract navigators regarding complex client-level situations, helping ensure accurate interpretation and implementation of DAP service expectations, including Information and Assistance, Options Counseling, Short-Term Services and Supports, and non-Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports Coordination.
• Interprets, communicates, and clarifies policies, procedures, and requirements to subcontractor navigators to support consistent service delivery and adherence to statewide standards.
• Delivers training, coaching, and ongoing support to subcontractor navigators to strengthen skills related to assessing needs, developing service plans, providing referrals, and supporting client-directed goal setting.
• Reviews and analyzes reports and data submitted by subcontractor agencies, identifying trends, performance strengths, and areas requiring improvement, and provides recommendations to leadership for follow-up actions.
• Serves as a liaison between the DAP program and community organizations, provider agencies, and other partners to support strategic communication, problem resolution, and effective coordination of services and supports.
• Maintains organized and accurate documentation related to subcontractor performance, program operations, and technical guidance provided.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the methods and techniques of social work and service coordination for individuals with disabilities.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of human growth, behavior, and the social determinants that impact long-term services and supports.
• Thorough knowledge of common disability-related and mental health needs, functional limitations, and how these relate to service planning and navigation.
• Thorough knowledge of community-based resources, short-term and long-term services and supports, and statewide systems available to individuals with disabilities or mental health diagnoses, their families, and caregivers.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local program rules, policies, and procedures governing disability and mental health social service programs.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of program planning, implementation, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of contract compliance standards and performance monitoring practices for subcontracted service providers.
• Knowledge of data analysis methods used to assess service trends, identify performance gaps, and support program decision-making.
• Ability to develop and provide coaching, technical assistance, and constructive feedback to support navigator performance and program consistency.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion when addressing complex client circumstances and supporting navigator decision-making.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with community organizations, providers, agencies, and stakeholders to resolve issues and coordinate services.
• Ability to maintain professionalism when navigating high-stress or sensitive situations.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and communicate rules, regulations, and program standards governing DAP services.
• Ability to use persuasion, tact, negotiation skills, and diplomacy to effectively resolve disputes and gain consensus.
• Ability to prepare, proofread, edit, and submit complete and concise case records and progress reports.
• Ability to analyze program data and contractor reporting to identify trends, areas of concern, and opportunities for improvement.
• Ability to use electronic management information systems and reporting tools with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to express ideas effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to assist and interact effectively with non-English speaking clients.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with clients, other County employees, representatives of related community organizations, and the general public, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.

Training and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or Sociology, or related field, and
• Four years of experience working with people with mental health, brain injuries, or intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, including two years of progressive leadership experience, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements

• A criminal background check is required.
• Candidate must pass a Criminal History Record Check through the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation and a Child/Adult Abuse Record Check through the Iowa Department of Human Services.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.
• HIPAA training is required upon hire and annually.
• Mandatory Reporters of Child/Adult Abuse training is required within six months of hire and every three years thereafter.

Benefits

Click here for a detailed overview of our benefits package.

Contact Information

• Employer: Polk County
• Address: 111 Court Avenue Suite 390 Human Resources, Des Moines, Iowa, 50309
• Phone: 515-286-3200

Notes

This position is state-funded and is therefore contingent upon the continued availability of funding. If funding is reduced or discontinued, positions are subject to elimination.

Disability Access Point Coordinator

Polk County Behavioral Health & Disability Services