Provider Qualifications

Not-for-profit or for profit health and human services agencies may provide Service Coordination. The agency must be approved by DOH as a NHTD waiver provider.

I. Qualifications for a SC are:

    1. Master of Social Work;
    2. Master in Psychology;
    3. Registered Physical Therapist - Licensed by the NYS Education Department;
    4. Registered Professional Nurse -Licensed by the NYS Education Department;
    5. Certified Special Education Teacher - Certified by the NYS Education Department;
    6. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor - Certified by the Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification;
    7. Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist - Licensed by the NYS Education Department; or
    8. Registered Occupational Therapist - Licensed by the NYS Education Department.

    The individual shall have, at a minimum, one (1) year of experience providing service coordination and information, linkages and referrals regarding community-based services for individuals with disabilities and/or seniors; OR

  2. Be an individual with a Bachelor's degree and two (2) years experience providing service coordination for individuals with disabilities and/or seniors and knowledge about community resources; or
  3. Be an individual with a High School Diploma with three (3) years' experience providing service coordination for individuals with disabilities and/or seniors and knowledge about community resources; or
  4. Be an individual who has successfully served as a Regional Resource Development Specialist for one (1) year.

II. The following individuals may be hired and must be supervised by individuals identified in Section I (A) above to perform Service Coordination Services:

  1. Individuals with educational experience listed in I (A) but who do not meet the experience qualification;
  2. (A) Individuals with a Bachelor's degree with one (1) year of experience providing service coordination for individuals with disabilities and/or seniors and knowledge about community resources; and
  3. (B) Individuals with a High School Diploma and two (2) years of experience providing service coordination to individuals with disabilities and/or seniors and knowledge about community resources.

The supervisor of the above listed staff is expected to:

  1. Meet any potential participants prior to the completion of the ISP developed by a SC under their supervision;
  2. Have supervisory meetings with staff on at least a bi-weekly basis and maintain notes on these meetings;
  3. Document progress of staff and conduct regular performance evaluations; and
  4. Review and sign-off on all Service Plans.

A supervisor may maintain an active caseload of waiver participants in accordance with ratio guidelines.

The Service Coordination agency must have available a communication system for 24 hours/seven days per week coverage to assure any issues regarding a participant's services can be addressed.