Service Coordination

Definition

Service Coordination is an individually designed intervention which provides primary assistance to the waiver applicant/participant in gaining access to needed waiver and Medicaid State Plan services, as well as other local, state and federally funded educational, vocational, social, medical and any other services. These interventions are expected to result in assuring the waiver participant's health and welfare and increasing independence, integration and productivity. The Service Coordinator (SC) will assist the applicants/participants in obtaining and coordinating the services that are necessary to return to or remain in the community.

Roles and Responsibilities

The applicant/participant is the primary decision-maker in the development of goals, and selection of supports and individual service providers. The SC is responsible for assuring that the SP is implemented appropriately and supports the participant to become an effective self-advocate and problem solver. Together they work to develop and implement the SP, which reflects the participant's goals.

The SC assists the applicant/participant in the development of the individualized SP and will include those individuals chosen by the applicant/participant to also participate in the process. Following the approval of the SP, the SC will assist the waiver participant in implementing the plan, as well as reviewing its effectiveness. Throughout his/her involvement with the waiver participant, the SC will support and encourage the waiver participant to increase his/her ability to problem-solve, be in control of life situations, and be independent. The SC will also assist the applicant/participant to complete the Plan of Protective Oversight (PPO) (refer to Appendix C - form C. 4).

Questions that a SC should explore with the participant include:

  • What are the participant's goals?
  • What can be done to help the participant fulfill his/her goals?
  • How can the participant be assisted to become a member of the community?
  • What can be done to assist the participant to be more independent?

The SC must also be an effective advocate for the participant, so the participant obtains needed benefits for which he/she is eligible and receives appropriate and adequate services.

The SC is responsible for assuring that all waiver service providers receive a copy of the most up-to-date SP.