FAQ

What does a Support Coordination Agency do?

Our role is similar to that of a case manager. We are the liaison between an individual, their family, DDD, and Service Providers. All individuals enrolled in Medicaid/DDD’s Fee for Service waiver program must work with a Support Coordination Agency, assigning them a Support Coordinator. Individuals are allowed to select the agency which resonates with their needs the most.

With what populations do you work?

Support Coordination Agencies work with individuals actively enrolled in Medicaid/ DDD’s Fee for Service waiver program. Typically, an individual must be 21 or older; however, it is possible to enroll at an earlier age on a case-by-case basis.

Do you establish my DDD budget?

No. DDD is responsible for evaluating and establishing an individual’s budget based on their level of need as determined through the NJCAT. Your Support Coordinator will help you allocate your budget toward different services.

Do I have to pay for your services?

Support Coordination is an essential service for all individuals enrolled in Medicaid/DDD’s Fee for Service waiver program. As such, we are contracted with and receive reimbursement from the state of NJ. You do not pay us for our services, nor does it come out of your DDD budget.

In what counties do you provide services?

We currently provide Support Coordination services for individuals residing in Hunterdon, Somerset, Mercer, and Warren counties. This ensures that we have first-hand experience with the local resources and providers available and can make appropriate recommendations.

How long has your agency been providing services, and are you able to self-approve your plans?

We founded our agency in 2018 and received the authority to approve our consumer service plans in 2019.

This authorization is essential because, first and foremost, it indicates that our agency has met and maintains the rigorous audit standards established by DDD and Medicaid. Secondly, it allows for a quick turnaround for any plan revision, which means it is a lot faster to add or remove services or supports for an individual.

Once the individual or guardian reviews and signs off on the plan, we can put that plan into action in under 24 hours.

How would you describe your Support Coordinator’s exposure working with individuals with disabilities?

Our team is composed of two Board Certified Behavior Analyst Owners and Support Coordinator Supervisors. Our Support Coordinators are also Registered Behavior Technicians. As Special Needs educators with over 35 years of combined professional experience, we have worked directly with individuals with disabilities in an array of settings, including home, school, community, and clinic, and collaborate closely with their families and professionals.

How is your Support Coordinator connected with local community resources?

We collaborate with local service providers to ensure families receive information on resources and opportunities available. We also belong to local professional networks to effectively disseminate the most up-to-date information and participate in continuing education opportunities throughout the year.

How do you educate and empower families about support options available to them?

During the initial intake meeting, we provide preliminary information about services and resources in the community based on the hopes, dreams, and support needs that are shared with us. We document this information in the Individualized Service Plan and Person-Centered Planning Tool and then help individuals explore and integrate services through DDD-approved vendors, as well as explore other service options.

Am I able to choose a different Support Coordination Agency if I already am working with one?

Absolutely! As we are a contracted service provider, you are entitled to choose the Support Coordination Agency that resonates with you the most.

If you are not comfortable with the level of services and follow-through provided by your current SCA, you can choose a different SCA simply by filling out the SCA Change Form.

I am not 21 yet, but I am trying to plan. What should I do?

We always say it is never too early to start planning. Individuals and families should feel comfortable reaching out to us at any point during those transition years, even before an individual is eligible to apply for DDD at the age of 18.

Planning for transition is such an overwhelming and lengthy process, and we are always happy to support families in any way we can through the process.

Give us a call at (908) 328-2899.