Support Coordinators & ISPs – How They Help NJ’s Special Needs Adults

Caring for a special needs adult can be challenging, but families, caregivers, and individuals are not alone!! In New Jersey, a Support Coordinator plays a crucial role in coordinating services and support for special needs adults with developmental disabilities. They are often employed by agencies or organizations that provide or refer services to individuals with special needs. The Support Coordinator helps create the ISP, or Individualized Support Plan that guides and outlines eligibility of services for the special needs adult. Let’s learn how it works.

Here's what a Support Coordinator for a Special Needs Adult  typically does:

Special Needs Adult Assessment and Planning

The Support Coordinator conducts assessments to determine the individual's needs, strengths, and goals. Based on this assessment, they develop an Individualized Support Plan (ISP) in collaboration with the individual, their family, caregivers, and other relevant stakeholders.

Resource Coordination for Special Needs Adult

The Support Coordinator helps the individual access various services and supports available in the community, such as residential services, day programs, vocational training, medical care, and behavioral support. They assist in navigating the complex system of service providers and funding sources.

Advocacy for Special Needs Adults

The Support Coordinator advocates on behalf of the individual to ensure they receive appropriate services and support tailored to their needs. This may involve communicating with service providers, advocating for additional resources or accommodations, and addressing any issues or concerns that arise.

Monitoring and Review of Special Needs Services

The Support Coordinator regularly monitors the individual's progress and reassesses their needs to ensure that the ISP remains relevant and effective. They may make adjustments to the plan as necessary and advocate for additional services or changes as needed.

Collaboration for Special Needs Adults Benefit

The Support Coordinator collaborates with other professionals involved in the individual's care, such as healthcare providers, therapists, educators, and social workers. This interdisciplinary approach helps ensure that all aspects of the individual's needs are addressed comprehensively. This collaboration also leads to the development of the Individualized Support Plan (ISP). The Individualized Support Plan (ISP) is a written document that outlines the specific services, supports, and goals for an individual with developmental disabilities. It is developed collaboratively by the individual, their family, caregivers, Support Coordinator, and other relevant stakeholders. 

The Individualized Support Plan for a Special Needs Adult (ISP) typically includes:

Goals and Objectives for the Special Needs Adult

The ISP identifies the individual's short-term and long-term goals across various life domains, such as education, employment, independent living, socialization, and health and wellness.

Desirable/Necessary Services and Supports for the Special Needs Adult

The ISP specifies the services and supports that will be provided to help the individual achieve their goals. This may include residential services, day programs, vocational training, therapy services, medical care, behavioral support, and recreational activities.

Special Needs Service Provider Responsibilities

The ISP delineates the responsibilities of each service provider involved in the individual's care, including the Support Coordinator, residential staff, day program staff, therapists, and other professionals.

Special Needs Service Timelines and Review Process 

The ISP includes timelines for goal attainment and specifies how progress will be monitored and reviewed. It outlines the process for making adjustments to the plan as needed based on the individual's changing needs and circumstances.

The Special Needs Adult’s Individual Preferences and Choices

The ISP takes into account the individual's preferences, choices, and priorities, ensuring that the plan reflects their unique needs and desires. Overall, the Support Coordinator and ISP play integral roles in ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities receive comprehensive, person-centered services and supports that promote their independence, inclusion, and quality of life. This guidance is critical when seeking to help a special needs adult access and afford services.

 

Do you know an amazing support coordinator or agency? Nominate them for our Top NJ Support Coordinator competition.

Gracious Services Inc. regularly works with Support Coordinators and uses ISPs to provide care, services, and support. If you do not have a Support Coordinator or ISP in place, we are happy to help you get pointed in the right direction. Just fill out the info below!

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