BINGAMAN-SMITH AMENDMENT PASSED U.S. SENATE & RESTORES MEDICAID FUNDING!

The Smith-Bingaman amendment (#204) to the Senate Budget Resolution (S.Con.Res. 18) to strike all Medicaid cuts passed today by a vote of 52-48. Seven Republican Senators voted for it and all Democratic Senators and Senator Jeffords (Independent).  Now contact your Congressperson, urge them to reject the Medicaid cuts and ask to make an appointment to meet with them at home in your district between March 21^st and April 3^rd.  THIS IS CRITICAL!!!  Attend town hall meetings and forums.  Write op-eds and letters to the editor of your local newspapers.  You can use the NYSACRA Action Center for links to your local papers and to look up yourCongressional Reps.  Tell them that Medicaid is a successful program, give your personal stories about the real people you support.  It’s not over yet, next the U.S. Senate and House  conference.  Send thank you letters to Senators Schumer and Clinton.

You can also use a toll free number to telephone your Congressperson - 1-800-828-0498.  This line goes directly to the Capitol switchboard, but may often be busy. 

HHS ‘s LEAVITT & PATAKI ANNOUNCE MEDICAID REFORM $$

Governor Pataki has proposed the Federal-State Health Reform Partnership (F-SHRP) to reinvest $1.5 billion of federal fund savings that were achieved under New York's section 1115 waiver, the Partnership Plan.  The reform focuses o­n making long-term systemic improvements to the health care delivery system in New York.  The Partnership Plan was expanded in June 2001 and it has led to nearly $6 billion in savings over eight years, while expanding coverage to more than 400,000 New Yorkers.  New York will submit an amendment to their section 1115 waiver that will allow federal funds to be claimed for F-SHRP. The amendment will be subject to terms and conditions and final approval by HHS.  New York will focus its F-SHRP proposal to: 1. Shift emphasis for long-term care from institutionalization to community-based settings, 2. Consolidate and right-size New York's health care system by the reduction of excess capacity in the acute care system, and 3. Invest in health IT, including e-prescribing, electronic medical records, and regional health information organizations.

STATE BUDGET MOVES AHEAD…WILL IT BE o­n-TIME?

The NYS Senate and Assembly have both passed their versions of the Governor’s budget, the Senate did it withbudget bills, the Assembly by Resolution, and though they are different they both agree that there is an additional $1.55 Billion to available to spend.  To show good faith, Governor Pataki introduced amendments again this weekend to provide the Senate with budget bills it could agree to pass.  Conference Committees have been convened and have begun to meet with a deadline of March 21, 2005.  Unfortunately, the Mental Hygiene Committee o­nly received an additional $12 Million to divide among all three agencies; OMH, OASAS, and OMR, probably in that order.  The Governor has rejected the additional spending and is expected to veto many additions to the budget.  o­n top of this is the specter of the Court of Appeals case that declared that the Governor alone had the power to edit the budget, thus some of the actions taken may not be legal.  The Legislature and Governor have stated a goal of producing the first o­n-time budget in the last twenty years.  The budget is due April 1^st.  Last month both houses passed budget reform measures that would establish procedures for implementation of a contingency budget; change the date of fiscal year; create an independent state budget office and provide for budget reform.  These reforms cannot take effect until passed again in 2007.

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS FAIRNESS & SECURITY ACT OF 2005

The Direct Support Professionals Fairness and Security Act of 2005 (H.R. 1264) was reintroduced by Representatives Lee Terry (R-NE) and Lois Capps (D-CA) o­n March 10^th.  NYSACRA urges our Members to contact their Congressional Reps to become House co-sponsors.

ASSEMBLYMAN RIVERA’S DSP RESOLUTION

Assemblyman Rivera has reintroduced his Direct Support Professional Resolution again this year, (K.360), recognizing direct support professionals and urging the New York State Congressional Delegation to support efforts directed toward community inclusion in order to enhance the lives of individuals with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities.  NYSACRA is working with Senator Morahan for Senate sponsorship.

EXECUTIVE POSITIONS

Associate Director of Residential Services

AHRC NYC.  Seeking qualified professional to oversee all administrative aspects for Residential Services including but not limited to adherence to agency polices of hiring and supervision of staff, consumer health and, finance.  The ideal candidate should have a M.A. in Special Education, Administration or related health care field minimum 10 years supervisory exp. in the field of developmental disabilities preferably in the management of community residences. Knowledge of OMRDD regulations required.  Excellent verbal and written communications skills also required.  Send resumes with salary requirements to:  Steve Williams, Career Development Counselor, Association for the Help of Retarded Children NYC, 200 Park Ave. South, New York, NY 10003, Fax: 212-477-9696, E-mail. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

CLINICAL TEAM LEADER

Westchester ARC.  Social services / Human Services, a not-for-profit social services firm with a strong commitment to providing innovative services to the developmentally disabled community & their families throughout Westchester.  Will oversee the delivery of residential services.  Applicants must have a Masters degree in psychology, social work, social services or related field plus 3-5 years experience.  Must have knowledge of clinical approaches with MR/DD population and be a Qualified Mental Retardation Professional.  To apply, fax a resume with salary requirement to Human Resources at (914)428-1598 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (Type job position in subject line of email). EOE M/F/D/V

Day Habilitation Director & Residential Director

United Cerebral Palsy of New York City, Inc.,a large prestigious agency is looking for several talented and dedicated individuals who are seeking a career with a leader in the field.  Currently, there is Day Habilitation Director position available in Manhattan and Residential Director positions at our Bronx Respite and o­n Vandalia Avenue in Brooklyn.  These positions require a Bachelor's degree, at least three years of comparable management position and a valid NY State Driver's License.  We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits package including free family medical.  Fax resume with salary requirements to (212) 545-0434.

Assistant Director of Residential Services

 Ulster-Greene ARC. Immediate opening for an experienced professional to assist in the management of a large residential program (20+ residences and supported apartments).  Bachelor’s degree, experience working with MR/DD population, knowledge of governmental regulations and 5 years management experience required.  Excellent organizational and computer skills also required.  Must be proficient in MS Word and Excel.  Send resume with salary requirements to: Ulster-Greene ARC, Human Resources Coordinator, 471 Albany Avenue, Kingston NY 12401.  Phone: 845.331.4300, Ext. 238; fax:  845.340.0463; e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ; and website:www.ulster-greenearc.org.

PRESIDENT

Richmond Children’s Center Inc.  This individual should be a leader who is sensitive to our mission, values, and people.  The successful candidate will have the following skills and experience: 7+ years demonstrated record of senior management success in a non-profit environment; Master’s degree and experience with OMRDD preferred; Commitment to the highest quality of care in a nurturing environment; Demonstrated competency in financial and resource management, leadership, communication, and relationship building; Proven fundraising success.  Please email your resume with salary requirements indicating “JAA Box #63” in the Subject Line and Email to: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  On the web (http://www.richmondgroup.org)

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – PROGRAMS

Greystone Programs is seeking an AED with management oversight of clinical, training, and residential departments, ensures compliance in eleven ICF/IRA residences with state/federal regulations and agency policies.  Reports to the CEO.  Master’s degree and 5 yrs management experience preferred.  Clinical experience with autistic population, hands-on management style, proven leadership, communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience in running OMRDD regulated programs also required.

CONTROLLER

Develop, propose and implement clear and comprehensive procedures for managing the fiscal operations of the Agency.  Directly supervises the finance department including two non-exempt staff.  Responsible for the maintenance of the general ledger, chart of accounts and program contracts as the lead accountant for the agency.  Prepare monthly financial statements, budget reports and annual cost reports (CFR).  Reconcile bank and investment accounts and coordinate annual audits.  Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance and OMRDD experience required.  Supervisory experience preferred.  Position reports directly to Chief Operating Officer.Greystone offers outstanding benefits including medical, dental, life, and vision care insurance, domestic partner coverage, pension plan, 403b, generous time off and much more. 

For consideration send resume with salary requirements to:Greystone Programs, Inc., 36 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601Phone (845) 452-5772 - Fax (845) 625-2189 - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it