MEDICAID COMMISSION APPOINTED:  MEETS JULY 27^TH

HHS announced the appointment of 13 voting members and 15 non-voting members to the newly formed Medicaid Commission, to be headed by former Republican Governor Don Sundquist of Tennessee, and former Independent Governor Angus King of Maine, was named vice chairman.  The administration gave the panel eight weeks, until Sept. 1^st, to come up with recommendations on how to trim Medicaid to "achieve $10 billion in reductions in spending growth during the next five years."  In its final report, due at the end of December 2006, the panel is to recommend sweeping changes in Medicaid, possibly including changes in eligibility and benefits.  Leavitt named 11 other people to serve as voting members of the panel.  In addition, Leavitt is holding open two vacancies on the Commission for current governors so that they may join after Sept. 1, 2005.    From New York, Monroe County Executive, Maggie Brooks is one of the non-voting Members.  The first meeting of the Commission will be July 27, 2005.  Given the short one-month timeframe, many are skeptical about a rubberstamp report.  The Commission may discuss the need to divide into sub-groups for the purpose of focusing on particular issues, and which members would serve on which sub-group.  For a list of the Members and link to the notice, Click Here.

OPTS UPDATE AVAILABLE ON NYSACRA WEBSITE

There is a new OPTS UPDATE available on the NYSACRA website, www.nysacra.org, please visit us to learn the latest news, approvals, tips and answers.

ARTICLE 28 CLINIC ISSUES

Agreement has finally been reached between NYS Department of Health and the OMRDD concerning Article 28 certified clinics that provide services to predominantly persons with mental retardation or developmental disabilities.  DOH and OMRDD will establish joint responsibility for certifying such clinics, assuring the joint expertise of both agencies for medical and long term care of the mr/dd.  A provider council will be established to develop the process for jointly certifying clinics.  OMRDD and DOH will both staff and chair the council.  More information will be available in the near future about the structure.  DOH seeks to clarify its position on two issues that have been widely discussed over the past year:  billing of social work services and group therapy. 

DOH will be issuing regulations to permit Article 28 clinics to bill for medically necessary individual psychotherapy services provided by qualified social workers.  Reimbursement will be allowed for these services provided by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or a trainee (a Licensed Master Social Worker in training to be a LCSW).  Billing will not be permitted for group services or for services rendered in part-time clinics.

DOH stands by its policy prohibiting billing the threshold visit rate for group services.  However, the Department recognizes that there is a need for some of these services and other long-term services provided primarily to persons with developmental disabilities.  The provider council process will explore a solution that will allow for the provision of these services in appropriate clinic settings.  In the interim period, those Article 28 providers currently billing for group services may continue to do so at historical levels.  Providers who will be permitted to bill for group services have already been identified by DOH, based on previous claim submissions, and have been notified individually by prior correspondence

NYSACRA COMMUNICATION AND BENEFIT PROGRAM – GET ON BOARD!!!

Click Here for a letter (Or read text below) to our members about a relatively new program that we are announcing.  Please take a look and pass it on to your Human Resource staff.   For more information or to set up an appointment please contact Paul Serafin at Phone: 800.595.9768.

Dear NYSACRA Member:

In our continuing effort to bring value added services to our members, we are announcing a new and important program to NYSACRA members.  Our new program the NYSACRA Benefit and Communication Program offers NYSACRA members a comprehensive Employee Benefit and Communication Program to help members with recruitment and retention of employees and at the same time helping control the cost of providing benefits.

The NYSACRA Benefits and Communication Program is offered to all members at no additional fees.  The plan offers all members the opportunity to have their employees become more familiar with their total compensation through an individual personalized benefit statement and education process. Your employees will have a better understanding of their benefits and the cost associated with them. Studies have shown communication of benefits and the cost associated with them has lowered employee turnover, boosted morale in the workplace and has increased employee productivity.

The NYSACRA Benefit and Communication Program also gives each employee the opportunity to face financial security issues for themselves and their families while offering sensible, affordable solutions based on their personal choice. All employees, whether interested or not in additional products or services will come away from the consultation with a new understanding and appreciation of the many benefits provided to them by your agency.  Please note that this benefit in no way replaces or duplicates any of your existing programs.

I urge you to take a closer look at the program.  You will be receiving additional information soon under separate cover.  Shortly thereafter, a representative of the NYSACRA Benefit and Communication Program will contact your agency to schedule a time to discuss how the program can work for you and your employees.  If you have any questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Ann Hardiman
Executive Director

EXECUTIVE POSITIONS

Fiscal Director

Catholic Charities Disabilities Services, a growing not-for-profit agency serving individuals with developmental disabilities, has a great opportunity for an experienced Fiscal Director to join our finance team.  The Fiscal Director will have general responsibility for all financial matters and related operations of the agency, along with supervision of staff.  The successful applicant must have a Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting and three years of relevant experience that must include CFR’s and agency budgets.  Experience with Fund EZ is preferred.  Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to the Recruiter.  Only cover letters with salary requirements will be considered.  Catholic Charities Disabilities Services, 15 Avis Drive, Latham, NY 12110, Fax: 785-4894, E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Accounting Manager

Independent Living Association, a well-established, non-profit agency, seeks a motivated, self-starter for its Acct. Dept.  Requirement: BA in Acct., 4-5 yrs managerial or staff accounting exp. Knowledge of spreadsheets, Great Plains, Fund EZ, ADP PC payroll for windows Prefer.  Public Accounting experience a plus.  Salary commensurate w/experience.  Excellent benefits package.  Fax your resume and salary requirement to (718) 243-1064.  EOE

DIRECTOR OF WAIVER AND FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

Independence Residences, Inc.  Person is responsible for overall management of all current and future service programs. Insures all program are maintained at full capacity and are financially solvent. Insure that quality services are provided for consumers in a timely and effective manner through a thorough understanding of services provided and support of staff in fulfilling these requirements. Working with the Executive Director, shall plan for responding to all relevant requests for proposals to broaden the services under this department and to meet the needs of individuals and families.  The candidate should self-motivated and work cooperatively with the senior management team.  QUALIFICATIONS:  MSW or MS and Human Services with five years experience supervising OMRDD funded Waiver and/or Family Support Service Programs preferred. Strong management,  leadership and communication skills. Competitive salary and benefits including twenty days vacation and fourteen paid holidays.  Contact: Director HR, Independence Residences, Inc. 93-22 Jamaica Ave., Woodhaven , NY 11421.  FAX (718) 805 – 2711; E-MAIL:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   AA/EOE

ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Greystone Programs a progressive and expanding private Human Services agency has a senior management position available immediately.  This position, based in Orange County, carries significant leadership responsibility including direct responsibility for planning, organizing, overseeing and directing  operations at three separate locations (Monroe, Sugar Loaf and Warwick).  Successful candidate should be a strategic planner with the proven capacity to develop new programs and expand existing services given the agency’s commitment to growth in this region.  Qualifications Required:  Masters Degree in Human Services with 3 years experience or BA with 5 years extensive program supervision experience.  Greystone Programs, Inc., 36 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text41641 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , 845-452-5772, x138

Taconic Innovations.  Director of Staff Training and Development-Duties include staff training, on the job training in multi-sited programs.  Please contact Jackie Williams-Coordinator of Human Resources @1-866-337-0578 ex 111 or 845-567-6408 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text22535 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Taconic Innovations.  Director of Community Support Services: Duties include broad supervision of Supported Independent Living sites in Westchester County. Combination of experience and Education will be considered. Please contact Jackie Williams-Coordinator of Human Resources @1-866-337-0578 ex 111 or 845-567-6408 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text22535 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mountain Lake Services seeks an experienced, results oriented senior management professional to join a progressive management team providing services to people with developmental disabilities.  This position is responsible for residential services to people in the Southern half of Essex County, which includes homes in Crown Point, Ticonderoga, Schroon Lake and Minerva. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership capabilities with a background in program development and implementation in a health care/human services setting.  Responsibilities include quality of care, staff development, fiscal management, and physical plant management in a residential environment.  A Bachelors degree in Human Services or related field required, with a minimum of five years of management experience working in positions of increasing responsibility in a health care/human services setting required, preferably in the field of developmental disabilities. Salary commensurate with experience.  Excellent fringe benefit package. Apply to Human Resource Office, Mountain Lake Services, 10 St. Patrick’s Place, Port Henry, NY 12974 www.mountainlakeservices.org  EOE

Director of Residential Services

The Arc of Schuyler County is seeking a highly motivated professional to join our leadership team.  Responsible for the management and oversight of residential facilities serving individuals with developmental disabilities.  Provide overall program coordination, quality assurance, staff supervision and training.  On-call duties.  Bachelor's degree and two years supervisory experience working in human services required.  Must have sound judgement and be creative and reliable.  Excellent oral and written communication skills a must.  Prior experience working in a residential setting preferred.  We offer a competitive salary and a full benefits package.  Interested candidates should send their resume and salary requirements to: The Arc of Schuyler County, Director of Human Resources, 203 12th Street, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.  Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text52820 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Fax: (607) 535-7794. Website: www.arcofschuyler.org. EOE.

Director of Residential Services

Putnam Associated Resource Center.  Located in Brewster, N.Y. is seeking a dynamic leader to oversee a Residential Program that serves adults with developmental disabilities.  Successful candidate will have the ability to coordinate, lead and motivate a talented team of individuals providing high quality services.  Masters degree in a human services related field and three years supervisory experience required.  Familiarity with OMRDD regulations, fiscal management experience and the ability to balance multiple tasks is essential.  Interested candidates should fax their resume along with salary requirements to the attention of Human Resources at 845-278-8282 or e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text99588 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . EOE.