Community Access / Personal Assistance / Respite Provider

• Shall be provided by a community access specialist who;
• Completed a department approved training program within one (1) year of application while providing community access services under the direct supervision of a community access specialist;
• Community Access Providers will ensure the following regulations and job descriptions are followed:
• Shall be designed to support a participant to participate in meaningful routines, events, and activities through various community organizations;
• Shall be designed to empower a participant in developing natural supports;
• Shall stress training that empowers a participant in acquiring, practicing, utilizing, and improving skills related to:

1. Connecting with others;
2. Independent functioning;
3. Self-Advocacy;
4. Socialization;
5. Community participation;
6. Personal responsibility;
7. Financial responsibility; and
8. Other skills related to optimal well-being as defined in the participant’s person-centered service plan.

• Shall be designed to result in an increased ability to develop natural supports and access community resources including educational, recreational, religious, civic, or volunteer opportunities with an outcome of:

1. Less reliance on formal supports; and
2. Greater reliance on natural or unpaid supports as established in the participant’s person-centered service plan;

• Shall have an emphasis on the development of personal social networks, membership opportunities, friendships, and relationships for the participant as established in the participant’s person-centered service plan;
• Shall be provided outside the participant’s home or residential setting and occur during the day, in the evening, or on weekends;
• Shall not duplicate residential support or day training services, or authorized therapies;
• Shall be provided to a participant with a:

1. One (1) to one (1) staff to participant ratio; or
2. Ratio of one (1) staff to no more than two (2) participants according to the participant’s person-centered service plan, if the participant invites a friend;

• Shall occur in an integrated community setting;
• Shall be an impact service and the participant’s person-centered service plan shall define steps to decrease the provision of the service as the participant becomes more independent in accessing and becoming part of the community;

Documentation 

 Shall be documented in the MWMA by:

1.  A note documenting each contact, which shall include:

       a. A full description of each service rendered;

        b. Evidence of training or service to support outcomes designated in the

     participant’s person-centered service plan;

       c. The date of the service;

       d. The location of the service;

        e. The beginning and ending times of the service;

       f. The signature and title of the individual providing the service; and

       g. The date the entry was made in the record; and

Shall not exceed 160 fifteen (15) minute units per week alone or in combination with community access group services.