Section 52.27. Service coordinator qualifications and training

(a) To provide service coordination services, a service coordinator shall meet either of the following:

(1) Have a bachelor’s degree including or supplemented by at least 12 college-level credit hours in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology or another behavioral science.

(2) A combination of experience and training which adds up to 4 years of experience, and education which includes at least 12 semester hours of college-level courses in sociology, social work, social welfare, psychology, gerontology or other social science.

(i) Experience includes:

(A) Coordinating assigned services as part of an individual’s treatment plans.

(B) Teaching individuals living skills.

(C) Aiding in therapeutic activities.

(D) Providing socialization opportunities for individuals.

(ii) Experience does not include:

(A) Providing hands-on personal care for people with disabilities or individuals over 60 years of age.

(B) Maintenance of the individual’s home, room or environment.

(C) Aiding in adapting the physical facilities of the individual’s home.

(b) To supervise staff providing service coordination services, a service coordinator supervisor shall meet either of the following:

(1) Have at least 3 years of experience in public or private social work and a bachelor’s degree.

(2) Have an equivalent to paragraph (1) of experience and training including completion of 12 semester hours of college-level courses in sociology, social work, social welfare, psychology, gerontology or other related social sciences. Graduate coursework in the behavioral sciences may be substituted for up to 2 years of the required experience. Behavioral sciences include anthropology, counseling, criminology, gerontology, human behavior, psychology, social work, social welfare, sociology and special education.

(c) A service coordinator shall have at least 40 hours of training within the first year of employment. The training shall include at least the following:

(1) Conducting a person-centered assessment.

(2) Developing and modifying a participant’s service plan.

(3) Utilizing the Department’s data systems.

(4) Improving communication skills.

(5) Acquiring conflict resolution skills.

(6) Completing documentation.

(7) Understanding the disabilities of participants served.

(d) A service coordinator shall have at least 20 hours of training annually that includes the training topics under subsection (c).