OCOK Provider Relations Specialist

Description

Position Function: 

Work closely with the Provider Relations Manager, Clinical Director, Chiefs, and other OCOK departments to build a Provider Network with a healthy capacity and continuum of residential care. Responsible for ensuring the smooth transition of new providers to the OCOK Network. Helps OCOK Network Providers build programs that ensure safety for residents and the use of evidence-based treatment models. Ensure that all 3rd party utilization review reports are reviewed and that any program specific deficiencies are addressed. Review, analyze, and share OCOK provider performance data with providers to promote and ensure positive outcomes for youth in residential care. Address all program service and treatment issues with providers. 

Educational Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required; a master’s degree in social work or related field is preferred. 

Experience Requirements:

A minimum of three years of experience working with children, youth, and families in foster care with experience and knowledge of the regulations that guide residential services. Experience with evidenced based treatment programming. Experience with quality assurance and risk management in behavioral and/or medical healthcare. Experience driving quality and timely discharge planning from residential facilities as deemed appropriate in review of child’s assessments and progress. 

Functional Requirements:

Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with youth, families, agencies, community professionals, and OCOK staff. Must be willing to increase knowledge in the application of all related standards that govern residential services. Must demonstrate excellent organizational skills as well as the ability to develop systems that support compliance. Must work autonomously to ensure that all deadlines are met, and tasks are completed. Must demonstrate an ability to continue learning through supervision, continuing education, and experience, and work cooperatively using a team approach. Must be willing to put into practice Trauma-Informed Care principles. 

Working Conditions:

Position includes exposure to parents, guardians, and conservators as well as to youth with behavioral problems, including possible physical aggression. Will be required to travel to attend meetings, training, or conduct business off site. Must have a valid driver's license and meet agency’s underwriting standards if driving on agency business. A personal vehicle is required for travel. 

Exposure to Confidential Information:

The Provider Relations Specialist will have access to confidential records including youth files, foster care/adoption records, foster/adopt parent information and biological family history. Must maintain confidentiality and follow policies related to personnel records and client records.

Key Expectations/Responsibilities:

Planning

• Coordinates and/or participates in meetings with collaborating partners and agencies. 
• Participates in other administrative and planning meetings as needed to facilitate referral and placement/ 
• Manages, initiates, and facilitates quality assurance and crisis management meetings both internally and externally. 

Implementation

• Receives and reviews client information from OCOK, DFPS, Network Providers, and other agencies to ensure the appropriate provision of services to youth placed with an OCOK Network Provider. 
• Receives and reviews Network Provider policies and processes to ensure the safety of youth and the implementation of safety measures, program model and treatment strategies to ensure that youth are receiving the services they need to heal from trauma and achieve permanency. 
• Ensures the safety of youth by working collaborating with network providers and other residential settings, not limited to but including hospital, through crisis intervention, development of programs, and monitoring as appropriate. 
• Reviews and responds to all 3rd party level of care utilization reviews to ensure that OCOK youth are receiving appropriate services based on their needs. Will track, respond to, and encourage Network Provider progress towards best practice. 
• Ensures that Network Providers adhere to applicable OCOK policy and procedures and other Contract outcomes.
• Maintains an up-to-date listing of all Agency network providers and services.
• Ensures that network providers are properly trained, licen