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TRANSCRIPT
May 25, 2023
Commissioner’s Note:
I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving holiday last week and that you are enjoying the start to the 2019 holiday season.
This week, we all got right back to work. Governor Bill Lee issued an executive order on Monday transferring the Tennessee Early Intervention System from the Department of Education to DIDD. You can see the full press release linked here. The services and supports my daughter, Kinsley, received through TEIS from birth helped set her on the path to achieving her goals. The mission of the program is personal to me, and I want to partner with families, TEIS employees, vendors and other stakeholders to make sure we are doing everything we can to set children up for success in school and in life by providing the highest-quality supports. Thank you to the Department of Education for their leadership, as none of the gains made possible by this program over the past decade would have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of TDOE and TEIS staff at all levels.
Then, in true Tennessee holiday spirit, I had the opportunity to spread Christmas cheer with my alma mater, Trevecca Nazarene University, by hailing to the purple and white! It was a joy to light their campus tree with the baseball team and other students and staff.
We all have much to work on and celebrate in the next couple of weeks and I look forward to working with you all through the new year.
Employment and Day Services Changes:
We want to remind you all that Employment and Day Services changes will take effect on January 1, 2020. Over the past week, persons who had In-Home Day on their cost plans after 12/31/19 should have received notice of the discontinuation of that service from 1/1/20 forward. We are asking for all amended plans for those with IHD to be submitted no later than December 11, 2019, to provide the regional offices ample time to review.
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In addition, we want to continue to direct people to the DIDD website for a list of Frequently Asked Questions and many important resources to aid in implementation. This past week, the Homebound Request Form was added to the site, as well as updated IOGs. We are continuing to work through the questions asked during the webinars and will also post on the site once available. The resources are all available at this link: https://www.tn.gov/didd/for-consumers/employment--first/employment-day-services/employment-day-services-resources.html
EVV Training Webinar Update:
DIDD and Sandata will be providing a Webinar on EVV (Electronic Visit Verification) Provider Training on December 18th at 9:30 AM CENTRAL TIME. You must register in advance for this Webinar, please click the following link: https://sandata.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9bd4wzYxTHSL9YV90xyPCA.
HIPPA and Social Media:
The first rule of using social media in healthcare is to never disclose protected health information on social media channels. The second rule is to never disclose protected health information on social media. (see the definition of protected health information for further information).
The HIPAA Privacy Rule prohibits the use of PHI on social media networks. That includes any text about specific patients (DIDD specific - persons served) as well as images or videos that could result in a patient being identified. PHI can only be included in social media posts if a patient has given their consent, in writing, to allow their PHI to be used and then only for the purpose specifically mentioned in the consent form.
Social media channels can be used for posting health tips, details of events, new medical research, bios of staff, and marketing messages, provided no PHI is included in the posts.
Job Openings:
Protection from Harm Investigator PositionsSalary: $3,700.00 per month DOE
DIDD is seeking to fill the below Investigator positions:o East Region – Greenville, Tennesseeo West Region – Jackson, Tennessee
Job responsibilities include conducting administrative investigations involving allegations of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation with regard to people with intellectual
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and developmental disabilities, participation in a regular on-call schedule, comprehensive report writing, interaction with other investigative agencies, and travel within the specified region.
Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree, a valid driver license, professional experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and significant investigative and/or law enforcement experience. This position will be filled with a person who has the ability to manage multiple projects in a timely manner, possess excellent verbal and written skills, organize and prioritize assignments, work independently and have flexibility in their work schedule.
Anyone interested in applying for this position should send their resume and proof of education to:
o East Region - [email protected] West Region – [email protected]
Resumes should be submitted by the deadline of close of business on January 6, 2020.
Notices: If your name appears on the Tennessee Department of Health Abuse Registry, we cannot consider you for employment in this position.
This organization participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
The State of Tennessee is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination or illegal harassment in the workplace. It is the state's policy to provide an environment free of discrimination or harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.
Katie Beckett Case Manager Positions
DIDD is seeking to fill a total of twenty-four (24) Katie Beckett Case Manager positions across the state of Tennessee.
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o East TN Region: twelve (12) positions in the East Region. Four (4) of these positions will be stationed in Knox County, four (4) in Greene County, and four (4) in HamiltonCounty.
o Middle TN Region: twelve (12) positions in the Middle Region. These twelve (12) positions will be stationed in Davidson County.
o West TN Region: twelve (12) positions in the West Region. Seven (7) of these positions will be stationed in Shelby County and five (5) in Madison County.
Job responsibilities include but are not limited to conducting intake visits for non-Medicaid children under 18 years of age applying for the Katie Beckett Program, developing and monitoring annual Individual Support Plans (ISPs) and budgets, conducting regular contacts with the child, assessing the child's need for additional services, coordinating benefits and services with external parties, and completing/maintaining required documents in electronic format.
Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university in the human services field and experience equivalent to three (3) years of professional developmental disabilities and/or mental health work, of which one year must include professional developmental disabilities work. Qualifying professional developmental disabilities or mental health work may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis (maximum four (4) years). Additional graduate coursework in certain areas/fields may be substituted for the required experience on a year for year basis (maximum one (1) year).
ORGraduation from an accredited college/university with a bachelor’s degree and experience equivalent to four (4) years of professional developmental disabilities and/or mental health work, of which one (1) must include professional developmental disabilities.
To Apply: These positions will be eligible for alternative work locations. If anyone is interested in applying for one of these positions, please do so online by following the links below.
o East TN Region:Knox County - IDD PROGRAM SPECIALIST 3-120419-180753Greene County - IDD PROGRAM SPECIALIST 3-120419-180751Hamilton County - IDD PROGRAM SPECIALIST 3-120419-180757
o Middle TN Region:Davidson County - IDD PROGRAM SPECIALIST 3-120419-180761
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o West TN Region:Shelby County - IDD PROGRAM SPECIALIST 3-120419-180795Madison County - IDD PROGRAM SPECIALIST 3-120419-180799
The deadline to apply is Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Notices: If your name appears on the Tennessee Department of Health Abuse Registry, we cannot consider you for employment in this position.
This organization participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
Pursuant to the State of Tennessee’s Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State’s policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person’s race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.
Individual Experience Assessment (IEA) Reminders:
Reminder: All 2019 surveys must be completed and entered in FormStack by January 31, 2020.
Helpful tips when completing IEA’so Please enter the person's full nine-digit identifier when doing IEAs. It is an
important data point needed to ensure we are working with unique individuals only. When the SSN is entered as 00-00-0000 or xxx-xx-xxxx, it is impossible to use this as a unique identifier.
o Please noted, the version of FormStack we are using for data entry is secure.o Make sure you are entering the correct demographic information into FormStack
and inputting the correct information in all required data points.
For question regarding IEAs please contact your Regional Compliance DirectorsMiddle: [email protected] East: [email protected]
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West: [email protected]
You may also contact the Director of Residential Services, [email protected]
New Director of Risk Management and Licensure:
We are pleased to announce that Daven Harrell will be assuming the role of Director of Risk Management and Licensure, following Lee Vestal’s retirement. Dave currently serves as DIDD’s Director of Internal Compliance and has worked closely with the Risk Management unit in that capacity since arriving at DIDD in 2018. He has done a remarkable job leading the department’s efforts to and implement a comprehensive management implementation plan after the 2017 audit. We are excited to see his role expand at DIDD to include oversight of Licensure and direct supervision of the Risk Management unit.
November #DIDDatWork Employee Spotlight:
“Customer Service has always been important to me. Big projects intrigue me, and I enjoy being able to help where needed.” - Karen Chambers, Training Officer 1 #DIDDatWork
Karen began working at DIDD in 2007 as an ASA and has supported the Medication Administration program and the Staff Development Departments at the central office level and the 3 regions for many years, before becoming a Training Officer 1. She was nominated for this month’s DIDDatWork employee spotlight for always being willing to step up to the plate and working with our staff to make sure we are providing quality care to those we support. Thank you for all that you do, Karen!
West Region Monthly Focus Groups Annual Holiday Party:
The West Regional Monthly Focus Groups will be hosting their annual holiday parties Wednesday, December 11, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. located at SRVS 3971 Knight Arnold Rd., Memphis TN and Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 11:00am to 1:00pm at 1119 Old Humboldt Rd., Jackson TN.
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Overview of Person-Centered Thinking:
The West Regional office will be presenting on Person-Centered Thinking on January 28, 2020, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Parents, conservators, and family members are invited to attend. To register, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].
Address: 3971 Knight Arnold Rd.Memphis TN 38118
Update from People First TN:
What is People First TN?People First TN is a powerful self-advocacy organization, leading a vibrant, engaged and growing movement of self-advocates committed to the full inclusion of people with disabilities in society and ALL self-advocates are invited to attend meetings.
Do you know a self-advocate that would like to be part of People First but not sure how? OR would you like to help by mentoring a chapter? The easiest way is to visit one of the People First meetings happening in your area!If there isn’t one currently in your area or for information on joining one of the chapters above, send a message to [email protected] or call 615-248-5878, extension 305. You can also check out the People First Website https://www.thearctn.org/People-First.php We also love to see provider agencies help self-advocates become a part of People First by supporting them with getting to the meetings and even helping in hosting and mentoring meetings!
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
People First Madison County Friday, December 13, 2019, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm (CST)Capitol City Residential Health160 West University ParkwayJackson, TN. 38305Mentor Temesi Higgins is organizing a project for the homeless and a holiday gift exchange. Contact her at [email protected] People First Blount County -Chapter formation meetingWednesday, January 8, 2020 (inclement weather date: January 15) 11 a.m. to 12 noon (EST)Sycamore Tree United Methodist Church
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1830 Clydesdale StreetMaryville, TN. 27801Please RSVP with Dave Griffin: [email protected] Davidson County People First Saturday, January 18, 2020, 10:30 am to 11:30 am (CST)McCabe Regional Community Center101 46th Ave North, Nashville, TN,37209Please RSVP with chapter mentor Brian Keller: [email protected]
Person-Centered Organization Spotlight - Core Services of Northeast Tennessee:
Core Services of Northeast Tennessee has completed the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities requirements for designation as a PERSON-CENTERED ORGANIZATION. Core Services of Northeast Tennessee was a 2017 recipient of CQL "Award of Excellence", an award recognizing innovative and emerging practices in the achievement of outcomes for persons with disabilities. The agency holds a 4-year Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation through CQL|The Council on Quality and Leadership. The agency is a 2018 Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities “Enabling Technology Transformation Agency” and a provider mentor through the DIDD Tennessee Employment First Leadership Initiative (TEFLI).
Core Services of Northeast Tennessee requires Person-Centered Thinking training for all employees at all levels of the organization. This week 10 new employees completed the 2-day training.
In addition, everyone supported by the agency goes through a DIDD facilitated person-centered planning meeting. These meetings result in substantial life changes (i.e. obtaining employment, entering an independent living situation with enabling technology, selecting a new home or housemates, achieving a dream vacation). A common practice is to have a follow-up meeting 6 months or a year or longer after a substantial life change as a "check-in" to see how life is going and identify the next steps in a person achieving their preferred life The agency recently promoted a terminology change – talking about dreams instead of outcomes to encourage persons supported and staff to select more meaningful goals. The definition of a dream is “a cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal.” The definition of an outcome is “the way a thing turns out; a consequence”. So often a person’s plan includes an outcome such as taking dishes to the sink when maybe what they actually
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desired was employment in the community. How many of us would identify a dream of taking their dishes to the sink! Changing how we speak often changes how we think.
For more information on Accreditation and Person-Centered Practice, go online at www.tn.gov/didd/divisions/accreditation---person-centered-practices.html
TASC Announces 2019 Maurer Award Winners:
On November 20th, the Tennessee Alliance of Support Coordinators (TASC) honored the 2019 Linda Maurer Award for Excellence in Support Coordination recipients with a luncheon ceremony hosted by Immanuel Baptist Church in Nashville. The awards acknowledge the outstanding successes of ISCs in applying person-centered practices that make a positive difference in the lives of persons with intellectual disabilities. Twenty-one nominations were received for this year, and a winner was selected in each of three grand regions of the state. Congratulations to Teresa Henderson With Compass (West), Kyle Howe with CNS (East), and Trish Hubbard-Bates with BGC (Middle). The awards were established by TASC in 2011 in memory of Linda Maurer who served as the executive director of Neighborhood Network and was a founding member of TASC.
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