6123 Transition Coordinators Qualifications and Training

Georgia State Seal

Georgia Division of Aging Services
Access to Services Manual

Chapter:

6000 Community Transitions

Effective Date:

Section Title:

Transition Coordinators Qualifications and Training

Reviewed or Updated in:

MT 2016-02

Section Number:

6123

Previous Update:

Summary Statement

In order to assure Transition Coordinators (TCs) for the Money Follows the Person Program (MFP) have the training and experience necessary to effectively discharge the transition coordination activities.

Basic Considerations

MFP Transition Coordination contains activities related to Information and Referral, Case Management, Project Management/Coordination, and Options Counseling, among others. As such, Transition Coordinators can come from varied backgrounds with different skillsets. The TC position may be a Full Time Equivalent, Contractor, or part time worker.

Definitions

Transition Coordinator

A Transition Coordinator with a minimum of one year’s experience as an ATC or with a Nursing Home Transition program, either as a TC, Options Counselor, or in a transition position with a Center for Independent Living.

Associate Transition Coordinator or TC Support (ATC)

An ATC position works to support TCs through activities such as administrative support (follow up calls, data entry, etc.), TC activities as overseen by the TC, or other support activities that contribute to transitions.

AAA Procedures

Item 1

AAAs follow DAS standards for Transition Coordination unless expressly approved by DAS MFP staff through the existing waiver process on ODIS.
Item 2

AAAs or their subcontractors will have a minimum of one TC who meets the qualifications above available to provide transition services.
Item 3

AAAs notify DAS MFP program staff regarding TC staffing changes as follows:

  • Within two (2) business days of the change.

  • In writing (email is acceptable)

  • How MFP activities will be supported in absence of TC

  • Approximate time TC position will be open

DAS Procedures

DAS maintains and updates the standards for Transition Coordination and may update qualifications and standards at any time following the appropriate process.

Training Requirements

Transition Coordinators will attend all training required by the Division of Aging Services.

Transition Coordinators will attend all training required by the Department of Community Health.

Required Training for Transition Coordinators within one (1) year of taking position:

  • Adult Crime Tactics training (provided by the Forensic Special Investigation Unit, administered by DAS).

  • HIPAA

Suggested Competencies:

  • Medicaid Waivers

  • Information & Referral

  • Nursing Home operations

TC Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Associate’s Degree, or Registered Nurse

Experience: A minimum of one year in a Human Services position required. Refer to Basic Considerations of this policy for additional experience requirements.

Any TC in place at the initial implementation of these standards are not subject to the qualifications section of these standards.

Preferred Skillsets:

  • Comfortable with technology such as mobile platforms and data systems.

  • Knowledgeable in Nursing Home operations.

  • Experience with managing case loads and/or projects of a similar size and scope.

  • Knowledgeable of Community Medicaid resources (Waivers).

  • Understanding of Person-Centered philosophy.

  • Understanding of Person Directed planning and/or case management.

Qualification Waiver Process

Should a AAA believe the best candidate for a Transition Coordination position does not meet the requirements listed above, they may apply to DAS for a waiver of the TC Qualifications.

The Waiver request must include the applicant’s curriculum vitae and any other experience, qualifications, and/or education that may influence the decision to waive TC qualifications. Additional rationale may be included.

The Waiver must be submitted by the AAA, in writing, and approved by DAS staff. If approved, the TC Qualifications for that individual are waived and the individual may take the position.

The AAA may not request a 'standing' Waiver, a waiver of the qualifications that applies to the AAA as a whole. Only Waiver requests for individual Transition Coordinators are considered.

Associate TC Qualifications

Education: Completed High School or GED

Experience: None necessary. Field agencies may wish to hire ATCs based on a skill set for a specific support role, such as vendor management, database administration, information & assistance, etc.

Preferred Skillsets: Same as for TC