Service Coordination
What Is Service Coordination?
Service Coordination is a person-centered service that helps individuals with disabilities and their families access the supports and resources they need to live as independently and successfully as possible.
A Service Coordinator works with individuals and families to identify goals, develop a plan, connect them with services, and monitor those services over time. They serve as a guide and advocate, helping navigate systems that can often feel overwhelming.
What Does a Service Coordinator Do?
Service Coordinators may:
Complete assessments to identify an individual's strengths, needs, and goals.
Develop an individualized support or service plan.
Coordinate services between providers, schools, healthcare professionals, and community agencies.
Help families understand and access available local, state, and federal programs.
Assist with referrals for therapies, medical providers, behavioral supports, employment services, transportation, housing, and other community resources.
Monitor services to ensure they continue to meet the individual's needs.
Help plan for major life transitions, such as starting school, graduating, obtaining employment, or transitioning to adult services.
Advocate for the individual's rights, preferences, and personal goals.
Provide information about available funding sources and eligibility requirements.
Offer ongoing support as needs and circumstances change.
Who Can Receive Service Coordination?
Service Coordination is available to individuals who meet eligibility requirements established by their state or local developmental disability services agency. Eligibility varies by location and may depend on factors such as diagnosis, age, level of need, and available funding.
What Is Person-Centered Planning?
A key responsibility of a Service Coordinator is facilitating person-centered planning. This means the individual receiving services is at the center of every decision. Together with family members, caregivers, and other members of the support team, the Service Coordinator helps create a plan based on the person's:
Goals and dreams
Strengths and abilities
Preferences and interests
Support needs
Health and safety considerations
The goal is to help individuals live meaningful lives while promoting independence, community inclusion, and self-determination.
When Should You Contact a Service Coordinator?
You may benefit from working with a Service Coordinator if you:
Have recently received a disability diagnosis.
Need help understanding available services.
Are unsure what resources you qualify for.
Need assistance coordinating multiple providers.
Are preparing for a transition, such as entering school or adulthood.
Need support accessing community programs, employment, housing, or healthcare services.
The Goal of Service Coordination
The purpose of Service Coordination is to ensure individuals receive the right supports at the right time. Rather than providing all services directly, Service Coordinators help bring together the people, programs, and resources that best meet an individual's unique needs while supporting choice, independence, and quality of life.
Contact your Office today to see if you could benefit from Service Coordination!
Missouri DMH Map of Regional Office Link Here: https://dmh.mo.gov/dev-disabilities/regional-offices
