Job Posting: Associate Director of InterHab

InterHab is now accepting applications for the open Associate Director Position.

To access/download the application announcement and instructions, please click here.

If you have any questions, please contact Christopher Gunn by clicking here.

Robert Perske 1928-2016

Sad news, as I/DD advocate and writer Robert Perske recently passed away. For most of his life, he used words to chronicle the best--and the worst--in life for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, it was his actions--as chaplain, administrator, and advocate--that carried farthest his timeless message of compassion and justice for the I/DD community.

The InterHab family is thankful for Bob's efforts and example. We will continue to follow them.

For more information about Bob's life and passing, visit the ACL Blog here.

Congratulating Sharon Spratt

InterHab staff congratulates Sharon Spratt, CEO of Cottonwood, Inc. and an important voice in the InterHab family, for being named to the Lawrence Business Hall of Fame!  

The award is in recognition of her "dedication to the Lawrence community" and for being "an inspiration to [Junior Achievement of Kansas] students."  A tribute dinner will be held on Tuesday, October 18 at the Kansas Union Ballroom on the KU campus in Lawrence.  For tickets, please contact Debbie Harman at (785) 841-8245.

Job Posting: Community Relations Manager

Mosaic, a faith-based nonprofit organization that provides a life of possibilities for people with intellectual disabilities, is now accepting applications for its next Community Relations Manager in Kansas City.

The Community Relations Manager, or CRM, is responsible for enhancing Mosaic's relationship to the Kansas City community, as well as developing its financial support through fundraising and marketing campaigns.  A minimally-qualified candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in marketing or related field, three years' minimum experience in a similar position, and previous experience with grant writing and volunteer management.

Please visit this website for more information, or to apply.

Job Posting: Executive Director

Sunflower Diversified Services is seeking a new Executive Director

Sunflower Diversified Services, Inc., the largest, most esteemed, and only nonprofit agency of its kind in Central Kansas, is now accepting applications for its next Executive Director.  It is also the only agency in its five-county region that offers programs for persons with developmental disabilities of all ages, from birth through retirement.

Sunflower Diversified Services represents a partnership amongst five Kansas counties--Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush, and Stafford--with a combined population of more than 50,000. Communities in its service area include the largest city of Great Bend with its population of 16,000, and 36 smaller cities and towns, as well as extensive rural, unincorporated areas.

The Executive Director is the chief administrative officer of the agency, subject to supervision by the Board, and responsible for the proper administration of all affairs of Sunflower Diversified Services. Duties include (but are not limited to):

• Implement the agency's strategic plan;
• Develops strategies for financial viability;
• Ensures agency efficiency regarding services provided and administration;
• Develops an annual budget;
• Serves as the agency's primary spokesperson to the media and general public;
• Oversees all marketing campaigns, including the use of local media;
• Participates in local organizations to promote the agency's public profile.

A minimally qualified candidate will have: (1) experience in a position with responsibility for budget management and direct employee supervision; (2) a Bachelors degree in liberal or business arts or related field from an accredited university; (3) evidence of a stable employment history and career advancement; (4) excellent communication skills; and (5) an unblemished record of professional integrity.

In addition, well-qualified candidate will have: (1) five years in a management position in a nonprofit community agency that serves people with developmental disabilities; (2) previous personal or professional relationships with persons with developmental disabilities; (3) experience with a nonprofit board of directors; (4) demonstrated skill and knowledge of nonprofit fund raising; and (5) record of community volunteerism.

Preferred candidates will also possess: (1) leadership qualities to build and sustain positive relationships; (2) competence to perform executive with excellence; (3) skills to adapt to socioeconomic and governmental changes; (4) the passion and commitment to serve and advocate for persons with developmental disabilities.

The base salary starts in the mid-$80,000 range; resume submissions should be received by August 5, 2016.

For more information, including a comprehensive job description and recruitment profile, please contact Marla Flentje at 316-250-1344, or by email at mflentje@austinpeters.com

Power Up! 2016 Pre-Conference

HCBS Settings Final Rule…You mean we might have to change?!?

How is your State’s implementation of the HCBS Settings Rule going?  Do you want to be involved but are not sure how? Or do you wish it would just go away?

This session will walk through one state’s process and experience in getting CMS final approval on their Statewide Transition Plan and what it means for people with disabilities and for providers in Tennessee.  Michelle Morse Jernigan, from Tennessee’s State Medicaid Agency (TennCare) will share how TennCare developed their transition plan processes, how they involved (and relied upon) stakeholders, how implementation is going, and the promise these changes hold to impact the lives of people served in Tennessee’s LTSS programs.  She will discuss experiences with persons served and their families, providers, and success story surprises.  This session will include a presentation from Michelle on the components of Tennessee’s approved transition plan, assessment processes and heightened scrutiny reviews as well as how the state engaged consumers, families, providers and advocates, and at least an hour for an interactive discussion. 

Visit the Power Up! 2016 website to register for the pre-conference and conference.

Power Up! 2016 - Registration is open!

Registration for Power Up! 2016--the Midwest's premier human services event--is now open!  Click here to register, to submit presentations, or to view a tentative schedule of events.

Also, don't forget to like InterHab and Power Up! on Facebook!

Job Posting: Targeted Case Manager

The Arc of Sedgwick County is now accepting applications for a Targeted Case Manager.

The Arc of Sedgwick County is a nonprofit organization that began in 1953 in a grassroots effort by parents concerned about services and future opportunities for their children and the families and children of tomorrow. Since then, it has has promoted their general welfare, fostered the development of programs on their behalf and increased the public’s awareness and acceptance.

The Targeted Case Manager will be responsible for ensuring that person served has the maximum independence and successful inclusion into the community living though medical, social, educational, and other needed services.

Qualified candidates will have a BA/BS in Human Services or related field and a minimum of six months experience working with people with developmental disabilities. Successful work experience in the related field to equal 1080 hours/semester may be substituted for an education.

For more information, or to apply, click here.

Member Job Posting: Executive Director

Sunflower Diversified Services, Inc.--a non-profit organization serving communities in central Kansas with services for children and adults with developmental disabilities--is seeking qualified candidates to be their next executive director.

Sunflower is a Great Bend-based nonprofit that provides education, residential, day, employment, case management, and other services for people of all ages, from birth through retirement.

Qualified candidates will, at minimum, possess: (1) experience in a position with responsibility for budget management and direct employee supervision; (2) a Bachelor's Degree in the liberal arts, business, or related field from an accredited university; (3) evidence of a stable employment history and career advancement; (4) excellent communication skills; and (5) an unblemished record of professional integrity.

Preferred candidates will possess: (1) five years in a management position in a nonprofit community agency that serves people with developmental disabilities; (2) previous personal or professional relationships with persons with developmental disabilities; (3) experience with a nonprofit board of directors; (4) demonstrated skill and knowledge of nonprofit fund raising; and (5) a record of community volunteerism.

The Board of Directors is committed to providing a base salary and benefits that are competitive with similar agencies in Kansas. The low end of the base salary range for this position is in the mid $80,000.  Support for communications technology, professional development, and association memberships may be negotiated as a part of total compensation.

Click here for more information:

InterHab Brings On New Staff

Christopher Gunn comes aboard to help InterHab and its members push forward towards a better future for the I/DD community.

Tim Wood, Executive Director, announced that Christopher Gunn has joined InterHab as General Counsel and Director of Communications.  In that role, he will oversee InterHab's legal prerogatives and public messaging.

Chris comes to InterHab from private practice, where he provided counsel on immigration, probate, and civil issues.  He is a graduate of the Washburn School of Law, earning a Juris Doctor and Certificate in Business and Transactional Law. Prior to law school, he taught high school English.

While not a native Kansan, Chris has proudly adopted Kansas as his home state.  He originally hails from North Dakota--as he says, "close enough to the Canadian border to appreciate a good hockey game."  

Outside of the office, Chris and his wife Annie spend most of their time trying to keep pace with their two children, ages 7 and 4, who never seem to tire.  When time permits, he can usually be found doing something musical, or chasing that great dream of every English teacher--writing a great American novel.

Through his professional life, Chris has dedicated himself to helping others bridge the gap between where they are in life and where they want to be.

If you would like to contact Chris, he can be reached by email at cgunn@interhab.org, or by phone at (785) 235-5103.

Miss Unstoppable winner to be featured in Miss Kansas parade

Rebecca Oare, 17, playing the violin in
the talent portion of the 2016 Miss
Unstoppable Pageant hosted by the
ARC of Sedgwick County

Last month, 26 contestants participated in interview, runway, talent, and evening gown categories and showed what it means to be Unstoppable.

The Miss Unstoppable pageant is a friendly competition for women and girls with intellectual/developmental disabilities, ages 6 and up that provides an opportunity to showcase poise and talents, learn self-confidence, develop social skills, network and have fun while they take the stage.

Rebecca Oare, 17, was crowned the overall winner and will be highlighted along with the Miss Kansas contestants in the 2016 Miss Kansas Parade on June 10.

KDADS and KDHE asking for feedback on KanCare

Kansas is preparing to renew the KanCare Medicaid program and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) need input and ideas about the renewal, and about potential changes that are being considered.

State staff will be hosting feedback sessions at locations across that state, where they will provide updates and information about KanCare. Attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback about the renewal process.

Each location will include a 1-3 p.m. session and a 5:30-7:30 p.m. session. The same information and opportunity for feedback will be shared at each session.

Tuesday, May 24

Topeka

Ramada Hotel & Convention Center

420 SE 6th Street

Wednesday, May 25

Wichita 

Marriott Wichita 

2100 Corporate Hills Drive

Kansas City

Jack Reardon Civic Center (Hilton Garden Inn)

520 Minnesota Avenue

Thursday, May 26

Hays 

Rose Garden

2350 East 8th

Pittsburg

Pittsburg State University

1701 South Broadway 

Area professionals recognized for their contributions to the community

Kansas professionals in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities are in the news this month for their outstanding support to the community.

Kathy Brennon of Tri-Valley Developmental Services was honored with the 2016 Community Service Award, presented by the Erie Chamber of Commerce.

Sharon Spratt of Cottonwood Inc., was inducted as a 2016 Lawrence Business Hall of Fame Laureate by Junior Achievement of Kansas for her dedication for the Lawrence community and for serving as an inspiration for Junior Achievement students.

Starkey CEO Colin McKenney was presented the Professional of the Year award by the Arc of Sedgwick County at their annual "Arc Awards" in Wichita.

Last week, Cary Odell from Johnson County Developmental Supports won ANCOR’s 2016 recognition award for the Direct Support Professional of the Year for the State of Kansas.

Kathy Brennon, Tri-Valley Developmental Supports, with her Community
Service Award from the Erie Chamber of Commerce. 

Cottonwood's Sharon Spratt will be inducted as a 2016 Lawrence
Business Hall of Fame Laureate by Junior Achievement of Kansas 

Starkey CEO Colin McKenney was presented the
Professional of the Year award by the Arc of Sedgwick County

Cary Odell, Johnson County Developmental Supports, won ANCOR’s
 2016 recognition award for the Direct Support Professional
of the Year for the State of Kansas

Member Job Posting: CDDO Director

Johnson County Developmental Supports (JCDS) serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  We focus on individuals’ abilities, provide choice driven supports, and advocate alongside people to live and work in our community.  JCDS is currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Community Developmental Disabilities Organization (CDDO) Director.  Responsibilities include:

Maintain a provider network and CDDO service capacity; interpret and relay funding decisions to staff, affiliates and members of the public; collaborate with County departments and agencies to address regulatory or legal compliance matters; assess service capacity resource needs for CDDO affiliates.

Serve as a member of JCDS Senior Management Team; develop and manage the network strategic plan in providing leadership of the CDDO; collaborate on strategies to address current and future operational  issues including long-term and short-term strategic initiatives; assist in the County budget and planning processes.

Represent JCDS and Johnson County Government interests in local and statewide development and committee activities including annual contract negotiations with outside agencies (e.g., KDADS); participate in the Johnson County Transition Council and Community Coordination Team; provide testimony at hearings or special committee meetings locally or at the State.

Direct and lead Community Developmental Disabilities Organization (CDDO) operations in effectively addressing consumer, family, and affiliate service access issues and Quality Assurance matters; initiate and facilitate problem solving discussions and develop strategies that lead to actionable decisions; provide systemic leadership to Johnson County affiliate providers; serve as a liaison with local organizational staff and state officials concerning consumer crisis situations; review and submit crisis recommendations to the State.

Supervise CDDO staff: hire new employees, evaluate performance and provide feedback and coaching to staff; resolve employee relations issues; delegate assignments and monitor workload; make recommendations for formal corrective action.  

Job Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Rehabilitation, Business, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field is required.  Master’s degree in Special Education, Rehabilitation, Business, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field is preferred.

Five years of experience working in the IDD field or a related field is required.  Three years of strategic leadership experience in public administration or a human service agency is required.  Must have experience with and knowledge of regulations and funding options, preferably in Kansas.

Experience can substitute for education and education can substitute for experience.


Apply Here

KDHE could face cuts under Brownback's options

Gov. Brownback looks to KDHE cuts in response to
 budget shortfall. File photo by Orlin Wagner - AP 

One way Governor Sam Brownback is suggesting the state patch it's budget hole includes a $35 million cut to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

According to KHI News, the cut will likely force KDHE to reduce payments to the three managed care organizations that administer KanCare, the Medicaid program in Kansas. The companies likely would pass on those cuts in the form of lower reimbursements to health providers.

In addition to the KDHE cuts, Brownback would also take $185 million from the state highway fund, and cut spending to state universities by 3 percent, about $17 million, for the fiscal year beginning July 1. That would continue a 3 percent cut he ordered earlier this month.

Read more. 

Legislative Update: lawmakers preview Governor's budget recommendations

Gloom and criticism overcome the fading voices of false optimism; Medicaid provider rate cuts are on the table.

Tim Wood and Barb Conant of InterHab, attended this morning's Administration briefing of the joint legislative budget committees. The briefing was not warmly received by legislators.  Democrats were highly critical of the poor budget cutting choices being demanded by another round of lowered revenue expectations. Legislative GOP leaders were grim and seldom was heard an encouraging word (and yes, Governor, the skies are NOT sunny today).

In addition to picking on his recurring targets (universities, highways and pension funds) the Governor's people admitted today that yes, it is likely that Medicaid provider rates would be the only area to cut in the KanCare program.

The budget committees are meeting separately this afternoon and into tomorrow. More will be reported when more is known about how they intend to approach this mess.

All in all, things are getting darker in the Statehouse. One question remains as to whether the tiny candle of common sense will survive which has continued to shed a little glimmer of light on the glaring need for tax adjustments. But maybe even the bigger question is this:

Have Kansans in all walks of life finally had enough of the wrecking ball of State budget cuts?

For sure, these items can be reported to your community supporters:

Medicaid cuts will hurt providers, and will damage critically needed services for Kansans with disabilities. State legislators MUST do something to bring fiscal stability back to the State to assure that budget instability will be resolved and to protect Kansas citizens from program failures.

CMS releases FAQs

This week the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released additional Frequently Asked Questions on implementation activities associated with the home and community-based services final regulation.

Specifically, guidance is provided on how CMS will review requests to build new settings in categories that are presumed to be institutional in nature. The guidance also identifies the components of person-centered planning regulatory requirements that are in effect now and those that are part of the home and community-based settings transition period in effect through March 2019.

This information is part of an ongoing effort to assist states in meeting regulatory requirements for residential and non-residential home and community-based settings.

The full Home and community-based services (HCBS) toolkit, including the updated portions, is available online here. 

KHI Reports: KDADS interim secretary to lead bone marrow drive for Parsons employee

KHI News reported the following article about interim KDADS secretary Tim Keck.

KDADS interim secretary to lead bone marrow drive for Parsons employee
Agency leader has emphasized boosting staff morale at state hospitals
By Andy Marso | April 14, 2016

Since he took over as interim secretary of the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, Tim Keck has emphasized improving morale at state hospitals by letting employees know they are appreciated and their concerns are heard.

Now Keck is backing up those words with action of a personal sort, encouraging KDADS employees to participate in a bone marrow drive on behalf of a co-worker in need of a transplant.

In a statement released Wednesday, Keck said he plans to be first in line next week when agency employees get their cheeks swabbed to determine whether they’re a match for Zach Williams, who has acute myeloid leukemia.

“Every KDADS employee understands the importance of helping Zach and his family in their time of need, especially facing an uncertain future,” Keck said. “It’s part of the mission of the agency — to foster an environment that promotes security, dignity and independence — and I will be the first donor in line.”

Photo by Courtesy Zach Williams, a mental health
 developmental disability technician at Parsons State Hospital and
Training Center, was diagnosed earlier this year with acute
myeloid leukemia. Co-workers are organizing a bone marrow drive
in hopes of finding a donor. Williams is pictured with his son Jaqwuan.

Williams is a mental health developmental disability technician at Parsons State Hospital and Training Center, one of two state facilities for Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Keck’s comments about employee morale primarily have been geared toward the state’s two facilities that serve Kansans with mental illnesses in Osawatomie and Larned and have struggled to recruit and retain staff.

Williams, a father of four, was diagnosed in February by doctors who told him he could expect to live only a few more months.

But physicians at a specialized cancer care center in Chicago had a more optimistic prognosis — if Williams can find a bone marrow donor who is at least a 50 percent match. None of the 22 million U.S. donors currently registered fit the criteria.

Williams is African-American, a demographic that is underrepresented on the registry.

“We need more African-American donors,” he said. “Even if someone doesn’t match me, they could save someone else.”

The bone marrow drive is being organized by Marlys Shomber-Jones, program manager at the Parsons hospital.

Shomber-Jones said there are 14,000 Americans awaiting a bone marrow match.

“Patients are most likely to match donors who share their ancestry, which means that a more diverse registry will raise the odds of matches for African-American patients like Zach who are in need of a life-saving transplant,” Shomber-Jones said. “Unfortunately, less than half of patients with ethnic backgrounds searching for a transplant will find one due to lack of diversity on the registry.”

KHI Article

Starkey receives Over the Years Award

Starkey, the oldest community-based nonprofit in Sedgwick County, was presented with the Over The Years Award by the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce.

The award recognizes businesses and organizations that are good, longstanding corporate citizens and major contributors to the community’s economic well-being.

The award was presented to Colin McKenney, Chief Executive Officer, on April 7, at the Chamber’s annual Honors Night.

Local inventors in finals of national competition to help people with disabilities

Students from Gardner Edgerton High School  will soon go to the finals of the SourceAmerica Design Challenge, an annual national engineering competition in which high school students create technology that assists adults with disabilities in their workplaces.

The team designed a device called CAPS for Roy, a person served by Johnson County Developmental Supports, to help him with his job of packaging drywall screws and anchors.

Fox4 News reported that the invention has helped Roy increase his productivity by 40 percent and has given him increased independence.

Learn more.