What Is a Support Coordinator in NJ DDD Services?

What Does a Support Coordinator Do?

A Support Coordinator helps individuals and families navigate the full range of DDD services available to them. Their main responsibilities include assessing needs, building a written service plan, connecting families with approved providers, and monitoring how services are working over time.

Think of a Support Coordinator as a guide through the DDD system. Families do not have to navigate provider options, service planning, and ongoing coordination alone, since the Support Coordinator helps carry much of that process.

How Does a Support Coordinator Help Families?

Support Coordinators support families in several concrete, ongoing ways.

Creating Individualized Service Plans

A Support Coordinator works with the individual and family to build a person-centered Individualized Service Plan (ISP), which outlines specific goals, services, and supports for their needs.

Connecting Families With Approved Providers

Once a plan is in place, the Support Coordinator helps match the individual with DDD-approved providers who offer the specific services the plan calls for. This can include community-based programs, individual support options, employment services, and more. 

Monitoring Services and Ongoing Needs

Needs often change over time, so Support Coordinators regularly check in to review how services are working. They can help adjust the service plan when goals shift or new supports become necessary.

How Do Support Coordinators Work With Service Providers?

Support Coordinators and service providers work together, but they play different roles. The Support Coordinator manages the overall plan and connects families with the right resources, while providers like Community Care Partners deliver the actual day-to-day services outlined in that plan.

Community Care Partners provides services in close collaboration with Support Coordinators, keeping communication open so the plan stays aligned with what’s actually happening day to day.

How Do Families Choose a Support Coordinator in New Jersey?

Families often consider several factors when choosing a Support Coordinator, including:

• Communication style and how easy they are to reach
• Experience working with similar needs or age groups
• Responsiveness to questions or concerns
• Knowledge of available services and local providers
• Ability to understand and reflect the individual’s specific goals

Taking time to consider these factors can make a real difference in how smoothly the process goes.

What Questions Should Families Ask a Support Coordinator?

Before starting with a Support Coordinator, it may help to ask:

• How will we communicate, and how often?
• How often will we review the service plan?
• What happens if my needs or goals change?
• What should I do if I have concerns about my services?

Clear answers to these questions early on can help set realistic expectations from the start.

What Happens After You Have a Support Coordinator?

Once a Support Coordinator is in place, they work with the individual and family to develop, review, or update the Individualized Service Plan. From there, services can begin, and the Support Coordinator continues checking in regularly to track progress and adjust the plan as needed.

This ongoing relationship often continues for as long as the individual receives DDD services, adjusting along the way as goals and circumstances change.

Working With Community Care Partners

Community Care Partners partners closely with Support Coordinators to deliver I/DD support services across New Jersey, including community-based supports, individual supports, and employment services. Our team focuses on building genuine, trusted relationships with each person we support.

Contact our team to learn how we can work alongside your Support Coordinator.