Independent Facilitator

Exceptional Connections is seeking a motivated Independent Facilitator who is passionate about supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through California’s Self-Determination Program.

Position Summary

The Independent Facilitator works directly with individuals and families to understand their goals, identify needed supports, navigate Regional Center systems, and successfully implement services through the Self-Determination Program.

This role includes Person-Centered Planning, advocacy, service coordination, individual budget and spending plan support, documentation, research, and ongoing follow-up. The ideal candidate is organized, responsive, resourceful, and comfortable managing multiple clients and deadlines independently.

This is a remote position with a flexible schedule. Team members may set their own working hours while meeting client needs, deadlines, communication expectations, and scheduled meetings.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized Independent Facilitation services that reflect each client’s goals, preferences, strengths, and support needs.
• Facilitate or support Person-Centered Planning and help translate identified goals into practical services, supports, and next steps.
• Advocate for clients with Regional Centers, service providers, FMS agencies, and other systems as needed.
• Support clients in understanding, developing, reviewing, and implementing Self-Determination Program individual budgets and spending plans.
• Monitor client budgets and spending to identify funding concerns, service gaps, or needed spending plan changes.
• Assist clients with identifying service providers, community resources, programs, employees, and other supports aligned with their goals.
• Participate in client, Regional Center, provider, and planning meetings as needed and complete appropriate follow-up.
• Prepare professional emails, case summaries, Person-Centered Plans, meeting notes, and other client documentation.
• Track renewals, service requests, authorizations, rate changes, spending plan revisions, and other important deadlines.
• Maintain organized and accurate client records and follow through on outstanding tasks in a timely manner.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with clients, families, Regional Centers, FMS agencies, providers, and the Exceptional Connections team.
• Manage assigned clients independently while collaborating with the team when additional support or guidance is needed.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and professional development as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, education, human services, disability studies, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Professional or significant volunteer experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
• Knowledge of California’s Regional Center system and developmental disability services strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with the Self-Determination Program, individual budgets, spending plans, Financial Management Services, and the Lanterman Act preferred.
• Experience with Person-Centered Planning, Person-Centered Thinking, Independent Facilitation, service coordination, or case management preferred.
• Strong advocacy, problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple client relationships, projects, and deadlines independently.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and with different communication and support needs.
• Comfort working with budgets, financial reports, spreadsheets, and detailed documentation.
• Reliable computer, smartphone, high-speed internet connection, and a professional work-from-home environment.
• Bilingual English/Spanish or another Regional Center threshold language is a plus.

Work Environment & Benefits

• Remote, work-from-home position.
• Flexible schedule with the ability to set your own hours around client needs, required meetings, and deadlines.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Opportunity to work directly with individuals and families and make a meaningful impact through the Self-Determination Program.
• Ongoing learning and professional development opportunities.
• Potential for increased responsibility and professional growth as Exceptional Connections continues to expand.

What We Value

Exceptional Connections values professionals who are dependable, proactive, compassionate, organized, resourceful, and client-centered. We are looking for someone who takes ownership of their work, follows through consistently, communicates professionally, and understands the importance of both strong advocacy and careful attention to detail.