What is a Supports Broker? | Lehigh Valley Autism

What's a Supports Broker?

It's a qualified professional who helps individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities or autism, and their families, navigate and manage self-directed services and supports, including employer-related tasks and understanding public funds rules.

What they do:

Assist with self-direction: They help individuals and families understand and implement self-directed services, including managing budgets, hiring and supervising staff, and finding community resources.

Employer-related tasks: They can assist with tasks like creating job descriptions, interviewing and hiring staff, scheduling paid/unpaid support and managing payroll for Support Service Professionals (SSPs). Developing, implementing and modifying a back-up plan for services, staffing for emergencies and/or SSP absences.
Budget management: They help individuals and families understand and manage their budgets, ensuring services are used effectively and efficiently.
Community integration: They can help connect individuals with community resources and activities, promoting inclusion and participation.
Reviewing of workplace safety issues and strategies for effective management of workplace injury prevention.

How they work

Supports brokers work collaboratively with the individual, their family, and other members of the support team, such as case managers or support coordinators. Supports brokers are paid by the waiver.

Why they are important

Supports brokers empower individuals with disabilities to make choices and take control of their lives, leading to greater independence and community integration.

Providers:

Beacon Specialized Living

Where: 100 Abington Executive Park, Suite B, Clarks Summit, PA 18411

Call: 570.702.8000

Website

Core Values Support Services

Where: 1275 Glenlivet Drive, Suite 100 Allentown, PA 18106

Call: 888-711-3698

Website

Paths to Self Direction

Where: 1108 W Walnut St, Allentown, PA 18102

Call: 484-387-4165