We will provide Family and Peer Mentoring assisting families and individuals with life experiences and c Family and Peer Mentoring Supports are provided from an experienced peer mentor, parent or other family member to a peer, another parent or family caregiver who is the primary unpaid support to the individual.
Family and Peer Mentoring Supports include supports to siblings from others with shared experiences. Family and Peer Mentoring Supports include facilitation of parent or family member “matches” and follow-up support to assure the matched relationship meets peer expectations. Family and Peer Mentoring Supports do not provide targeted case management services to a waiver individual; peer mentoring does not include determination of level of care, functional or financial eligibility for services or person-centered service planning.
Family and Peer Mentoring Supports may not duplicate, replace, or supplant Coordination of Community Service or Support Broker Services. This service, limited in nature, is aimed at providing support and advice based on lived experience of a family member or self-advocate.
Support needs for peer mentoring are identified in the individual’s Person-Centered Plan.
The mentor can be an individual with developmental disabilities or the member of a family that includes an individual with developmental disabilities connections to mentors who provide access for locating community resources and supports.
(Scope)
Family and Peer Mentoring Supports provide mentors who have shared experiences as the individual, family, or both individual and family and who provide support and guidance to the individual and his or her family members. Family and Peer mentors explain community services, programs, and strategies they have used to achieve the waiver individual’s goals. It fosters connections and relationships which builds the resilience of the individual and his or her family. Family and Peer Mentoring Supports services encourage individuals and their family members to share their successful strategies and experiences in navigating a broad range of community resources beyond those offered through the waiver with other waiver individuals and their families.
(Setting and Location)
Services can be held at our main office headquarters are located at 229 Washington Blvd S. Laurel, Maryland, MD 20707however services can be provided in a variety of settings in the community
(Staff Training)
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Have a GED or high school diploma;
- Have required credentials, license, certification, and training to provide services;
- Possess current First Aid and CPR certification;
- Pass a criminal background investigation and any other required background checks and credentials verifications.
- Complete necessary pre/in-service training based on the Person-Centered Plan;
- Complete the training designated by DDA. All new hires must complete the DDA required training prior to independent service delivery; and at least every three years.
- Possess a valid driver’s license, if the operation of a vehicle is necessary to provide services;
- Have automobile insurance for all automobiles that are owned, leased, and/or hired and used in the provision of services.
Inclusion Services requires the very best qualities in direct care staff. Direct Care Staff in all of our service areas, whether full or part-time are trained in all aspects listed below. In addition to the required DDA training, in order to be hired by the Agency a person must pass an initial drug screening and random drug tests throughout their period of employment. They also must pass a criminal records check, driving records check, and provide three work references which are scrupulously checked.
As part of the pre-employment process, prospective staff are required to take basic skills testing for math, reading, healthy food menu building, computer skills knowledge, and a writing sample. If a person fails to meet any of these requirements, he/she will not be hired by the company.
Inclusion Services believes in making sure our workers are extremely well trained. Workers receive training in the following areas:
| Aging | CPR | Incident Reporting |
|---|---|---|
| Blood-borne Pathogens | Defensive Driving | Individual Plans (IDOOPI) |
| Behavior Principles and Strategies (BPS Units 1-4) | Fire Safety | Medication Administration (Residential Staff) |
| Communicable Disease | First Aid | OSHA |
| Communication Skills | Fundamental Rights | Seizure Disorders |
| Community Integration | General Characteristics & Needs | Supporting Individuals in Making Choices |
Additional trainings are provided based on the individual needs of the person receiving services.
A number of staff are Certified Medication Technicians and would be able to administer medications off site, as needed. Special needs for some individuals may include blood glucose checks, dietary needs, toileting, etc. and will be accommodated for during the day. Staffing will be coordinated by the respective Program Manager.