Opening Doors to Services
Service and Support Administrators
Our Service and Support Administration (SSA) team determines eligibility for locally funded services and Medicaid funded support programs for people with developmental disabilities who have been determined eligible for County Board of DD services. They work closely with other agencies and organizations that provide services to ensure needs are being met and help individuals and their families identify and receive the necessary services for a safe and healthy lifestyle. When a person applies and becomes eligible for County Board services, they are assigned an SSA. Together, they begin the process of identifying their needs. Then, they develop an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) to meet those needs. SSAs often help families with the many questions they have about what services are available and how to access those services.
Service and Support Administrators will work with you to:
- Determine your eligibility for services.
- Assess your needs for services and supports.
- Develop an individualized plan to address your needs, including transition planning.
- Identify possible resources.
- Identify technology solutions to meet your needs.
- Make referrals and link you to additional community resources.
- Help you find a service provider, as needed.
- Review the services you are receiving and your satisfaction with the supports.
- Review and update your plan, as your needs change.
Service and Support Administrators are committed to:
- Identifying what is important to you and for you to be healthy and safe.
- Reviewing what is working and what is not working in your life.
- Partnering with you to plan and explore all resources, including residential options.
- Monitoring your satisfaction with your plan and working with you to help change it as needed.
Functions of Service and Support Administration
- Determining eligibility for county board services
- Provide information and referral
- Maintain waiting lists for services provided or administered by the county board
- Coordinate crisis/emergency intervention
- Function as single point of accountability for individuals who receive service and support administration
Eligibility Determination
Issues of eligibility for services provided or administered by the county board are handled by the SSA Department. The SSA Department receives referrals, gathers necessary information, arranges for assessments, presents results to the agency eligibility committee, refers eligible individuals for county board services, and informs those not eligible for board services about other available options.
Information and Referral
Anyone living in Lorain County is eligible to access information through the SSA department. This is often the first step to finding “key” solutions to questions or problems involving people with disabilities.
Waiting Lists
Separate waiting lists are maintained for each source of funding for residential services and supports. Waiting list assessments can be obtained by contacting the SSA office. Specific questions will be referred to a staff member within the Service and Support Administration department.
Crisis Intervention and Assessment
With concerns, call (440) 324-2366 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday or (440) 282-1131 outside of these hours.
Employment First Notification
A list of resources and programs that support community employment and help individuals with developmental disabilities to explore work opportunities and to evaluate how having earned income will impact their life/benefits.
Support Administration
The following functions are performed by SSAs functioning as the single point of accountability for specific individuals: assess needs; develop and modify individual service plans; establish individual budgets for county board-funded services; assist individuals to choose service providers; monitor services delivered by contracted providers; and ensure that services are continuously appropriate, delivered in accordance with the individual plan, and effectively coordinated on a day-to-day basis.
Contact Information
Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities
9740 Murray Ridge Road
Elyria, OH 44035-4805
Telephone: (440) 324-2366 or (440) 233-4600
Fax: (440) 322-0588
hgurchik@murrayridgecenter.org