Service Coordination is the entry point into the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (SCDDSN) service delivery system. 

Service Coordinators:

• work with families and/or care givers to determine eligibility and assess needs.
• provide consumers with information about person-centered planning and facilitation. 
• Develop a plan of supports
• work with individuals and their families to assess available community resources and develop circles of support. 
• guide you through the Service Delivery System. 
• are "resource experts".
• serve as advocates for individuals with disabilities and special needs. 

In order to find out how you can get a Service Coordinator see our How to Begin Page.

Core Job Functions of a Service Coordinator:

• Intake - Intake is the term used for the process of enrolling someone into the SCDDSN Service Delivery System. This can be anything from completing a home visit and meeting face-to-face, to gathering information to make the necessary referrals.
• Needs Assessment - This is the process of gathering information which is used to determine the "strengths, preferences, resources and needs of the person and family". *
• Plan Development - This includes anything that works towards the goal of establishing the yearly Support Plan. The Service Coordinator should bring together what they know about the individual and discuss their goals in a group setting with those involved in the individual's life and well-being.
• Plan Implementation - This is putting the plan that was developed into action. This includes updating the plan with any new needs that may arise as well as working toward meeting the needs that are already identified.
• Crisis Intervention - This includes responding to needs which would, if not met, put the individual in danger as well as making reports of alleged abuse or neglect and following up with these situations.
• Advocacy - This is where the Service Coordinator works to support the basic rights of the individual and their family including assuring the quality of services being provided.
• Consultation/Collaboration - This involves working with providers and other professionals to best understand an individual's situation as well as anyways to better the situation.
• Monitoring - This includes following up with individuals to ensure satisfaction with the services rendered and to ensure no new services are needed as well as to keep the Support Plan up to date and accurate.

*The above information was taken from the SCDDSN Service Coordination Manual

After You Become Eligible

After you become eligible your Level of Service Coordination will be determined.  There are 2 levels of Service Coordination.  You will be assigned a Service Coordinator based on the Level of Service Coordination you need:
(link to DDSN’s policy on Level I/II service coordination)

Level I:  High Level of Need

Level II:  Lower level of Need

Your Service coordinator will be a guide to services and supports in the service delivery system.

Your service coordinator will work with you to determine the type of assistance or support you need or want through Assessment and developing a Support Plan.