Intensive Support Coordination

In 2015, DBHDD identified the need for an additional level of support coordination services for waiver participants with the highest risk status, resulting in the development of intensive support coordination (ISC). Today, nearly 1,900 waiver participants in Georgia have been enrolled in this service. Intensive support coordination provides specialized coordination of waiver services and medical and behavioral support services for participants with exceptional medical and behavioral needs. Expectations for holistic care coordination and intensity of oversight are significantly increased for waiver participants receiving this service. In addition to the full array of activities included in the traditional support coordination service, intensive support coordinators and their clinical supervisors will assist ISC participants by:

  • Identifying and addressing barriers to care
  • Accessing needed resources and services offered through the waiver and the larger health care system
  • Taking active measures to address complex needs
  • Fostering and maintaining family and other informal relationships and supports

Each intensive support coordination team will consist of one ISC clinical supervisor and typically five ISC coordinators, who serve up to 100 individuals. ISC coordinators have caseloads of no more than 20 individuals. 
ISC coordinators complete a minimum of one face-to-face visit with each assigned ISC individual per month and as many ancillary contacts as are necessary to respond to the service and support coordination needs of the individual. ISC clinical supervisors must be either a registered nurse or a licensed behavioral professional (BCBA, LPC, LCSW, psychologist, or RN) with at least three years of professional experience serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ISC extenders must have a bachelor’s degree in a human services field with at least two years of specialized experience with individuals in a health care or behavioral health setting, and preferred experience with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

For help accessing support coordination services in your area, please contact your regional field office.