Acadia Care Group

09/10/2021

How To Deal With Kids Playing In Your Driveway

A little break from all of the reality in the world …

Enjoy !!!

09/01/2021

Acadia Care Group is currently seeking dependable, motivated and energetic Direct Care Workers to provide Habilitation Care, Attendant Care, and Respite Care Services to our members with Developmental Disabilities. I have a member in Queen Creek looking for the following schedule..... If you are interested or know anyone looking for a job please reach out to us in the office. Thank you!

Week 9/1
Wednesday from 1:15pm-5:30pm. Thursday 9/2, 3:30pm-6:30pm. Friday 9/3, 3:30pm-6:30pm

Week 9/6
Mon, tues, Thurs, Fri 3:30pm-6:30pm
Wednesday 9/8
1:15pm-5:30pm.

Sept 13th HAH Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 3:30pm-8:00pm. Wednesday, HAH from 1:30pm-4:30pm and Respite from 4:30pm-8:00pm. Starting the week 9/13
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Friday 3:30pm-7:30pm

08/28/2021

*SpokeChoice will be down and not available for you to clock in/out or to enter data on Saturday, 8/28/21 from 10am-11pm.***

You will need to use the forgot to clock in/out feature when the system is back up after 11pm Saturday.

PLEASE REMEMBER YOU HAVE 48 HOURS IN WHICH TO ENTER A MISSED VISIT; otherwise, you will need to contact your Supervisor for further assistance.

08/27/2021

We are one month out 09/25/2021 for the Steven Hunter Youth Foundation Kids with Autism Celebrity Golf Tournament at Augusta Ranch Golf Course... We are super excited to be working with the foundation and being a part of this awesome event. There is still time to sign up for the tournament or even be a sponsor. If you are interested head over to the site and get signed up. We will be out there and hope to see many people out there supporting this amazing foundation and event!!!!

www.shbatraining.com/fathers-united

We are one month out 09/25/2021 for the Steven Hunter Youth Foundation Kids with Autism Celebrity Golf Tournament at Augusta Ranch Golf Course... We are super excited to be working with the foundation and being a part of this awesome event. There is still time to sign up for the tournament or even be a sponsor. If you are interested head over to the site and get signed up. We will be out there and hope to see many people out there supporting this amazing foundation and event!!!!

www.shbatraining.com/fathers-united

08/16/2021

DDD Informational Videos | Arizona Department of Economic Security

New Videos On the DDD Website

DDD recently published seven new videos for members and families. These videos were created as part of DDD’s Current 2 Future initiative. The videos introduce members and their families to DDD. They will help members and families better understand DDD.

https://des.az.gov/services/disabilities/developmental-disabilities/DDD-informational-videos

On May 13, 2021, Governor Doug Ducey and DES announced Arizona’s Back to Work Program. DES provides a variety of workforce services and child care assistance. For more information, please visit the Arizona's Back to Work program.

08/13/2021

Just an FYI ...

Just an FYI ...

08/06/2021

HERE’S SOME EXCITING NEWS FROM ACADIA CARE GROUP ...

Here at Acadia Care Group, we are an agency that is run, and owned, by a father who has a special needs kiddo, so he knows what it’s like during this stressful time … we’re doing everything we can to help families and parents out. We’ve been crunching numbers and raised our pay rates!!!!

Our pay rates are now starting at $13.09 for ATC, $15.41 for HAH and $13.12 for RSP.

Based on experience and certifications, pay rates are a little more.
It’s always been Craig’s topmost importance that we pay the highest pay rates to our providers that we possibly can.
We’ll be updating pay rates within the next week or so …
Have a fantastic weekend.

HERE’S SOME EXCITING NEWS FROM ACADIA CARE GROUP ...

Here at Acadia Care Group, we are an agency that is run, and owned, by a father who has a special needs kiddo, so he knows what it’s like during this stressful time … we’re doing everything we can to help families and parents out. We’ve been crunching numbers and raised our pay rates!!!!

Our pay rates are now starting at $13.09 for ATC, $15.41 for HAH and $13.12 for RSP.

Based on experience and certifications, pay rates are a little more.
It’s always been Craig’s topmost importance that we pay the highest pay rates to our providers that we possibly can.
We’ll be updating pay rates within the next week or so …
Have a fantastic weekend.

07/27/2021

UPDATE TO DCW (DIRECT CARE WORKER) TRANING FOR THOSE THAT DO ATC HOURS OR HSK HOURS:

As communicated on June 4, 2021, AHCCCS announced changes to several COVID-19 flexibilities that will impact DDD members and the professionals who support them. The Division has received clarification regarding the termination of the Direct Care Worker (DCW) training flexibility. Effective July 1, 2021 , all DCWs will be required to complete their training requirements within 90 days of their hire date. This means all agency employees providing Attendant Care services (ATC) or Housekeeping (HSK) must complete the mandatory Direct Care Worker training, including parents providing these services to their minor children. The target date for completion is September 30, 2021.

07/20/2021

Acadia Care Group is currently seeking Direct Support Professionals to provide Respite Care, Habilitation Care and Attendant Care in the East Valley including Gilbert, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Mesa, etc ...

What is a DSP (Direct Support Professional) ???

Direct Support Professionals work one-on-one with kiddos who have developmental disabilities. They teach new goals, help them out in the community and hang out with them in their home providing Respite Care & Habilitation Care.

Acadia Care Group needs caring Direct Support Professionals in the East Valley to make a difference in the life of a kiddo with a Developmental Disability, like Autism.

At Acadia Care Group, our Respite and Habilitation Caregivers play an integral role in the day-to-day lives of our members and their families. At Acadia you will work with young adults, teens, and kids! Strong, empathetic, and driven individuals are encouraged to apply.

Qualified candidates will have the following…

Article 9 Certificate
CPR/First Aid
Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card
Arizona Drivers License

This is a part-time job, mostly after school and on weekends.

If you’re a College Student, Paraprofessional or looking for a extra income, then this job could work for you.

www.acadiacaregroup.com

07/16/2021

azahcccs.gov

Apparently AHCCCS provided, for CMS review, the attached spending plan and narrative for implementation of section 9817 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 ...

We'll wait to see what the final verdict is regarding parents continuing to be caregivers for underage kids ...

07/15/2021

We had a visitor today in the office!!! Thank you Pawsitive Friendships for brining Paxton by to say hi. We enjoyed the visit and being able to feed him snacks!!!

07/12/2021

Former Suns player Steven Hunter on personal mission to help special needs students, their families

Former Suns player Steven Hunter on personal mission to help special needs students, their families

Longtime Suns fans may know Steven Hunter from the team's famed 2004-2005 season, or alongside the ABC15 team providing expert analysis during the NBA Finals.

07/12/2021

Spent some time with Steven Hunter and his family earlier this week, learning more about the amazing work they’re doing for special needs students, teachers and families.
.
The former Suns player and his wife have a son who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. I was so inspired by their passion for advocating for and supporting other families, I knew I HAD to share!
.
Tune in after tonight’s #nbafinals game on ABC15 Arizona for the full story and ways you can get involved!

07/01/2021

An absolutely great charity ...

An absolutely great charity ...

06/25/2021

COVID-19 FLEXIBILITIES UPDATE
Transmittal Date - 06/04/2021

Over the last 15 months, the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) has changed the way DDD and other Managed Care Organizations in Arizona support individuals who receive Medicaid benefits in Arizona. Many of these changes were implemented by AHCCCS with approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in order to ensure individuals were still able to receive services while at the same time protecting the health and safety of the professionals providing those services. DDD has referred to these authorized changes as “flexibilities” since they were implemented as they allowed our program to be flexible in how services are provided.

Since the beginning of the PHE, these flexibilities were understood to be temporary and would eventually be unwound. AHCCCS worked with CMS to tie the flexibilities to the end of the PHE, which the White House has indicated will most likely last through the end of 2021. AHCCCS has recently announced changes that will impact DDD members and the professionals who support them. This information was shared with DDD staff on Thursday, June 3, 2021, and with the attendees of the Town Hall meeting held on June 3, 2021. The announced changes are outlined below.

Flexibilities Ending Prior to the Conclusion of the PHE
• Effective July 1, 2021 - All Direct Care Workers will once again be required to complete their training requirements within 90-days of being hired. *

• Effective October 1, 2021 - Annual limit of respite hours will return to 600 hours per contract year.

At this time the earliest the public health emergency will conclude is September 30, 2021, however it is likely it will be extended through the end of the calendar year, December 31, 2021.

Flexibilities Ending Upon Conclusion of the PHE

• Virtual case management (support coordination) visits for ALTCS members. **

• Reimbursement for parents offering direct care to minor children. ***

• Virtual supervisory visits of Direct Care Workers.
• Home delivered meals.

*DDD is currently seeking clarification if this will also apply to DCWs who are providing Attendant Care services to their minor children, since this flexibility will end at the conclusion of the PHE.

**DDD is still considering when the resumption of in-person planning meetings will occur and the provisions of the new model. As soon as a date is determined, you will be notified. Copyright © 2021 Arizona Department of Economic Security

***Federal regulations do not permit the Medicaid program under AHCCCS’ 1115 Waiver to pay parents to provide personal care services to their minor children; this was only available as a result of the public health emergency. The flexibility was granted to allow members and their families options for services to continue during the pandemic to support choice in deciding whether or not to allow direct care workers into their homes to mitigate risk of exposure and to ensure continuity of services in the event direct care workers were not feeling well, became ill or decided not to work as the result of the pandemic. As a result, once the public health emergency ends, AHCCCS is no longer able to allow this service delivery model. More guidance for Support Coordinators and Network staff related to helping members and families transition services will be provided in the coming weeks.

AHCCCS is reviewing additional flexibilities and will provide more information as it becomes available.

06/24/2021

Morning, wanted to remind everyone we still have the social skills group going on every Sunday at Mariposa Point Senior Living Center in partnership with Pawsitive Friendships.

We have now added a second facility The Enclave at Gilbert Senior Living Center. The day and time for this location is Wednesday's at 9am.

If you are interested in attending either day please head on over and sign up by clicking on the link below.

https://pawsitivefriendships.simplybook.me/

If you are not with Acadia it is a quick and simple process to get hours moved over strictly for the program. You can contact Brooke at 4804011200 or email [email protected]

Lets get these dates filled up... you never know what animal will be joining your session!!!!

06/08/2021

Acadia Care Group is currently seeking dependable, motivated and energetic Direct Care Workers to provide Habilitation Care, Attendant Care, and Respite Care Services to our members with Developmental Disabilities.

This is a part-time and flexible position, mostly after school and on weekends and summer vacation and school breaks.

We provide services to our clients in their homes as well as in the community.

For Habilitation, our Providers will work on individual goals that include but not limited to:

-Personal care/needs

-Physical care/needs

-Daily living skills

-Community-based skills

This position is perfect for somebody who is looking to make a difference in our member's life and the family's too. Applicants must be empathetic, strive to be a role model and must be fun !!!

We are looking for someone who has an energetic and patient personality.

Qualifications:
At least 18 years of age
Class 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card
CPR & First Aid
Article 9 Certificate
Vehicle Insurance and Vehicle Registration
Previous experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred, but not required

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $12.00 - $15.00 per hour

06/08/2021

Become a Direct Support Professional today with Acadia Care Group !!!

What is a DSP (Direct Support Professional) ???

Direct Support Professionals work with kiddos and adults who have developmental disabilities. They teach new goals, help them out in the community and hang out with them in their home providing Respite Care, Attendant Care & Habilitation Care

Acadia Care Group is currently seeking dependable, motivated and energetic Direct Care Workers to provide Habilitation Care, Attendant Care, and Respite Care Services to our members with Developmental Disabilities. Acadia Care Group needs caring Direct Support Professionals in the East Valley, including Mesa, Apache Junction, Gold Canyon, Gilbert, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Maricopa, Casa Grande and Phoenix to make a difference in the life of a kiddo or adult with a Developmental Disability, like Autism.

This is a part-time and flexible position, mostly after school and on weekends and summer vacation and school breaks.

We provide services to our clients in their homes as well as in the community.

For Habilitation, our Providers will work on individual goals that include but not limited to:

-Personal care/needs

-Physical care/needs

-Daily living skills

-Community-based skills

This position is perfect for somebody who is looking to make a difference in our member's life and the family's too. Applicants must be empathetic, strive to be a role model and must be fun !!!

We are looking for someone who has an energetic and patient personality.

Qualifications:

Valid Drivers License
At least 18 years of age
Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card
CPR & First Aid
Article 9 Certificate
Previous experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred, but not required

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $12.15 - $15.00 per hour

06/04/2021

HERE IS THE OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!

COVID-19 FLEXIBILITIES UPDATE

Target Audience - Qualified Vendors and Providers

Transmittal Date - 06/04/2021

Over the last 15 months, the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) has changed the way DDD and other Managed Care Organizations in Arizona support individuals who receive Medicaid benefits in Arizona. Many of these changes were implemented by AHCCCS with approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in order to ensure individuals were still able to receive services while at the same time protecting the health and safety of the professionals providing those services. DDD has referred to these authorized changes as “flexibilities” since they were implemented as they allowed our program to be flexible in how services are provided.

Since the beginning of the PHE, these flexibilities were understood to be temporary and would eventually be unwound. AHCCCS worked with CMS to tie the flexibilities to the end of the PHE, which the White House has indicated will most likely last through the end of 2021. AHCCCS has recently announced changes that will impact DDD members and the professionals who support them. This information was shared with DDD staff on Thursday, June 3, 2021, and with the attendees of the Town Hall meeting held on June 3, 2021. The announced changes are outlined below.

Flexibilities Ending Prior to the Conclusion of the PHE

• Effective July 1, 2021 - All Direct Care Workers will once again be required to complete their training requirements within 90-days of being hired.*

• Effective October 1, 2021 - Annual limit of respite hours will return to 600 hours per contract year.

At this time the earliest the public health emergency will conclude is September 30, 2021, however it is likely it will be extended through the end of the calendar year, December 31, 2021.

Flexibilities Ending Upon Conclusion of the PHE

• Virtual case management (support coordination) visits for ALTCS members.**

• Reimbursement for parents offering direct care to minor children.***

• Virtual supervisory visits of Direct Care Workers.

• Home delivered meals.

*DDD is currently seeking clarification if this will also apply to DCWs who are providing Attendant Care services to their minor children, since this flexibility will end at the conclusion of the PHE.

**DDD is still considering when the resumption of in-person planning meetings will occur and the provisions of the new model. As soon as a date is determined, Support Coordinators, members, families and vendors will be notified.

***Federal regulations do not permit the Medicaid program under AHCCCS’ 1115 Waiver to pay parents to provide personal care services to their minor children; this was only available as a result of the public health emergency. The flexibility was granted to allow members and their families options for services to continue during the pandemic to support choice in deciding whether or not to allow direct care workers into their homes to mitigate risk of exposure and to ensure continuity of services in the event direct care workers were not feeling well, became ill or decided not to work as the result of the pandemic. As a result, once the public health emergency ends, AHCCCS is no longer able to allow this service delivery model. DDD will be providing additional guidance for DDD Support Coordinators and Network staff related to helping members and families transition services in the coming weeks.

AHCCCS is reviewing additional flexibilities and DDD will provide more information as it becomes available.