Special Needs Coordinator

Job Description

Position: Special Needs Coordinator

Reports to: Manager, Special Needs Coordinators

Department: Securities / Protected Tomorrows

Location: 103 Schelter Road, Lincolnshire, IL 60069;
In-Office

Classification: Full-time / Exempt

Summary / Job Objective: The Special Needs Coordinator is responsible for supporting individuals with disabilities and their families by coordinating care, services, and resources that promote long-term well-being, independence, and quality of life. The role focuses on developing and managing individualized care plans, connecting families with appropriate community, medical, and government resources, and collaborating with financial and legal professionals to ensure comprehensive, integrated support.

Essential Job Functions: The essential job functions are to develop and manage individualized care plans for individuals with disabilities, helping families access healthcare, education, community resources, residential and employment opportunities, and government benefits. The role involves coordinating with various professionals, monitoring and adjusting support plans over time, and providing ongoing guidance and advocacy to ensure clients receive comprehensive, well-integrated care and services.

Primary Responsibilities:

· Meet with individuals and families to assess needs, goals, and available resources

· Develop, implement, and manage individualized care and support plans

· Coordinate access to healthcare, education, community programs, residential and employment options, and government benefits

· Guide families through eligibility, applications, and disability-related systems

· Collaborate with financial planners, attorneys, and other professionals to support integrated planning

· Monitor and update care plans based on changing needs and circumstances

· Maintain regular communication with families to provide support and guidance

· Advocate for clients to ensure access to appropriate services and resources

· Document case activity and ensure compliance with policies and regulations

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Healthcare Administration, or a related field strongly preferred

· 2–5 years of experience in case management, care coordination, disability services, or related roles

· Knowledge of disability systems, special education services, and government benefit programs (e.g., Medicaid, SSI/SSDI)

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills for working with families in sensitive situations

· Experience coordinating services across healthcare, education, and community providers

· Strong organizational, documentation, and time management skills

· Ability to advocate effectively on behalf of clients and families

· Familiarity with person-centered planning approaches (preferred)

· Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, including financial and legal professionals

· High level of empathy, professionalism, and ethical judgment

Core Competencies:

· Client advocacy and empathy:
Strong commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities and their families

· Care coordination expertise:
Ability to organize and manage complex, multi-system support plans

· Extensive knowledge of disability services:
Understanding of government benefits, healthcare, and education systems

· Communication skills:
Clear, compassionate communication with families and professionals

·

Collaboration:

Effective teamwork across financial, medical, legal, and community partners

· Problem-solving:
Ability to navigate barriers and find practical support solutions

· Organization and follow-through:
Strong case management, documentation, and tracking skills

· Regulatory awareness:
Knowledge of relevant policies, eligibility rules,…