Newsletter from the Self-Direction Department at PCCS | | Spotlight a Self-Directed Participant | | | | |
Nicolas, along with his self-hired staff member, Andrew, are cooking up something exciting! Together, they’ve launched a Facebook food blog where they share their culinary creations, reviews, and flavorful adventures, called The Galloping Gourmet. Be sure to check it out and follow along as they continue to grow their online presence.
This initiative not only highlights Nicolas’s passion for food, but also supports his personal goals of strengthening social skills and expanding his connections within the community.
| | Do you want to highlight an individual who continues to work on their goals? Do you have a Self-Hired Staff that goes above and beyond? Do you want to recognize them? Send an e-mail with bio, and why you want to highlight them to SelfDirect@pccsny.org, with some photos if you have. | | Important Program Reminders | | -
We have updated our PCCS Consent Form & Liability Form which need your attention! If you completed, already thank you for your time & cooperation.
| | - Always follow the Chain of Command, and adhere to the 24-hour (1 business day) response time protocol. Please allow the first person you contact 24 hours to respond. If they do not respond within 24 hours, please feel free to contact their direct supervisor. Direct Supervisor information can be found in all email signatures.
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Self-Directed Participant/Designee Information:
- As of 02/2026, NY State started the "NYC Unpaid Safe and Sick Leave," Self-Hired Staff are entitled to 32 hours. This cannot be denied, and therefore we as s co-employeer, will have to pay it out if the Self-Hired Staff request is due to not having anymore PTO time.
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Self-Hired Staff Hours MUST be reviewed/approved every Sunday by 11:59 PM to ensure there is no delay in payment. Please refer to the Payroll Calendar if more information is needed.
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Are there changes to your Self-Hired Staff Status (i.e. Inactive, terminated, or resigned)? Are you increasing or lowering their hours? Make sure to complete a Self-Hired Staff Status form.
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Self-Hired Staff Community Habilitation Monthly Summary Notes are due by April 10th, 2026 for services rendered in March 2026.
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If you wish for a Community Class to be reviewed, please make sure to provide your Fiscal Intermediary Coordinator with the “Community Class" form and all additional corresponding documents” for approval. If this class is already an approved vendor, please make sure you still contact your Fiscal Intermediary Coordinator for approval. Class approval is per person, per class.
- Are you looking for Self-Hired Staff to work over 40 hours a week? Please reach out to your assigned FIC to provide the justification and get pre-approval.
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Do you need resumes? You can view resumes at the link below or contact Elise Crumbley at ECrumbley@pccsny.org for more information:
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Are you looking to hire Self-Hired Staff? Make sure to complete the Self-Hired Staff Information Sheet. You can then e-mail this to Carin James at CJames@pccsny.org.
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All invoices for reimbursement should be entered into eVero by the 10th of the following service month.
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Support Broker Information:
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Kindly review the updated Support Broker MOU
- Per the FI/Broker Quarterly, as of June 1, 2026, Self-Direction Budgets will not be pushed unless the person supported has an active CAN or CAS assessment. Please make sure all are current to prevent delays with processing SD Budgets with OPWDD.
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MEMO: Regarding reviewing SD Budgets and persons' DDP, ADS, FSS services to make sure they are accurate.
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Self-Direction Budgets are reviewed weekly per schedule of the assigned Fiscal Intermediary Coordinator. All budgets must be signed and completed by the Support Broker, and Self-Directed Participant/Designee prior to the FIC reviewing. Starting this month, we will not be pushing Self-Direction Budgets unless the entire plan is incompliance (i.e. Life Plans, Staff Action Plans, Developmental Disability Profile, and more.)
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We are currently reviewing SAPS that are due May 1st. Please review your eVero portal to ensure that all SAPs are up to date and signed for review in eVero. As a reminder, all brokers are also required to submit two meeting minutes per year.
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Self-Hired Staff Information:
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MEMO: As of 04/01/2026, the FI. Self-Hired Staff Guide has been updated. Please make sure to review, and follow all policies. (View Guide Here)
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All of your Attendance Roster MUST be reviewed/approved by the Self-Directed Participant/Designee every Sunday by 11:59PM to ensure there is no delay in payment. It is solely your responsibility to ensure all hours are approved and correct. Please refer to the 2026 Payroll Schedule if more information is required.
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The Missed Service Delivery Form should only be used in the event of an emergency or technical glitch. This is not the norm to send, and must you the eVero system.
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When using PTO, please note that the total number of hours in a single work week including both worked hours and PTO — must not exceed 40 hours. Make sure to complete the PTO Request form, alongside adding the hours within your Paycom system.
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If you provide SHS, Community Habilitation Monthly Summary Notes are due by April 10th, 2025 for services rendered in March 2026.
| | Meet the Self-Direction Team | | | | |
Matthew has been working in the field of supporting individuals with disabilities for over two years, building a strong foundation in advocacy, outreach, and service coordination. He began his career with the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, where he supported outreach efforts and helped connect individuals to meaningful employment opportunities. He then served with the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, delivering presentations to inform the public about the wide range of careers available in city government. In addition, he has worked as a Direct Support Professional for the past three years, providing hands-on support and gaining valuable experience that has strengthened his ability to serve in his current role.
Matthew has now been a Fiscal Intermediary (FI) at PCCS for over a year and takes great pride in the work he does each day. It is incredibly rewarding for him to know that his efforts have a direct and positive impact on the lives of the individuals supported. He is committed to ensuring that each person receives the services they need to live a fulfilling and meaningful life and strives daily to uphold that responsibility with dedication and care.
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Andriana has been with PCCS for several years, serving in a variety of roles that have supported both her professional and personal growth. She is deeply committed to supporting families and finds great fulfillment in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves. PCCS has been an especially rewarding organization to be part of, largely due to its strong emphasis on a person-centered approach to care. Andriana takes pride in bringing authenticity, compassion, and genuine human connection to her work each day.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Andriana has a strong passion for travel and cultural exploration. She enjoys learning new languages and experiencing diverse cuisines from around the world. She is also an advocate for animal rights and values the companionship of her cat and dog. Andriana believes that growing up with animals can provide meaningful developmental and emotional benefits, particularly for children. In her free time, she enjoys painting and listening to music as creative outlets.
| | Upcoming Training Dates and Events | | Contact Lori Catricola at LCatricola@pccsny.org with any questions | | |
Medicaid Renewals: Avoiding Loss of Coverage
Families are currently facing Medicaid Issues - renewals, loss of services and confusing paperwork.
Fidaije Nesimi is a Self-Direction Support Broker and 2nd Vice-Chair of the Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Council. She works closely with families navigating Medicaid and disability services.
In this session, she will explain the current Medicaid renewal challenges and provide practical guidance to help families protect their coverage.
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Person Centered Care Services (PCCS) is offering a wide variety of upcoming training to better accommodate and train those who are looking for in-depth webinars and seminars.
Please take a look at the Training Calendar by clicking the words. You can also register for the training by clicking the selected date.
For questions, contact selfdirect@pccsny.org
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Support Broker Open Office Hours
Support Broker Training Hour on the third Wednesday of each month.
This provides a supportive space to learn, share, and grow.
This training is hosted by our Senior Program Manager of Agency Support Brokerage Services, Lori Catricola.
E-Meet on Microsoft Teams:
Meeting ID: 284 893 464 261
Passcode: oE9C2nq6
Contact BrokerSupport@pccsny.org with any questions or inquiries.
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Inspired by Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" at Person Centered Care Services (PCCS), we believe that everyone—disabled and non-disabled—is born to belong.
Belonging isn’t something you earn; it’s something every human being deserves. It’s the feeling of being seen, valued, and included just as you are.
Since our founding, PCCS has been working to build a world where that belief becomes reality—where people with disabilities can live, work, and thrive as equals in their communities.
Your donation makes a world of difference.
| | Belonging in Action: Executive Conversations | | | | |
Belonging in Action is a quarterly service conversation series hosted by PCCS executive leadership. These sessions create a safe, welcoming space for people supported, family members, employees, brokers, community class vendors, and others connected to PCCS to engage in honest, open dialogue—sharing perspectives, asking questions, and collaborating on ways to strengthen services, supports, and community connections.
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Microsoft Teams
Meeting link will be shared via email prior to the event
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The first Meet & Greet Hiring event of the year is in full swing.
Register today! Full time & Part time positions available.
Flexible scheduling: Evening/weekend hours available & school holidays
Details:
Date: Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
| | Self-Direction Committee Meeting | | | | |
Looking for new opportunities, programs, or supports?
This is your chance to explore exciting options that may be funded through your Self-Direction budget!
Details:
Date: April 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Join Virtually via Zoom
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Open the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month!
Location: 192 Corson Ave, Staten Island, NY 10301
Time: 11AM - 4PM
| | - Do you need support and resources, and do not know where to start? Did you know each borough has a council? Some council's have a Self-Direction Committee. Check out the following links, and become members to get more information:
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