Newsletter from the Self-Direction Department at PCCS | | 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 want to hear from you if you DO NOT live in Staten Island. We are looking to see how we can support the other areas we support by hosting events within your area. Please take 5-10 minutes to complete the survey by clicking the button below:
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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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The 2026 Mandatory Relias PCCS Annual Training Plan is required for all Self-Hired Staff to complete by March 15, 2026. If not completed prior to the deadline, this can result in further action. See MEMO for more information.
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Self-Directed Participant/Designee Information:
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As of 01/01/2026, the mileage rate has been changed. Here is the new mileage request form for reimbursement, if needed.
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Review MEMO about SHS Reminders regarding Self-Hired Staff Information, Compliance & Communication Expectations
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Please review the attached MEMO regarding the responsibility to actively monitor hours worked by Self-Hired Staff to ensure authorized funding is not exceeded.
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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 March 10th, 2026 for services rendered in February 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
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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 April 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:
- Make sure to follow all OPWDD & PCCS policies, and ensure open communication about difficulty of working the hours scheduled, running into Overtime, or completing the paperwork in the eVero system. Moving forward, the FI Dept., will be review this in more detail and will have deeper conversations with you that can lead to write-ups.
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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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If an error occurs where your shift it incomplete, please complete the NEW Missed Service Delivery Form starting in March 2026.
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Starting in March 2026, we will be ONLY adding the hours worked, and it is the responsibility of the Self-Hired Staff to add the goals afterwards within the eVero system. Please review the Training Material for more information.
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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.
- Per the Department of Health (DOH) and Person Centered Care Services (PCCS), we are requesting that all Self-Hired Staff have the location "ALWAYS ON, and eVero app open" when they are working and providing SDS-CH and SDS-Respite services.
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If you provide SHS, Community Habilitation Monthly Summary Notes are due by March 10th, 2025 for services rendered in Februar 2026.
| | Meet the Self-Direction Team | | | | |
With ten years of experience in the field, I continue to feel genuinely passionate about the work we do. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles, which has given me a well-rounded perspective and a deeper understanding of the needs of the individuals and families we support. In addition to my professional experience, I also understand the system from the viewpoint of a family member receiving services. This combined perspective strengthens my commitment to providing thoughtful, person-centered support.
One of the most rewarding parts of my work is watching the individuals we serve achieve their goals and celebrating the progress they make along the way. I am truly excited about the continued growth ahead—not only within our department, but across the entire agency.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, binge-watching The Office, traveling frequently to Florida and Texas, and spending quality time with my family, friends, and beloved dogs. I also take great pride in spoiling my nieces and nephews whenever I can!
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I have been working in the OPWDD field for approximately five years, providing Family Support Services (FSS) and supporting families through the OPWDD eligibility, outreach, and evaluation processes. One of the most meaningful parts of my work has been supporting Asian families and helping them better understand the system so they can access the services and supports they need.
I began working as a Support Broker about three years ago and have been with PCCS for one year and two months. I am truly grateful to be part of such a supportive and collaborative team, and I appreciate the opportunity to continue growing while serving families through Self-Direction.
| | Upcoming Training Dates and Events | | Discover Day Habilitation Without Walls | | |
Join Person Centered Care Services (PCCS) for a Day Habilitation Without Walls Information Session to learn how this community-based program supports meaningful activities, skill-building, and independence. A brief overview of employment and residential services will also be included.
Choose the session that works for you:
📍 In-Person Session
150 Granite Ave.
🗓 March 19, 2026 | ⏰ 12:30–2:30 PM
💻 Virtual Session (Microsoft Teams)
🗓 March 19, 2026 | ⏰ 5:30–7:00 PM
Parents, individuals, care managers, brokers, and families are welcome!
RSVP by March 9 to lgraham@PCCSny.org
Come learn, ask questions, and explore new opportunities! ✨
See flyer for more information
We look forward to seeing you there!
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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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Wednesday March 18, 2026
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Understanding Self Direction; Your Choices, Your Team
Hosted by Michelle Toye
An overview of the Self-Direction model and how it empowers individuals and families to take an active role in designing and managing their support. This training explains participant choice, team roles, and shared responsibilities, while highlighting how individuals, DSPs, Support Brokers, and agency staff work together to create flexible, person-centered services that meet individual needs and goals.
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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, March 7th, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
| | Five Borough Town Hall (Save the Date) | | | | |
Save the Date for an upcoming Town Hall about Sustaining I/DD Services!
Discussion on Workforce, Recruitment, Retention, Housing, Aging, and much more will be happening.
Details:
Date: March 6th, 2026
Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
Hosted on Zoom
Please login at 9:45 AM.
| | Budget Information Session | | | | |
Learn and ask questions about the governor's budget and what we can do about it.
Featuring Wini Schiff, Cathy Varano, cRis Marchionne, and Kate Hey, this session is not one to miss. Use the buttons below to register or read more.
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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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