What to Expect During the First Meeting with Your Support Coordinator

The first meeting with your support coordinator will set the stage for a collaborative and supportive relationship. This meeting is an opportunity to gather information, set clear expectations, and establish a path forward for your loved one’s well-being. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect during that initial meeting.

Introductions

Your support coordinator will take the time to introduce themselves and share a little about their background, experience, and role. It’s important for you to feel comfortable with the person who will be working closely with you and your loved one, so don’t hesitate to ask questions about their experience, approach, and how they typically work with families.

This is also a chance for you to introduce your loved one (if they are present) and share a bit about yourself and your family. Your support coordinator will be guiding you through this process, so it’s a great opportunity to start building trust right from the beginning.

Discussion of Your Loved One’s Needs & Goals

The heart of the meeting will involve a discussion of your loved one’s needs and goals. The support coordinator will want to learn as much as possible about your loved one, including any challenges they may be facing, as well as their hopes and aspirations. You should be prepared to discuss these details and answer questions that may come up. 

This conversation will involve discussing long-term goals. For example, you may talk about things like daily living skills, education, socialization, or any other areas where your loved one requires support. The coordinator will ask about your priorities, ensuring they understand what matters most to you and your loved one.

Discussion of Background Information

In this part of the meeting, your support coordinator will gather important background information to better understand your loved one’s situation. This information helps the coordinator tailor their support to meet your loved one’s needs. Here’s what typically gets discussed:

Medical history: Your support coordinator will ask for details about any relevant diagnoses, treatments, and medications. It’s important to share ongoing medical concerns or conditions that may impact your loved one’s care needs. Additionally, any specialists or healthcare providers involved in their care should be mentioned to ensure coordination of services.

Family dynamics: The coordinator will want to understand how family members are involved in the care and support of your loved one. It’s helpful to highlight any caregiving roles or challenges your family may be facing, as this will allow the coordinator to better support your family’s situation.

Living situation: You’ll discuss where your loved one currently lives—whether at home, with a caregiver, or in a group setting. If your loved one has any special accommodations or needs related to their living environment, be sure to mention them so that the coordinator can factor them into the service plan.

Educational or employment history: If relevant, the coordinator will ask about your loved one’s educational or work background. This includes discussing any specific needs related to education, vocational training, or accommodations needed in the workplace to ensure a fulfilling experience.

Behavioral and social information: Share insights into your loved one’s social skills, interests, and any behavioral concerns that could affect their daily functioning. It’s also important to mention any social support systems in place, such as friendships or peer groups, that may help with their social integration and well-being.

READ MORE: Common Concerns Families Have About Support Coordination (And How to Get Them Addressed) 

Reviewing Available Services

Next, your support coordinator will guide you through the services available through New Jersey’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (NJ DDD) and other community-based programs. They will help you understand how these services can directly support your loved one’s needs and how to navigate the process of connecting with the right services. Here’s an overview of key services and how your support coordinator will help:

• Assistive technology: This includes devices like communication tools and mobility aids to enhance independence. Your support coordinator will connect you with specialists to assess your loved one’s needs and, if applicable, recommend appropriate assistive technologies.

• Behavioral supports: These services are designed to address challenging behaviors through positive strategies. Your support coordinator will help assess your loved one’s needs and connect you with the right behavioral support providers.

• Day habilitation: This can include structured activities like shopping, sports, and personal hygiene skill support to promote independence and socialization. Your coordinator will help enroll your loved one in suitable programs and ensure any needed accommodations are in place.

• Therapies: Includes physical, occupational, and speech therapies to address physical, cognitive, or communication needs. Your coordinator will help you navigate scheduling and ensure therapy services align with your loved one’s goals.

• Employment services: Options like supported employment and pre-vocational programs to help your loved one find meaningful work. Your support coordinator will assist in identifying goals, connecting with employers, and coordinating ongoing support.

Your support coordinator will work closely with your family to tailor a service plan that meets your loved one’s specific needs, ensuring all services are coordinated effectively for the best outcomes. NJ DDD’s full list of programs are listed here. 

Setting Expectations for Communication

Effective communication between you and your support coordinator is critical for success. During this meeting, your coordinator will discuss the methods and frequency of communication. Some families prefer regular updates via email, while others might appreciate phone calls or in-person check-ins – so think about what will work best for you and your family.

Your support coordinator will outline how they will keep you informed about your loved one’s progress, any changes in services, and any updates that are important for you to know. You will also have the opportunity to express your preferences about communication—whether you want frequent updates, detailed reports, or only periodic check-ins.

It’s also helpful to set expectations for response times. Life can get busy, so knowing when and how to reach out if you have urgent questions or concerns will help ensure that you’re able to stay informed and involved throughout the process.

Identifying Immediate Needs

During the meeting, your support coordinator will also focus on identifying your loved one’s immediate needs. These might be areas where they require more immediate support or intervention. For example, if your loved one has specific medical or behavioral concerns that need to be addressed right away, this will be a key focus.

The coordinator will work with you to prioritize these immediate needs and create an action plan to address them. All information will be incorporated into your loved one’s Individualized Service Plan (ISP), and will involve connecting you with specialists, arranging services, or coordinating with specific providers to make sure everything is in place to support your loved one’s immediate well-being.

READ MORE: 6 Steps to Creating an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) Tailored to Your Loved One 

Final Thoughts

By the end of the meeting, you should have a clear understanding of what to expect from the process and how you, your loved one, and your support coordinator will work together to achieve your loved one’s goals. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, voice any concerns, and make sure you understand the next steps in the process. Your loved one deserves the best possible care and support, and with the right support coordination agency by your side, you’ll be on the path to making that a reality.

Want to work with a trusted and reliable support coordination agency? Contact Skylands Family Support today.