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Physical Disabilities & Aging

All divisions within the Department of Human Services (DHS) recently shared a video message from Acting Secretary of DHS Meg Snead to thank providers for all you do for the communities you serve. Members are encouraged to watch and share it with staff.

As DHS plans for 2022, they would like to continue to recognize our county partners and providers — the dedicated professionals who spend their lives caring for others — and all others who make this work possible.

DHS is collecting stories from providers and caring professionals about why their work is essential and why they chose their careers. Their goal is to highlight the stories of our human services system and how those who make this work possible make an impact in all parts of our communities. If you or your colleagues are interested and willing, please share your story. DHS is looking for:

  • Why you chose a career in behavioral health or substance use disorder services;
  • How your career lets you help others;
  • A story about when you felt like you’ve made an impact;
  • A time you’ve felt proud in your work helping others; and/or
  • Any other story you’re willing to share.

Stories can be emailed to the DHS Press Office. Please include names, county/place of residence, and a picture if you’re willing to share. DHS may use these stories on social media, the DHS blog, or the central human services job recruitment page. The DHS Press Office team will be in touch to obtain consent to use these stories.

On December 8, the Health and Human Services Administration and the Department of Housing and Urban Development launched a Housing and Services Resource Center, to help older adults and people with disabilities access federal resources and guidance on both housing and services that support community living, including Medicaid-funded home and community-based services, vouchers, and other programs.

You can see more information on the services available here.

Message from the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL): 

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is offering a webinar on the topic of the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work Benefits Counseling, which provides individuals, their families, friends, and caregivers information relative to their benefits/services and competitive integrated employment. This overview will be presented by Ms. Joy Smith, AHEDD Work Incentive Planning and Assistance, Certified Work Incentive Coordinator, Regional Manager.

Office of Long-Term Living Service Coordinators, Direct Service Providers, CHC-MCO staff, and any individuals that work on employment are strongly encouraged to participate in this webinar on an overview of Benefits Counseling as it relates to the participants you serve.

The Overview of Benefits Counseling webinar is as follows:
April 21, 2022 from 10:00 am–11:00 am

Please register to attend this event. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

If you have questions, please contact Edward M. Butler via email or call 717-214-3718.

The Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Subcommittee held their first meeting of 2022 on January 5. The handouts referenced and shared during this monthly meeting are provided below:

The next MLTSS Subcommittee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 2, 2022.