Agency with Choice (AWC)
Agency with Choice (AWC) at Barber National Institute is a program that allows individuals and their families the ability to self-direct their own services. This program gives individuals a greater choice and control over where, when, and how their services are delivered. In addition, Agency with Choice permits individuals and families to choose and refer the staff they would like to work with. This enables individuals and families to always know who is coming into their home and working with them. Families are also able to determine the pay rate for their staff from the established wage range set by the state for the authorized services.
AWC Goals:
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The main goal of Agency with Choice is to enable individuals to live on their own or to remain with their family in their own home while choosing how they wish to use their services.
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Self-directing your own services can be challenging at times. Agency with Choice and the individual/family form a joint relationship to assist in managing their authorized services. Every family who is enrolled into the program is assigned an AWC Family Liaison that will provide one-on-one support in managing the services and staffing.
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Services Available Through Agency with Choice
Camps
Recreational camps explore the Erie community, arts and music and fun activities such as swimming, dancing and a Talent Show. Camp services are available to those enrolled in Agency with Choice and can be paid for with waiver funds.
Companion Services
A service provided to individuals with the purpose of providing supervision and assistance to ensure their health and safety or to perform activities of daily living for the individual
In-Home and Community Support
A service designed to assist individuals in achieving goals as well as acquiring, maintaining and improving skills to live an independent life
Home and Vehicle Adaptations
These services can include adaptations to improve access and safety. If an individual needs home and vehicle adaptation, and the adaptation falls within the waiver guidelines, Agency with Choice funds can be used.
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Homemaker/Chore
These services can include cleaning and laundry, meal preparation and other general household care to maintain a clean, sanitary and safe condition. Individuals must meet the waiver requirements to receive this service.
Respite Services
A service provided to individuals, on a short-term basis, to provide relief to or in the absence of the primary caregiver.
Supports Broker Services
This service is available to individuals and families who elect to self-direct their own care either through an employer authority or budget authority.
Specialized Supplies
Supplies that are medically necessary and within the waiver guidelines, Agency with Choice funds can be used.
Transportation Services
Public transportation and ridesharing services that meet waiver requirements can be paid for with Agency with Choice funds.
Contact Agency with Choice
Agency with Choice Offered Through
Barber National Institute Main Campus
100 Barber Place
Erie, PA 16507
(814) 455-1132
How Agency with Choice Works
- Families may choose a traditional provider to manage some of their services while also choosing to self-direct other services using the AWC option. AWC is the employer of record, while the individual/family member is the managing employer. Family members may be hired for certain services.
- The Managing Employer refers potential support service professionals (SSP) for hiring; negotiates pay rate based upon state established wage range; determines schedules and approves the SSP’s shifts. In addition, they may provide or participate in the worker’s initial orientation training.
- An AWC Liaison assists in recruiting staff when needed; verifies staff worker qualifications; completes all necessary paperwork related to employment; coordinates orientation and training; processes payroll in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations; assures all waiver and non-waiver requirements are met. The liaison works closely with the managing employer in handling all staff-related issues.
- The Managing Employer receives bi-weekly report on utilization of services; may request change in services as needs change by notifying the Supports Coordinator.
- The administrative fee is not part of the service unit rate and does not go against a person’s plan budget.
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Referral and Eligibility for Agency with Choice
Agency with Choice is available to individuals with an intellectual disability or autism diagnosis who live on their own or in the home of a family member. Individuals interested in enrolling in the program must receive waiver or base funding and live in Erie County.
- To access adult services at Barber National Institute, visit the PA Department of Human Services and Supports Directory. Once eligibility is confirmed, a service coordinator will work with you to develop a personalized plan and connect you with the appropriate services at Barber National Institute
- Additional government-backed resources that offer valuable information and assistance:
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FAQs
Self-directed services are services that allow individuals more choice and control over the services that they receive.
Yes, potential staff need to come to the Barber National Institute to complete required trainings before they can work and then complete a more in-depth one-on one training with the families after they are hired. This helps ensure that staff are well prepared to provide the services that individuals and families need.
Yes, all staff are required to get certain clearances depending on the age of the individual they are being hired to assist.
Yes, as long as they are not at the maximum pay rate established by the state of Pennsylvania for that service already.
No, there can only be one managing employer.
Yes, you can refer anyone you would like for hire.
No, the family/individual should be covering the costs for any recreational activities that the individual requests to do.
Yes, as long as it’s within the United States.
Yes, it is a federal requirement that all personal care services use EVV, and Agency with Choice falls under personal care services. Your Family Liaison can assist in providing information to set up EVV.
The Managing Employer must sign the EVV shifts to verify the time worked. Individuals who are not their own Managing Employer may be able to sign the EVV shifts if authorized by the managing employer and they have signed the Managing Employer agreement.
EVV shifts need to be completed at the end of each shift. If the Managing Employer is not available, you have 7 days to get it signed by the Managing Employer from the date worked. All shifts for the week need to be completed and errors resolved each Saturday at 11:59 p.m.
John is an unexpected gift. He’s brought light to my life. I’ve had the wonderful experience of helping people, and like John, I’ve made some great friends through Agency with Choice. It’s rewarding knowing he’s well taken care of, and I love the work I do.
Susan
Agency with Choice Employee
