Frequently Asked Questions

Agency

1. How long has Siffrin, Inc. been providing services to people with disabilities?
   Siffrin was incorporated as a private nonprofit organization in 1976, which means we have been in business for over 30 years.
2. What are some of the advantages of choosing Siffrin as a service provider?
   • Siffrin is a CARF accredited agency in the area of community services, residential services, independent living, fiscal services and community employment services.
   • Siffrin maintains certification by the State of Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities in all service areas, is a qualified vendor for Rehabilitation Services Commission, and is a member of the Ohio Association of Persons in Supported Employment.
   • Siffrin is able to provide day service, vocational, residential and financial program needs to enhance consistency of a provider’s relationship.
   • In addition to being CARF accredited, Siffrin has an internal quality assurance program that is reviewed quarterly by its Board of Directors to assure accountability, effectiveness and efficiency.
3. What is the experience of Siffrin’s administrative staff?
   Siffrin’s administrative staff has a combined 85 years experience in the field of service provision.
4. What is the process of hiring and training Siffrin staff?
   All Siffrin staff undergoes periodic driver’s license checks, criminal background checks and unannounced drug testing. Siffrin staff complete on the average of 35 hours of training each year. All staff is certified in CPR, first aid, delegated nursing techniques and crisis intervention.
5. Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
   Call Siffrin’s Stark County office at 330-478-0263 and ask to speak to someone regarding a specific program.

Residential Services

1. Eligibility for Services:
   RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
   In order to qualify for residential services through Siffrin, Inc., an individual must:
   
   • Be diagnosed with a developmental disability; this determination is made by a Service and Support Administrator (SSA) at the local County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
   • Have the appropriate funding through the local County Board of Developmental Disabilities or have the capability to be self-pay
   • For COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES ONLY: the individual must obtain the skills and knowledge to independently live safely in the community.
   • There must be an available opening within the program
2. How do I begin receiving services?
   If you have a Medicaid Waiver, either call Siffrin for assistance or tell your SSA that you would like Siffrin Inc. to provide your services. Most agencies request a 30-day notice if you leave them for another provider.
   • If you have Supported Living funding (through County Board), ask your SSA to assist you in changing providers.
   • If you have no funding from the County Board of DD or Waiver, then contact the County Board for services and funding.
   • If you pay for your services privately, you don’t need to contact the County Board, but please call the Siffrin office.
3. Who will help me take care of my money?
   Once you are a recipient of Siffrin services, Siffrin may be your payee. However, you will be involved with your money.
4. Where will I live? 
   You can live where you choose as long as you can afford the expense. Some people choose to live with a roommate in order to share the expenses, while others prefer to live alone. Some live at home with parents and request assistance in learning skills for living in the community, while others live in homes inherited by the individual.
5. How will I decide what services I want and need?
   You and a Siffrin representative can meet with the SSA. The meeting will discuss and determine what and when services are to be provided based on need and choice. This is a good time for the individual to speak up and make his/her wishes known. Services can be added or canceled by contacting a Siffrin representative or the SSA at any time.
6. How will I get places?
   Siffrin Inc. staff transports those we serve to the grocery, medical appointments, leisure activities, and any other service listed on the ISP. Stark County has an RTA and Curb-to-Curb service to assist with transportation needs as well.
7. Can I get assistance with medical issues and medication?
   Yes! Staff will assist and transport you to all medical appointments upon request. Once you are prescribed a medication, it will be obtained at the pharmacy, and pill minders can be set up at your home. Siffrin will also assist individuals for any/all medical testing and surgeries.
8. Can I keep all the friends I have now?
   Of course; however, you will also meet others. Siffrin will assist you in having the social life you choose.
9. What do I do in my free time?
   Siffrin provides several leisure activities throughout the year. Siffrin will schedule and transport for activities you choose throughout the year.
10. How much can my family/friends be involved in my life?
    Your family and friends can be as involved as much as you want. You determine who and what happens in your life. Siffrin is here to provide services to allow and assist you to live in the community.
11. Do I get to decide what staff works with me? 
    Yes, you and your parents/guardian are able to choose staff and have input into their evaluation.
12. How many people live in a Siffrin Supervised Living home?
    Siffrin limits its homes to two to four people, making it a more home-like environment.
13. What is the system of checks & balances?
    Siffrin has comprised a Safety Committee, made up of office staff and managers, which surveys the homes and operations on a quarterly basis.
14. How is staff trained?
    Siffrin staff is required to attend Orientation training, Delegated Nursing training and on-going in-service hours to maintain employment. All staff members are also required to complete a course in Medication Administration presented by one of Siffrin’s Registered Nurses. Siffrin employs two Registered Nurses and a Licensed Practical Nurse for purposes of consultation, training and referral of medication concerns.
15. What if I want to move into a home that needs to be modified to meet my needs architecturally?
    Siffrin operates its own maintenance department to ensure a safe and healthy home environment. Depending on what changes need to be done to a home to meet your needs, Siffrin can accommodate.
16. Where are Siffrin homes located?
    All Siffrin homes are located in safe, well-maintained residential neighborhoods and in various areas of the counties we serve.
17. How will Siffrin accommodate my medical appointments?
    Every Siffrin home has a vehicle available for the use of that home’s residents, including, but not limited to, medical appointments, social and recreational activities, shopping, and family visits. Community activities are encouraged, and Siffrin staff will assist individuals to participate in those activities.

The Bridge Day Services

1. Eligibility for Services:
   THE BRIDGE ADULT DAY SERVICES
   In order to qualify for adult day services through Siffrin, Inc., an individual must:
   
   • Be diagnosed with a developmental disability; this determination is made by a Service and Support Administrator (SSA) at the local County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
   • Have the appropriate funding through the local County Board of Developmental Disabilities or have the capability to be self-pay
   • Be age 18 or older
   • There must be an available opening within the program
2. Why does Siffrin provide Day Services?
   Historically, the respective County Boards have been the sole provider of day services. The State of Ohio, through legislation and the Ohio Revised Code, has now made it possible for private providers to also become certified in “Day Habilitation Services.” Siffrin became certified as a day habilitation provider in 2005. Over the past five years, the agency has developed an employment program and a fiscal services program, and has further enhanced its residential services for the purpose of offering a holistic approach service delivery. By adding day services to our offerings, individuals and their families will be able to develop a relationship with one provider for all their service needs and increases choices and options for persons wanting services.
3. Do I have to take part in all of Siffrin’s programs to be eligible?
   No. An individual may select all or part of the available Siffrin services. An additional reason for developing the array of services is to enhance the self-determination process and give individuals and their families’ choices and options in their lives. You may choose to come to Siffrin day services for 5 days a week or just part time.
4. How is eligibility for day services determined?
   An individual must have an identified disability and no longer be eligible for educational services based on graduation and/or receipt of a diploma/equivalency certificate and/or their permanent discontinuation of educational service within parameters established by the Ohio Department of Education.
   Through the self-determination process the individual, parent, guardian or an authorized representative must request day services from Siffrin Inc. Individuals have the right to choose what agency will provide any and/or all services for them.
5. What happens after eligibility is determined?
   Once a person chooses Siffrin, the Manager of Day Services will meet with the individual, as well as the parent and/ or other interested persons. The individual has the choice of who will attend. During this meeting, an informal discussion will take place to help Siffrin staff understand the hopes, choices and aspirations of the individual and family members, and will help the individual understand what services and activities are available to help reach one’s goals and enhance his or her life. An individual can choose from a physical development program, computer program, chapel services, vocational readiness program, community social and recreational opportunities or make suggestions as to what he or she would like to learn and do. This information is then used to develop a plan for the individual’s day services.
6. Is there a waiting list for services?
   There is currently no waiting list for services.
7. What type of supervision and help will the individuals have?
   There are five full-time Day Services Specialists who will supervise individuals in the program. There will be one supervisor for every 10 individuals. There are also “natural supports” that will be available to assist individuals with their learning and life experiences. This will make the staff-to-individual ratio even less for greater individualized attention.
8. Is the location a safe place to be and is it accessible?
   Yes, the building is accessible and all staff members working in the facility, including the natural supports, are trained in first aid and CPR techniques. All Day Services Specialists have also been trained in delegated nursing skills, behavior management, as well as, maintaining an on-going training schedule that benefits the health and safety of the participants.
9. Is there work available at The Bridge?
   Day Service Specialists will help you find a job in the community through work training programs. There will be training in Custodial Services, Grounds Maintenance, Human Service-type jobs and other jobs in which you are interested. Siffrin believes that everyone has the potential and right to work in the community with the proper amount of supports. We will also help you learn how to decide what job is best for you; prepare for an interview; know how dress and prepare questions to ask a potential employer. Each individual participating in the program will receive at least a $5 paycheck biweekly.
10. What is the length of the day?
    While day service hours are from 8:30 am to 3 pm, travel to and from will lengthen the day. “Catchment area” is not an issue.

Employment Support

1. Eligibility for Services:
   EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
   In order to qualify for employment services through Siffrin, Inc., an individual must:
   
   • Have the appropriate funding through the local County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Rehabilitation Services Commission (RSC), or the capability to be self-pay
   • Be age 18 or older
   • There must be an available opening within the program
2. How do I know if I am eligible for employment services?
   You can call the Siffrin office and an Employment Specialist will be happy to discuss what services are available to you.
3. What employment services does Siffrin offer?
   If you are eligible to receive services, you and your Employment Specialist will develop an employment plan, which contains all of the services that you need to reach your job goal. Services may include job development, job coaching and on-the-job training.
4. Is there a time limit on my employment services?
   No, a successful job search may take anywhere from several months to a year, or better.
5. Do I have to pay for employment services?
   Services may be funded through various sources. Your Employment Specialist can discuss these funding sources and help you contact the appropriate person to see if you qualify. Siffrin does offer fees for service, which your Employment Specialist can discuss with you.

Fiscal Services

1. Eligibility for Services:
   FISCAL SERVICES
   In order to qualify for fiscal services through Siffrin, Inc., an individual must:
   
   • Have the appropriate funding through the local County Board of Developmental Disabilities or other funding source, or have the capability to be self-pay
   • There must be an available opening within the program
2. How long has Siffrin been providing Fiscal Services?
   Siffrin has continually provided payeeship services to individuals served in our residential and community support settings. As an agency, we noticed a need for Fiscal Services reaching beyond those individuals we already serve. As a result, the Fiscal Services Program was developed in January 2004.
3. Why are representative payees needed?
   Social Security deems that a Payee is needed based on the individual's history with mismanagement of funds or lack of ability to manage his or her own funds. For example, Social Security may designate a representative payee due to diagnosed substance abuse. An individual also may need a representative payee simply because an individual does not wish to handle his or her own benefits or to ensure timely payment of current daily needs such as:
   • Food
   • Housing & Utilities
   • Medical & Dental Expenses
   • Clothing
   • Rehabilitation
4. How do I refer a client?
   Step 1: Call us to discuss the needs of the individual
   Step 2: A meeting will be scheduled to meet the individual and discuss our fiscal services program and how we can help the person manage his or her money successfully.
5. What happens in the initial meeting?
   If the individual wishes to have Siffrin apply to be his or her representative payee, and we feel we can meet the needs of the individual, the following forms need to be completed:
   • Enrollment Form
   • Social Security Application
   • Questionnaire
   • Releases of Information/Consent Forms
6. What happens after Siffrin is named payee?
   A meeting will be scheduled to develop a monthly budget for the individual to ensure the timely payment of all living expenses once Siffrin receives his or her Social Security benefits. 
7. What if an individual needs to make changes to their budget?
   A budget can be changed at any time to accommodate the needs of the individual providing his or her income permits such a change. Any changes to the budget will require the signature of the individual.
8. What if an individual needs money for something that is not in the budget?
   A special check request form may be used for a need that is not allotted in the budget. It is approved or denied based on the individual's current balance. The signature of the individual is required on the special check request form.
9. Are the individual’s balances monitored to ensure compliance with reporting agencies?
   Yes, balances of the individuals are monitored on a daily basis to ensure compliance with reporting agencies, such as Social Security and Job and Family Services.
10. How will the individual know what his or her balance is?
    Every month, an account summary is mailed to the individual. The summary has a detailed listing of all deposits and withdrawals along with his or her balance. Account summaries are also available upon request at any time.  
11. Is there an annual audit of the accounts to ensure the money is safe?
    Yes, we are audited annually by an independent certified public accounting firm and Social Security.
12. How do people move between levels of service?
    Moving between levels of service requires a Needs Analysis Review by all team members involved with the individual.
13. How is this service paid for?
    For many of the clients we serve, Fiscal Services is funded through the local Board of DD. For those individuals who are not affiliated with a funding system, they are considered to be self-pay. 
14. Can a person only receive Fiscal Services from Siffrin?
    Yes. Although Siffrin offers a wide variety of services, one does not need to receive other services in order to utilize Fiscal Services. 
15. What happens when/if Fiscal Services are no longer needed?
    We have developed a Refusal-Termination form for Fiscal Services. Should you no longer need to utilize our services, you simply need to sign the form indicating that you do not wish to receive fiscal services.

Supervised Living

1. Eligibility for Services:
   RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
   In order to qualify for residential services through Siffrin, Inc., an individual must:
   
   • Be diagnosed with a developmental disability; this determination is made by a Service and Support Administrator (SSA) at the local County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
   • Have the appropriate funding through the local County Board of Developmental Disabilities or have the capability to be self-pay
   • There must be an available opening within the program
2. How many people live in a Siffrin Supervised Living home?
   Siffrin limits its homes to two to four people, making it a more home-like environment.
3. What is the system of checks & balances?
   Siffrin has comprised a Safety Committee, made up of office staff and managers, which surveys the homes and operations on a quarterly basis.
4. How is staff trained?
   Siffrin staff is required to attend Orientation training, Delegated Nursing training and on-going in-service hours to maintain employment. All staff members are also required to complete a course in Medication Administration presented by one of Siffrin’s Registered Nurses. Siffrin employs two Registered Nurses and a Licensed Practical Nurse for purposes of consultation, training and referral of medication concerns.
5. What if I want to move into a home that needs to be modified to meet my needs architecturally?
   Siffrin operates its own maintenance department to ensure a safe and healthy home environment. Depending on what changes need to be done to a home to meet your needs, Siffrin can accommodate.
6. Where are Siffrin homes located?
   All Siffrin homes are located in safe, well-maintained residential neighborhoods and in various areas of the counties we serve.
7. How will Siffrin accommodate my medical appointments?
   Every Siffrin home has a vehicle available for the use of that home’s residents, including, but not limited to, medical appointments, social and recreational activities, shopping, and family visits. Community activities are encouraged, and Siffrin staff will assist individuals to participate in those activities.