The NC Innovations Waiver offers participants and their legally responsible persons a choice about how services are directed. You may self-direct some or all your waiver services, instead of having them directed by a health care provider.
What are individual- and family-directed services?
Self-directed services are called individual- and family-directed services, also known as IFDS. The IFDS option gives you an opportunity to make your own decisions about your services and take responsibility for them.
Self-directing your own services may help you:
- Maintain greater control and flexibility about your services
- Make your own decisions and plans for your future
- Decide what type of support you want and need to live your life
- Choose who to hire and how to train service providers
- Improve the quality of services
- Increase your independence and self-sufficiency
You may stop self-directing your services and return to provider-directed services at any time.
Are there different ways to self-direct services?
There are two ways to self-direct Innovations Waiver services: Employer of Record and Agency with Choice.
Employer of Record
Under this model, you hire, supervise, and manage support workers with help from a financial support services agency. The Employer of Record helps develop your plan and schedules, trains and supervises staff, and ensures your health and safety.
Agency with Choice
Under this model, you work with a health care provider that hires, supervises, and manages support workers. The provider trains support workers, pays them, and manages other administrative duties. You are known as the Managing Employer.
Can all Innovations Waiver services be self-directed?
Only certain Innovations Waiver services may be self-directed. They are:
- Community Living and Support
- Community Networking
- Natural Supports Education
- Supported Employment
- Individual Goods and Services
- Respite
- Supported Living
You will have support from a community navigator. A community navigator helps you advocate for yourself and pursue a life that is meaningful to you. Community navigators can help you meet people, identify local activities, and find resources to achieve your goals.
How can I learn more about IFDS?
To learn more, talk to your care manager or view or download Vaya’s IFDS Employer Handbook.
Appendix A – IFDS Representative Screening Questionnaire
Appendix B – Community Navigator Agency’s Attestation
Appendix C – IFDS Designation of Representative Form
Appendix D – Employer of Record IFDS Assessment
Appendix E – Agency with Choice IFDS Assessment
Appendix F – Employer of Record IFDS Agreement
Appendix G – Agency with Choice IFDS Agreement (Managing Employer)
Appendix H – IFDS Representative Agreement
Appendix J – Suggested Documents to Maintain (for EOR model primarily)
Appendix K – IFDS Employee Qualifications and Training Checklist
Appendix L – Request for Out-of-State Travel
Appendix M – Employee of Record Health and Safety Checklist
Appendix N – Employer of Record Incident Reporting Materials
Appendix O – IFDS Employer Supplies: Pre-Approved Items
Appendix P – Individual and Family Directed Services: Key contacts
Documents and forms
Relative as Direct Support Employee (RaDSE)
NC Innovations Provider Quarterly Self Review of Member Record
Q&A Companion EOR Performance Improvement Process
Monitoring
Documentation Checklist Employer of Record
Quality Management Employer of Record Review Tool
Vaya uses an Annual Monitoring Tool for Employers of Record. The Employer of Record will receive a copy of the tool before annual monitoring takes place.
AGENCY WITH CHOICE (AWC) PROVIDERS
The Arc of North Carolina, Inc. 828-254-4771
COMMUNITY NAVIGATOR PROVIDERS
ACCENT INTERMEDIARY SERVICES (AIS) 919-377-9575
F.I.R.S.T. (d/b/a FIRST) 828-277-1315
Residential Services, Inc. 919-260-3101 (limited counties)
Secure Direction NC, LLC 833-278-3737
The Arc of North Carolina 704-637-1521 (limited counties)
FINANCIAL SUPPORTS SERVICES AGENCY (FSSA) PROVIDERS
Acumen Fiscal Agent, Inc. 480-295-4930
Secure Direction NC, LLC 833-278-3737
Individual and Family Directed Services (IFDS) Email Updates
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