Questions about Pinnacle Services
What waivers do Pinnacle Services work with for its residential and community-based programs?
We accept a range of waivers, such as the Developmental Disabilities (DD), Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals (CADI), Brain Injury (BI), and Community Alternative Care (CAC) waivers. We also serve individuals on a Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) plan. You can learn more specifics about the waiver system including the ins and outs of each one here: HCBS Waivers
What is Housing Support?
Housing Support is a state-funded program administered by the counties that pays for room and board costs for individuals with low income. The goal of Housing Support is to prevent people from living in institutions or becoming homeless. Nearly 21,000 people per month receive Housing Support in the state of Minnesota and the average payment is approximately $922 per month. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply here: Eligibility
How is the cost of services funded? How do the cost of services relate to rent in the residential programs?
Services that Pinnacle provides are funded by the consumer’s individual waiver. Alternatively, an individual may fund their services through private pay, if that option is available. The cost of services is completely separate from the cost of rent or room and board. Rent is billed to the consumer or their rep-payee and is paid either entirely out-of-pocket or through being supplemented by Housing Support. Basic utilities and food costs are covered by room and board payments.
I would like to move into one of your customized/assisted living sites, but do not have any furniture. What options are available to me?
Individuals who plan to move into our customized/assisted living apartments are encouraged to work with their Case Manager to make a referral to Bridging, a non-profit organization that provides quality used furniture to those in need. Alternatively, there are few other resources for furniture if you are just getting started:
What do I need a Case Manager for?
A Case Manager helps consumers coordinate waiver-paid services or health plan service, and can also provide consumers with resources that may help support them. A Case Manager completes an assessment each year to ensure that consumers remain eligible for their selected waiver or program, helps them understand what services may be available to them under each program, makes warranted referrals, and helps consumers set up services necessary to ensure their health and safety in the community.
How do individuals get a Case Manager or Care Coordinator?
Linkage Line at 1-800-333-2433 or Disability Hub MN at 1-866-333-2466 or disabilityhubmn.org to find out what assistance is available to you.
What is the difference between a Case Manager and a Support Planner?
A Support Planner is DHS-certified to help consumers and their families write their CDCS annual community support plan, helps families understand the different categories of the plan, and where to place each service within those categories when writing the plan. A Case Manager reviews the completed plan, ensures that the plan meets CDCS guidelines, ensures that the plan is below the DHS maximum CDCS budget, and approves any changes to the plan that may occur over the plan year.
Do Pinnacle Services Case Managers work at the county/health plan?
Our Case Managers do not work at the county or health plan but rather work on behalf of the county or health plan to provide all of the same services a county or health plan worker would provide. If you have had a county worker before, our Case Managers do the same work.
How does Pinnacle Services select employees?
Pinnacle Services requires that candidates complete an application and go through a comprehensive screening and interview process. Additionally, Human Resources conducts motor vehicle record and reference checks on candidates, all of which must be favorable. Offers of employment are extended to those whom we believe would best match the needs and philosophy of the organization. Upon hire, all employees must complete and pass a Criminal Background Check and successfully complete initial orientation training.
What training do Pinnacle Services employees receive?
When new employees are hired, they complete an extensive initial orientation training program that exceeds our licensing requirements to ensure that each employee is educated and prepared to offer the best services possible to those whom we serve. Employees receive training on topics such as Boundaries, Data Privacy, Documentation, First Aid and CPR, HIPAA, Medication Administration, OSHA and Emergency Procedures, Person Centered Thinking, Positive Behavior Intervention, Service Recipient Rights, Vehicle Safety, and the Vulnerable Adult/Maltreatment of Minors Act. After employees successfully complete initial orientation, they receive site orientation specific to the individuals with whom they will be working. Employees also complete annual on-going training throughout their employment.
If I have concerns, who do I tell?
We strive to be responsive to the issues and concerns of the people whom we serve as well as to their families, guardians and Case Managers. Feel free to contact the Program Coordinator or Manager first. If concerns are not addressed to your satisfaction, the Program Director or Program Administrator may also be contacted.
