The Support Broker works for the person as someone who helps facilitate the involvement of others in their life, coordinates supports, develops plans and budgets and then helps implement the plan. The Support Broker has a contract with the person receiving supports which will clearly indicate what they will provide.

This may include:
Develop the budget
Help the circle grow
Facilitate planning meetings
Act as advocate when needed
Facilitating the circle of support
May help arrange for training of the staff
Help interview staff if the person desires
Help identify neded resources and services
Write the plan and review with circle members
Help the person negotiate for goods and services
Help set-up systems for the person for payment of bills
Maintain regular contact with the person's casemanager
Meet with appropriate people to revise or negotiate the plan
Think about opportunities to help the person make new friends
Help the person write job descriptions for any staff that they may hire
Complete plan and budget modifications and renewals with the person
Mediate issues between the payment agent and the person , if needed
Act as liason with the employer of record if needed
(the organization that will actually hire the staff)

The Pace and Flow of the Work

Typically, the supports coordinator spends time initially getting to know the person and helping them form a circle of support (if they do not have one). The time committed by the coordinator during this period may vary according to need. Once the circle develops the plan, there is a flurry of activity writing the plan and then helping implement it. An active circle may delegate different tasks to various members with the coordinator doing just that, coordinating efforts. Some teams are less active and the coordinator plays a much larger and time intensive role. Once implemented, the time commitment lessens. Some months may require only a few hours of contact. This is dependent on what is happening in the person's life. Monthly meeting are held between the Director of the Association and all the Support Brokers to problem solve, distribute resources and information, share experiences /stories and to get mutual support from others doing the work. The Association will provide whatever help is needed so that the Support Broker can accomplish what it is that is needed.