T.E.A.M. Home & Community Services

Your Questions

Our Responses

Tell me about the level of training, experience, and required credentialing for employees providing services to individuals.

Each newly hired direct care staff member must have a high school diploma or equivalent.  After an extensive criminal background check and driver license check, employees are trained on matters of abuse, neglect, exploitation, communicable diseases, CPR, first aid, infection control, personnel policies and procedures, injury prevention, and any special needs training. 

Describe ways in which you involve the individuals, guardians, family members in the development of the individual’s program.  How do you incorporate a family’s preferences whey they are different from what the agency wants?

Each individual, guardian, and/or family member is invited to participate in team meetings to discuss an individual’s progress, and help develop goals.  You are an integral part of the Interdisciplinary Team, as is the individual to help drive the development of services and supports

What procedures will employees implement in a crisis?  Does your agency train employees on crisis intervention?  Explain.

All employees are trained on methods of crisis intervention.  One of their first lines of support is notifying a supervisor (there is always supervisory and nursing staff on call) for additional direction, clarification, etc.

How does your agency develop plans for persons with behavior problems?  Are plans approved by a Behavior Therapy Committee,
Human Rights Committee or by a psychiatrist?  If a Human Rights Committee reviews plans, is the Human Rights Committee made up of outside members, professionals, parents, and individuals?

The Interdisciplinary Team, which consists minimally of the Case Manager, Nurse, and individual, all work closely with the Psychologist, Psychiatrist, and/or Behavioral Specialist to ensure appropriate behavior plans are written that reflect the individuals needs.  As with all restrictive items, behavior therapy plans are thoroughly reviewed and approved by the Human Rights Committee.

What type of leisure / recreational activities will be available?  Does my family member choose their daily routine?

Individuals are encouraged to choose activities that they might be interested in. Leisure/recreational activities are offered throughout the week.  Activities typically include; movie night, arts and crafts night, etc.  Some have taken special interest in participating in Special Olympics Texas.

How do you accommodate persons who are not ambulatory?

A wheelchair / lift van is available for transportation throughout the community. 

How do you accommodate persons who are nonverbal?  Are employees trained in sign language or augmentative communication devices?

There are many individuals currently being served in our program that are non-verbal and are assisted with communication through a variety of methods such as sign language, communication devices, etc.

What provision will your company make for my family member to attend the religious services of his or her choice?

We facilitate each individual in attending the religious service of their choice by coordinating transportation and attendant services where needed.

What are your back-up procedures when there is an emergency?

T.E.A.M. HCS utilizes a 24-hour on call system with all members of management; including the director, and nursing staff.  Specific Disaster Procedures are in place for each location.

Are employees available to support my family member to participate in activities in the community? (e.g., Outdoor Activities, Outing, religious activities, sports).

Yes.  Every opportunity is made available to support individuals in pursuing their desires. 

What choices will my family member have concerning day programming, vocational training, supported employment, etc.?

In addition to having our own day habilitation program, T.E.A.M. HCS has contracts with several reputable providers. With options provided, individuals may participate in the day programming, vocational training, or supported employment programs of their choice.

What screenings do your require when employees are hired (drug screen, criminal background check, abuse / neglect)?

All staff members undergo several screenings; including, a criminal history background check, employee misconduct and nurse aid registry check, random drug screenings, drug-use record checks, and background reference checks.