Self-directed services can give people with intellectual and developmental disabilities greater control over who provides support, when services are delivered, and how an approved budget is used. That freedom can also involve important responsibilities. A Support Broker helps Maryland DDA participants and their representatives build the knowledge and skills needed to direct services with confidence.
For individuals and families searching for Support Broker Services Maryland or Support Broker Services DDA Maryland, it is important to understand what this role includes, how Support Broker services are authorized, and how a Support Broker differs from a direct-service provider.
What Is a Support Broker in Maryland?
A Support Broker is an optional support for individuals who participate in Maryland’s DDA self-directed services model. The role provides information, coaching, mentoring, and practical guidance so the participant can make informed decisions about services, staff, budgets, and personal goals.
The participant remains at the center of decision-making. A Support Broker does not take control of the person’s services or make decisions on the participant’s behalf. Instead, the broker helps the participant understand available choices and develop the skills necessary to direct services as independently as possible.
According to the Maryland DDA Support Broker Services overview, Support Broker assistance may address both Employer Authority and Budget Authority within self-direction.
How Support Broker Services Support Self-Direction
Self-direction is different from provider-managed services. Under a provider-managed model, an agency generally handles staffing, scheduling, supervision, and service delivery. Under self-direction, the participant or designated representative takes a more active role.
HAVE Support explains these differences in its guide to self-directed services in Maryland and its comparison of provider-led and self-directed service models.
A Support Broker may help a participant:
- Understand the responsibilities involved in self-direction
- Identify services, resources, and staffing options
- Develop strategies for hiring and supervising Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)
- Review schedules, timesheets, and service documentation
- Understand the approved self-directed budget
- Prepare for changes to the Person-Centered Plan
- Develop emergency backup and risk-management plans
- Learn how to communicate effectively and resolve workplace concerns
- Understand individual rights and the grievance process
- Coordinate with the participant’s broader planning and support team
The purpose is not to replace the participant’s authority. The purpose is to strengthen the participant’s ability to use that authority effectively.
Support Broker Guidance for Employer Responsibilities
In many self-directed arrangements, the participant: or an approved representative: serves as the employer of record for staff. This responsibility is often called Employer Authority.
A Support Broker can provide education and coaching related to employer responsibilities, including:
Recruiting and Hiring DSPs
The Support Broker may help the participant identify staffing needs, create job descriptions, develop recruitment strategies, and prepare for interviews. The participant or authorized representative makes the final hiring decision.
Training and Supervision
A Support Broker can help establish practical expectations for DSPs, organize onboarding information, and develop supervision and evaluation strategies. This may include discussing communication methods, daily routines, documentation, safety, and person-specific support needs.
Scheduling and Timesheets
Self-directed participants may need to create schedules, review hours, and approve documentation. A Support Broker can explain these responsibilities and help identify discrepancies. The broker does not approve their own timesheets or invoices and should not make decisions that belong to the participant.
Workplace Concerns and Termination
When staffing concerns arise, a Support Broker may offer guidance about communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, corrective action, or ending an employment relationship. The participant or representative remains responsible for making employment decisions in accordance with applicable program requirements.
Benefits, Leave, and Employment Questions
Depending on current Maryland policy and the participant’s approved arrangements, Support Broker guidance may also address benefits, leave time, and other employment-related matters. These costs and responsibilities must remain consistent with program rules and the participant’s available budget.
Support Broker Guidance for Budget Responsibilities
Self-direction may also include Budget Authority, which allows the participant to make choices about approved services and supports within an authorized budget.
A Support Broker may help the participant:
- Understand the services included in the approved budget
- Connect personal goals to spending decisions
- Review financial reports from the Fiscal Management Service
- Track staffing costs and service use
- Identify potential budget concerns early
- Understand the process for requesting a budget modification
- Prepare questions for the CCS and planning team
- Confirm that spending aligns with the approved Person-Centered Plan
A Support Broker does not guarantee a particular funding amount or authorize services independently. Service levels depend on the individual’s assessed needs, Person-Centered Plan, authorization, waiver requirements, and available funding. Participants should review budget questions with their Coordinator of Community Services (CCS), Fiscal Management Service, and planning team.
The Connection to Person-Centered Planning
The Person-Centered Plan is the foundation for DDA services. It should describe what matters to the person, what the person wants to accomplish, the supports needed to pursue those goals, and the safeguards necessary to promote health, safety, and quality of life.
A Support Broker can help a participant prepare for planning conversations by encouraging the participant to consider:
- Personal interests and long-term aspirations
- Preferred routines and communication styles
- Desired living arrangements
- Employment, education, or volunteer goals
- Community participation and relationships
- Health and behavioral support needs
- Staffing preferences
- Risks and emergency backup options
- Services that may promote greater independence
The Support Broker may help the participant communicate goals and preferences, but the participant’s voice should guide the plan. The broker also does not replace the CCS. Coordination of Community Services remains a separate role with separate responsibilities.
Support Broker vs. Direct-Service Provider
One of the most common questions families ask is how to distinguish a Support Broker from a direct-service provider.
| Support Broker | Direct-Service Provider |
|---|---|
| Provides coaching, information, and mentoring | Delivers authorized services and supports |
| Helps the participant direct self-directed services | Provides direct assistance based on the approved plan |
| Supports employer and budget responsibilities | May provide personal support, community development, residential, nursing, behavioral, transportation, or other services |
| Helps the participant understand choices | Implements specific services selected and authorized by the participant’s plan |
| Does not make decisions for the participant | May be responsible for staff supervision when operating under a provider-led model |
| Does not replace the CCS | Coordinates service delivery with the participant and support team |
A Support Broker is not the participant’s DSP, residential provider, CCS, or Fiscal Management Service. The broker’s role is focused on strengthening the participant’s capacity to direct services.
HAVE Support may work alongside a participant’s Support Broker by providing authorized direct services. However, HAVE Support is not presenting itself as the participant’s Support Broker through this resource. Families should select a qualified Support Broker separately when that service is appropriate or required.
How to Access Support Broker Services in Maryland
Access generally begins with the participant’s DDA enrollment and choice to use self-directed services. The process may include:
-
Confirm DDA participation and service model.
The individual must be eligible for and enrolled in applicable Maryland DDA services and use the self-directed model. -
Discuss the need with the CCS.
The CCS can explain eligibility, available options, current requirements, and whether Support Broker services may fit the participant’s circumstances. -
Include the service in the Person-Centered Plan.
Support Broker services must be addressed and authorized through the participant’s planning process. Authorization is not automatic. -
Review certified provider options.
Participants may consider an individual Support Broker or Support Broker agency, depending on available options and program requirements. -
Confirm responsibilities and availability.
Before selecting a broker, ask about experience with self-direction, communication preferences, scheduling, documentation, emergency planning, and familiarity with the participant’s goals.
Maryland DDA materials describe initial orientation and ongoing Support Broker assistance, but service amounts are not universal. The scope, frequency, and duration of support depend on the participant’s plan, assessed needs, existing natural supports, approved budget, and current Maryland policy.
What to Consider When Choosing a Support Broker
Families and participants may wish to ask prospective Support Brokers:
- Are you currently certified or approved under Maryland DDA requirements?
- Do you understand Employer Authority and Budget Authority?
- How do you help participants maintain decision-making control?
- What experience do you have supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
- How do you help with recruiting and supervising DSPs?
- How do you support budget monitoring and plan changes?
- How do you approach emergency backup planning?
- How do you communicate with the participant, representative, CCS, and FMS?
- Do you have any conflicts of interest or other paid roles with this participant?
- How do you protect the participant’s privacy, rights, and preferences?
Current requirements may include training, background checks, CPR and First Aid certification, adherence to a Support Broker Code of Conduct, and other DDA standards. Participants should verify qualifications and current availability before making a selection.
How HAVE Support Works with Self-Directed Participants
HAVE Support is a Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving people with disabilities through comprehensive, person-centered services. The organization offers both provider-led and self-directed service options, depending on the individual’s authorized supports and preferences.
When a participant selects HAVE Support for an authorized service, the organization may coordinate with the participant, family or representative, CCS, Support Broker, and other members of the support team. This collaboration helps ensure that services reflect the individual’s goals and approved plan.
To learn more, review HAVE Support’s self-directed services, provider-led services, and DDA Community Pathways Waiver information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Support Broker required for every self-directed participant?
No. Support Broker services are generally optional, although Maryland DDA requirements may identify specific circumstances in which Support Broker involvement is required. Eligibility and requirements can change, so participants should confirm current rules with their CCS.
Does a Support Broker hire my DSPs for me?
No. A Support Broker may coach and mentor the participant through recruitment, interviewing, hiring, supervision, and termination decisions. The participant or authorized representative retains decision-making responsibility.
Does a Support Broker manage my DDA budget?
A Support Broker can help the participant understand, monitor, and manage an approved self-directed budget. The broker does not independently authorize funding or replace the CCS or Fiscal Management Service.
Can HAVE Support be my Support Broker?
This resource does not represent HAVE Support as a Support Broker. HAVE Support may provide other authorized disability services and coordinate with an independently selected Support Broker when appropriate.
Take the Next Step with HAVE Support
Self-direction is a meaningful opportunity to shape services around personal goals, preferences, and everyday life. With the right guidance, participants and families can approach employer responsibilities, budget decisions, planning meetings, and service coordination with greater clarity.
To explore authorized provider-led or self-directed disability services from HAVE Support (Housing, Advocacy, Vocational, and Employment Support Incorporated), visit www.havesupport.org.
Information in this article is for educational purposes and does not replace an individualized determination by Maryland DDA, the participant’s CCS, Fiscal Management Service, or planning team. Program rules, service authorizations, and funding requirements may change.