Tammy Torres, Care Services Director
Tammy Torres is the Las Animas County Care Services Director. Torres has been the Program Director since March of 2013. Prior to that she was a Case Manager coming on board in January 2011. She is responsible for program management and development of the Care Services Program in Las Animas County. She directly supervises case worker staff and engages in providing home and community based services within Las Animas County. Torres administers the SCCOG's Medicaid Licensed Provider Program for clients referred by the Department of Human Services and other similar programs that are funded by private pay clients, and contracted services. Torres engages in long range strategic planning, program evaluation and fiscal management and regulatory compliance. She has over 20 years' experience in the medical industry. She has worked with Dr. Sally L. Fabec as a data entry clerk/receptionist for decades. In addition, she has her teacher's licensure in Business Communications having taught at Primero High School from 2003-2006.
Torres graduated from Primero High School. She also attended Trinidad State College for one year. While at TSC she was a member of the volleyball team. She transferred and graduated from Adams State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Computer Information Systems. Torres lives in Trinidad, CO with her daughter. She is an avid runner having ran an ultramarathon, five marathons and many half marathons, 10ks and 5ks.
Haley Dove, Las Animas County Lead Case Manager, has been with the SC COG Care Services team since July of 2016. She started as an administrative assistant before becoming a Case Manager in July of 2018. She was later promoted to Lead Case Manager in February of 2022. Currently, Dove is pursuing her degree in Human Services. Dove Lives in Trinidad where she enjoys spending time at the State parks and hanging out with friends and family.
Sara Smith, Las Animas Case Manager, has been with SC COG Care Services team since February of 2022. Smith grew up in Aguilar and graduated from Aguilar High School. Smith received her nursing degree from Pueblo Community College, and later attended Colorado State University in Pueblo to finish her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Smith brings 28 years of experience in the medical field and has provided care to many people in the area. Smith lives on her family ranch in Aguilar where she enjoys cooking, baking, traveling and most of all being with her family.
Haley and Sara are responsible for the day to day operations of the Care Service program to include:
- The hiring, firing and disciplining of Personal Care Providers.
- The orientation and training of new employees on HCBS and Private Pay programs.
- Administrating quarterly mandatory provider trainings including presentation, prepping, certificate completion and updating Wizard employee files.
- Completing annual performance evaluations for each Personal Care Provider.
- Completing initial assessment of new client referrals, creating client care plans, and entry of client data into Wizard software program
- Monitoring and supporting program including client quarterly visits, updating and revising client care plans and follow up with any issues/situations needing attention with Department of Human Services Case Workers.
- Responsible for the day to day operations of client care and provider issues including but not limited to critical incidents and Occurrence reporting.
- Responsible for routine client file maintenance including verifying that all client records have valid Prior Authorization Request (PAR) in place for service, that client's staff assignments adequately address all requirements of the PAR, that monthly hours are posted correctly, that client timesheet documentation is filed monthly and that all HIPAA documentation and disclosure information is present in files and chart set up. This will also include chart breakdowns when client discharges from program and thinning of active charts.
- Ensuring timesheets are available for payroll, copying all documentation pertaining to the HCBS, Private Pay, and Veteran's Affair programs.
- Filing in client and employee personnel files.
- Responsible for semi-monthly payroll timesheet process including calculations of provider hours, completion of visits, calculating billing units, and Wizard software reconciliation.
- Completing required billing/payroll r reports for the Care Services Director.
- Participating in Care Services Quality Management Team monthly meeting and aiding care Services Director with reporting requirements.
Provider Staff
SC COG Care Services hires locally. During the hiring process, all applicants must pass a criminal background screening and a Department of Regulatory Agency screening. All provider staff must successfully complete 20 hours of skills training prior to being assigned to a client. Thereafter, annual training requirements must be met to continue employment. The Las Animas County Care Service Programs currently employs 49 caregivers working throughout these counties.