Program Specialist

This full time position offers a wealth of benefits to include comprehensive and affordable health benefits, paid parental leave, generous paid time off, tuition and student loan assistance, employer retirement contributions, and much more!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Will effectively maintain a maximum caseload of Day Program participants. 

• Will be responsible for the coordination or completion of an initial day program assessment for each individual within his/her first 60 calendar of admission and each subsequent annual assessment thereafter.

• Will insure that the assessment is properly reviewed with and signed by participant, and subsequently used for the development of the ISP/IPP, its Annual Update and all ISP/IPP revisions.

• Will be responsible for participating/attending in the development of the ISP/IPP, the ISP/IPP Annual Update and all ISP/IPP revisions initially, annually and following any Critical Reviews which alter services or outcomes/goals.

• Each Program Specialist will be responsible to serve as the Plan Lead when his or her participant does not have a county Supports Coordinator fulfilling that role ( If the Supports Coordinator is fulfilling the role, then he or she would be responsible for completion of the participant's written ISP/IPP .) If the Program Specialist fulfilling the role of Plan Lead, then the Program Specialist has the responsibility to :

a. facilitate the development and implementation of the ISP/IPP while acting as chairperson of the Team Meeting

b. ensure that all required Day Program information is maintained and referenced in the Plan

c. ensure that all Day Program supports and services are implemented as described in the Plan

d. ensure that each participant's ISP/IPP is initially developed within 90 calendar days of admission to the day program, updated annually and revised based on the participant's current assessment

e. use the Department of Welfare/ Office of Developmental Disabilities approved documentation form ( i.e. Annotated ISP form) to create and record elements of the Plan.

f. generate an invitation letter to all participants of the Interdisciplinary Team and secure a copy of it in the participant's record ( the letter or letters should indicate all identified Team members )

g. ensure that all Team members receive a copy of the initial Plan, its Annual Reviews and all Plan reviews within 30 days of the meetings

• If the Program Specialist is not the Plan Lead, then he or she is responsible for reviewing the ISP/the Annual Update and all ISP Revisions.

• If the Program Specialist is not the Plan Lead, then he or she is responsible for reporting any discrepancies to the Supports Coordinator as applicable and to team members.

• If the Program Specialist is not the Plan Lead, then he or she is responsible for reporting any changes related to the participant's needs to the Supports Coordinator or recommendations for changes to the Plan.

• Will ensure that the Plan for each participant is implemented as written.

• Will supervise, monitor and evaluate services as identified by the Team and the Plan

• Will complete monthly documentation on the participant's participation and progress towards outcomes/goals, as well as sign and date each monthly documentation.

• Will be responsible to review the ISP/IPP ( the initial, annual or reviews) with the participant and ensure that the any initial, annual, quarterly or critical review is signed by the participant and the Program Specialist. [ Note: The Program Specialist is responsible to notify Plan members of their option to decline the ISP/IPP documentation.

• Will be responsible for recommending a revision to a service or outcome/goal in the ISP/IPP as necessary.

• Will coordinate all services identified in the Plan, as well as coordinate or provide all training to direct service workers in: (I) the content of the Plan and

(2) the Health and Safety needs of each participant Will participate in all interdisciplinary team reviews on the individuals and chair those meetings as necessary.

• Will monitor documentation of each individual's documentation to insure its adherence to the IPP/ISP and regulatory guidelines.

 • Will serve in a liaison role communicating with medical staff, social services staff, residential staff or families, county supports coordinators and consultants whenever necessary.

• Will serve as primary point of contact for families and agency representatives and DPD's Day Programs as it provides day program, program and medical services to the participants on his/her caseload.

• Will insure that all program services are coordinated with the family ( and/or provider staff ) and day program staff at the Work Activity Center or the Adult Training Facility - including the training of new staff in the program services of each individual.

• Will keep confidential all client information.

• Will take an active interest in promoting and protecting the human and civil rights of each client.

• Will learn and master current Department of Public Welfare regulations as they pertain to delivery of program and medical services, and participate in annual inspections as needed.

• Will amass 24 hours of annual training each year in accordance with regulations.

• Will communicate with the Day Program Management Team about concerns arising in the care and training of assigned individuals.

• Will be responsible for maintaining a positive work atmosphere by acting/ behaving in a professional manner and promoting camaraderie with co-workers, supervisors and others.

• Will be responsible for consistent punctuality, attendance and maintenance of a proper appearance.

• Will perform all other duties as directed by the Program Director or Director of Day Program Services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree in a human services field (including but not limited to: sociology, special education, rehabilitation counseling, and psychology as well as two years experience working with people with  Intellectual Disabilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to work in a team atmosphere and co-share office space if necessary.

• Some flexibility in working hours may be required.

• Minimal exposure to adverse weather conditions, heavy lifting or interventions with volatile clients.

HAZARDS:

• Low exposure to minor hazards, moderate exposure to bloodborne pathogens

• Low exposure to hazardous materials

• No exposure to heavy equipment

**Equal Opportunity Employer M / F / D / V **