Program Specialist

Job Posting

Description: Program Specialist-Behavior Support

Corry Counseling of LECOM Health is looking for a Full-Time Program Specialist for a new residential home in Erie, PA. This home will provide 24-hour care and support for a single individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities and high-structured needs.

As a Program Specialist, you play a vital role in supporting staff to develop and implement activities that support the individual in achieving their desired outcomes by promoting independence, minimizing challenging behaviors, and fostering community involvement. Your responsibilities will include development of the ISP and ensuring that the ISP and behavior plan are carried out as written as well as completion of required documentation.

As a Program Specialist you will be assisting with daily living activities, implementing support plans, and helping the individual achieve personal goals that reflect their dreams and aspirations along side the DSP. T_he Program Specialist will function as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) for 20 hours a week and 20 hours in the PS position._

This position may include unpredictable behaviors, verbal and physical aggression, and self-injurious actions. This role involves mental and physical demands such as stress management, muscle strain, and exposure to loud environments. Work settings may vary, including both the home and community settings.

If you are passionate about making a difference in someone's life and are ready to take on a rewarding challenge, we encourage you to apply!

Schedule:

· Full-time 40 hours/week

Responsibilities:

· Implements and monitors Individualized Support Plans (ISPs) based on assessed needs, preferences, and goals to ensure personalized care and goal achievement.

· Monitors staff adherence to Individualized Support Plans (ISPs) and ensures services are delivered in alignment with established goals and regulations.

· Ensures that all services and interventions align with the individual’s Person-Centered Plan and promote self-advocacy.

· Coordinates with Behavioral Specialists, Therapists, and Medical Providers to ensure collaborative care.

· Provides guidance, coaching, and technical assistance to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to ensure quality service delivery.

· Oversees and participates in staff training and development related to ISPs, behavior management, and best practices.

· Maintains and submits required reports, assessments, and documentation in a timely manner.

· Oversees and manages individuals' personal funds, ensuring accurate record-keeping and account reconciliation in compliance with regulations.

· Maintains required staff-to-individual ratios and oversees the development of DSP schedules, including managing coverage for call-offs to ensure continuity of care.

· Coordinates and schedules engaging activities while ensuring individuals attend all required medical, therapeutic, and community appointments.

· Develops and maintains partnerships with community organizations and service providers.

· Assists in crisis de-escalation and provide support in behavioral interventions as needed.

· Ensures all services and supports provided align with PA 6400 regulations and other applicable state and federal guidelines.

· Completes all required training within designated timeframes.

· Continuously develop skills in a supportive environment to enhance service quality and individual outcomes.

· Works collaboratively with colleagues, supervisors, and healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized care plans.

· Acts as a liaison between individuals, families, guardians, and external stakeholders to ensure effective communication.

· Facilitates team meetings to discuss progress, concerns, and plan modifications.

· Ensures completion of home management, Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), and other assigned responsibilities.

· Actively participates in team meetings, plan development, and review processes.

· Follows all agency policies, procedures, and safety protocols to maintain a healthy, safe, peaceful, and comfortable environment at all times.

Why join Corry Counseling of LECOM Health?

Compensation: Base pay is $45,000 annually.

Time Off: Full-time employees receive 8 Paid holidays in addition to generous vacation, sick, and paid time off. Part-time staff working a minimum of fifteen (15) hours per week, or more, are eligible for vacation accruals based on the average hours worked per week.

Professional Advancement: Professional development opportunities and dedicated training budget.

Benefits :

· Medical Insurance

· Highmark BC/BS Medical Insurance

· Employee only coverage costs only $35/pay and family is only $160/pay!

· Home Host option* – waived co-pays and deductibles when utilizing LECOM physicians, Corry Memorial Hospital and Millcreek Community Hospital.

o When using the Home Host benefits, all copayments and deductibles are waived with the exception for advanced diagnostics, certain types of therapy, durable medical equipment, infertility treatment, transplants, and certain surgical expenses

· Dental Insurance

· BAI Insurance

· Employee coverage is only $5/month and Family coverage is only $13.60/month.

· Vision Insurance.

· Various other elective benefits are available such as Identity theft protection, Short-Term

Disability, travel insurance, pet insurance, etc.

· Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability and AD&D are provided at no cost to you.

· Employee Assistance program (EAP).

· Employee Referral program.

Retirement: 403(b) Savings Plan enrollment with company match up to 6% of your pay after one year of employment.

· Returning employees may take advantage of the retirement match immediately or earlier than one year.

Wellness: No cost Employee Assistance Program, discounted membership to LECOM Wellness Center and a dedication to work/life balance.

Student Loan Forgiveness: We are a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit which qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Qualifications:

· A master’s degree or above from an accredited college or university and 1 year of work experience working directly with individuals with an intellectual disability or autism or;

· A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and 2 years of work experience working directly with individuals with an intellectual disability or autism or;

· An associate’s degree or 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university and 4 years of work experience working directly with individuals with an intellectual disability or autism.

Additional Requirements:

· Must have a valid driver’s license, current insurance coverage and consistent access to a reliable vehicle.

· Act 33 (PA Child Abuse) must be received prior to hire.

· Act 34 Clearance (PA State Police Record Check) OR the Department of Human Services FBI Fingerprinting must also be received prior to hire along with the Act 33 clearance.

· Mandated Reporter and Safety Care Training within 30 days of hire.

· Successful completion of Medication Administration Training, CPR, and First Aid Certification (provided upon hire).

· Able to lift/or carry up to 50 pounds .

· Strong written and verbal communication skills .

Corry Counseling of LECOM Health commits to further living our values of inclusion and compassion and to strengthening policies and practices that better demonstrate social responsibility, diversity, inclusion equity, and cultural humility. We are committed to continuously listening, learning, and growing. We believe that an informed, diverse, and representative workforce will help everyone achieve more and do better.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift
• Night shift
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Home care: 1 year (Required)
• Group home: 1 year (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)
• Overnight Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Erie, PA 16509 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Erie, PA 16509: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000