Program Specialist

Title: Program Specialist

Reports Directly to: Program Director

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Summary: Under the supervision of the Vice-President of Operations, this position will ensure the integration of services for the individuals. PS will ensure compliance with regard to agency policies and procedures and ODP Regulations. PS will ensure individual rights are protected and supervise the implementation of program plans as recommended by the interdisciplinary team. PS ensure proper training for all Program Managers including but not limited to management of the residential facilities, and the understanding of the audit process and audit readiness.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise Program Managers and Direct Support Professionals
• Remain in direct communication with regard to the residential program updates.
• Ensure managers have a clear understanding of the operation of the homes, as well as audit processing.
• Review incident findings with Program Managers to ensure compliance.
• Ensure proper goal implementation with managers.
• Attend IDT meetings and other meetings as directed by the VP.
• Ensure communication with family members regarding the individuals health and overall well-being.
• Ensure internal audits from QA, as well as the VP of Operations, are completed and ensure compliance with Eihab Human Service policy and OPWDD regulatory statutes.
• Ensure incident reporting procedures are followed.
• Immediately inform the VP of all incidents and issues with staffing individuals and any other concerns as they occur.
• Coordination with Program Managers to develop a monthly agenda for staff meetings to ensure that issues are covered and that meetings are meaningful.
• Assist in preparing reports for ISP reviews by providing feedback and ensuring that reports are of a quality and informative nature.
• Review data collection monthly to make sure data is quantified and that it is reflective of the individuals progress.
• Supervise the completion of monthly reviews for each individual covering status on day program, behavior, medical, social, recreation and program plans.
• Schedule and provide in-service training for staff covering all as-needed topics.
• Provide monthly reports to the VP of Operations with regards to all areas of the residential programs.
• Ensure the rights of each individual are protected.
• Handle in-service training of the residential managers and ensure that all the residences information is maintained and kept up to date by the managers.
• Supervise employee relations issues and discuss recommendations with Human Resources.
• Ensure completion of protocol and documentation for each individual and review on a semi-annual and annual basis.
• Ensure Program Managers complete medical books, personal allowance books, recreational activities, fire drills, clothing needs and purchases as needed for the individuals.
• Ensure that Program Managers address individual needs by meeting regularly, coordinating with the clinical staff.
• Review clinical reports submitted for consistency and clarity.
• Conduct ODP self-assessments to ensure compliance.
• Submit and follow-up with IRC and HRT presentations, submissions and recommendations.
• Coordinate with Program Managers to complete performance evaluations for direct care staff under the supervision of the Vice-President of Operations.
• Participate in agency-wide managers meetings and training sessions as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice-President of Operations.
• Resume the responsibilities of the Program Manager in the event that the Program Manager is not active.
• Perform and complete other duties at the discretion and assigned by a supervisor, management and administration.
• Assist with direct care to individuals, which may include covering shifts to ensure adequate staffing levels.

Qualifications:

• Masters Degree or above from an accredited college or university and 1-year work experience working directly with persons of intellectual disabilities.
• Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university and 2 years of work experience working directly with persons with intellectual disabilities.
• Associates Degree or 60 credits from an accredited college or university and 4 years of work experience with persons with intellectual disabilities.
• Valid Pennsylvania Drivers License with a clean driving record
• Clear Criminal Background
• Favorable Physical/TB/Drug screen

Work Environment:

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.