Community Participation Support - Program Specialist

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Responsible for developing Individual Support Plans (ISP) as outlined in the 2380 and 2390 regulations (inclusive of the 33 (b) series) and Chapter 51 and 6100 regulations for individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or mental health complications in a day program setting. Implements and/or oversees and/or directs implementation of program plans. Monitors progress on at least a quarterly basis; makes referrals as necessary for ancillary services. Provides basic supportive/directive counseling and crisis intervention. Acts as a coordinator with family members, local school districts, other providers and the counties.

Responsible for supervising, training, evaluating and directing all TAA's which work with their caseload. Responsible for oversight of unit utilization for all individuals on caseload throughout the fiscal year.

Work is performed in accordance with established regulations, policies and procedures, but employees are expected to exercise initiative and independent judgment in discharging their duties, seeking advice and help only with the more unusual and difficult cases.

Work is reviewed by the CPS Program Director through conferences, observations and written evaluations after three (3) and six (6) months of employment in the position, and on a yearly basis thereafter.

ESSENTIAL JOB DECISION MAKING RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervisory Responsibilities

Gives daily supervision, coaching and guidance to aides to assure implementation of individuals' program and proper recording of necessary data to ensure adherence to all regulations.

Trains new staff and conducts in-service training throughout the year. Assures that staff follows Policy and Procedure and issues discipline accordingly. Recommends the hiring and firing of subordinates, and is involved in the interview and decision process. Investigates allegations of abuse or neglect, and is involved in determining and assessing disciplinary penalties.

Program Responsibilities

Coordinates all aspects of developing goals and assures that programming is completed; develops and disseminates invitation and program information to all involved; develops and presents programs for the Human Rights Committee. Assures that all social, personal, and community integration needs are met for each individual through appropriate programming; maintains up-to-date and complete programming records; trains staff on how to implement programming and assure it is done; and, coordinates all assessments for the individuals. Provides supervision in areas as necessary.

Casework Responsibilities

Observe individuals in program of the Day Program Center setting; record individuals' program planning; assist with Interdisciplinary Team meetings to develop annual ISPs; writing goals to address those personal, social and vocational needs to be remedied in order to attain next higher level of independence; writes goals with specific measureable objectives to be achieved in three (3) month time frames; describes methods/procedures to be utilized to assure progress; designates implementer; analyzes charts/comments/data gather to assess progress/lack of progress; comments in writing on progress on quarterly basis; makes revision in programming as needed to overcome obstacles to progress; works directly with Floor Supervisor/Activity Aide to discuss, direct and explain methods of goal implementation and recording; maintains individuals' file folders in compliance with state regulations; requests updated medical/psychiatric information when necessary; files necessary forms and information; reads/reviews incident reports; gives staff appropriate guidance; makes necessary notifications; serves as members of committees (HRC. Safety Committee, Behavior Management, etc.) attends available seminars and in-service training to accrue a minimum of twenty-four (24) in-service hours annually; serves as liaison/advocate with individuals' family, other providers and the BHC Office; provides basic supportive, directive counseling, as needed; makes referrals for additional services as necessary; is available for Crisis Intervention; and, coordinates individuals' medical needs with nurse in order to ensure needed medical referrals participating in assisting families with their child's IEP.

Prepares reports for Director of Day Services and COO/CEO as requested; conducts informal counseling with individuals; utilizes Crisis Intervention with individuals as needed; files and/or arranges for files to be updated; reviews the logs of all aides and reports as needed; maintains up-to-date and current information relative to the individual's health and welfare; participates in Admission and Discharge meetings, Team Meetings, etc.; assures that programs are in accordance with all regulations.

Liaison Responsibilities

Maintains open and consistent communications with families, MCBHC Office, other MCAR departments, Social Service agencies and financial institutions and community resources; makes home visits to families on a regular basis and acts as a liaison between staff and individuals as needed; makes referrals for other services for individuals as needed; establishes bridges for the individuals for community integration.

Medical Responsibilities

Will become a certified medication administrator; coordinates information gathering relative to medical, physical, psychiatric on their caseload; and maintains up-to-date medical information and files.

Financial Responsibilities

Assists in program budget needs; distributes paychecks; assists Fiscal Department with audits; and coordinates program purchases and maintenance needs. Reviews individuals' utilization rates in accordance with each individual's budget. Makes requests for any needed adjustments.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Bachelor's Degree, with 2 years work experience with individuals with disabilities or Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in a human service/behavioral sciences field and one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities. Associate's Degree or 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university and 4 years experience working directly with persons with disabilities.

• Two (2) years paid work experience involving direct service through person-to-person contacts in a social service agency.

• One year of supervisory experience and the ability to effectively lead subordinates in order to achieve maximum potential.

• Knowledge of social work/casework concepts, theories and practices.

• Knowledge of individual or group counseling concepts, theories and practices.

• Knowledge of Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) techniques for use duringindividual crisis/emergency situations.

• Ability to encourage and guide subordinates towards overall program goals.

• Knowledge of MCAR's Policies/Procedures.

• Knowledge of basic individual programming development and implementation concepts, theories and practices.

• Ability to incorporate new technologies and/or philosophies (e.g., positive approaches, restrictive programming procedures, etc.) into writing person-centered individual program plans for individuals in Day Program areas.

• Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

• Ability to organize and prioritize program and individual needs.

• Ability to communicate orally and in writing using the English language.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED WHEN PERFORMING ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

DVD Player Copier and Fax Machines

Computer Motor Vehicles (cars, vans, minivans, trucks)

Digital Camera Adaptive Equipment

Office Phone System Assorted Office Equipment

IPad Cell Phone