Program Specialist

Program Specialist

Location: Trumbull, CT, with regular travel to program locations Pay: $59,000-$69,500 per year FLSA Status: Exempt, salaried Job Type: Full-time Work Setting: Headquarters, day-program and residential sites, with an approved hybrid schedule based on program needs Shift and Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; schedule may adjust for planning meetings, documentation deadlines, site needs, compliance matters, or urgent program concerns

The Kennedy Collective is a Connecticut-based nonprofit organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, veterans, and individuals facing barriers to employment. Our work spans Program Services, Social Enterprises, Workforce Development, Mobility & Travel Training Services, and Administration, creating pathways for people to flourish and thrive.

The Opportunity

As a Program Specialist, you will help keep services organized, documented, coordinated, and compliant across Program Services. You will own critical records and documentation, coordinate individual planning and interdisciplinary meetings, monitor authorizations and required approvals, and work closely with program leaders, clinical professionals, families, guardians, residential providers, and Connecticut Department of Developmental Services partners. This is an individual-contributor role for someone who can manage substantial detail, competing deadlines, and compliance responsibilities while working independently across multiple program settings.

What You Will Do

• Own the accuracy, completeness, organization, and timely maintenance of individual records, service plans, authorizations, consents, emergency information, and electronic case-management documentation.
• Coordinate individual planning, semiannual, program-support, and interdisciplinary team meetings, including preparation, documentation, and follow-through.
• Review program documentation for alignment with organizational requirements, service authorizations, Connecticut DDS requirements, HCBS waiver obligations, and applicable standards.
• Maintain timely and complete records in Therap and other assigned systems.
• Confirm required Contract Service Authorizations, approvals, and supporting documentation are in place before services begin or change.
• Partner with program managers, nurses, behavior professionals, and other staff to resolve documentation concerns and support coordinated services.
• Serve as a liaison with individuals served, families, guardians, DDS case managers, residential providers, and program teams.
• Identify and escalate incomplete records, missed deadlines, authorization concerns, compliance risks, and recurring documentation issues.

Requirements

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Relevant experience in human services, program coordination, case management, quality assurance, compliance, service-plan administration, or a comparable function.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain detailed records, review documentation, coordinate deadlines, and protect confidential information.
• Experience using Microsoft 365, electronic case-management platforms, and internet-based documentation systems.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in written and verbal formats.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, organize a substantial workload, and collaborate with teams the position does not supervise.
• Valid driver license and ability to travel regularly among headquarters, day-program, and residential locations.
• Ability to satisfy applicable background-investigation requirements.
• CPR and First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain and maintain certification within the timeframe established by the organization.
• PMT or other approved physical-intervention training, or the ability to complete and maintain the required training within the established timeframe.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Frequently use a keyboard, mouse, telephone, and other office technology requiring repetitive hand, wrist, and finger movement.
• Frequently view computer screens, electronic records, reports, and detailed written information.
• Regularly communicate in person, by telephone, and through virtual meeting platforms.
• Occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, and move through office, day-program, and residential environments.
• Occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull files, supplies, or equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Drive regularly between assigned organizational locations, which may involve extended periods in a vehicle.
• Hear, speak, and see sufficiently to review records, participate in meetings, communicate with stakeholders, and observe program environments.
• Perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Working Conditions

• Works in headquarters, day-program, residential, and approved remote-work environments, with regular travel between organizational locations.
• Follows a hybrid work arrangement based on scheduled meetings, documentation responsibilities, program-site visits, operational needs, and supervisory direction.
• Regularly interacts with program leaders, employees, individuals served, families, guardians, DDS case managers, residential providers, nurses, behavior professionals, and other authorized partners.
• May encounter noise, interruptions, changing activity levels, and other conditions associated with active day-program and residential environments.
• May be required to adjust the regular schedule for planning meetings, documentation deadlines, site needs, compliance matters, or urgent program concerns.
• Regular travel throughout the service area is required. Additional travel may be required based on organizational needs.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $59,000 to $69,500
• Placement within the range is based on experience, qualifications, and applicable organizational compensation practices.
• This position is classified as Exempt and is not eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• Compensation will be communicated in accordance with applicable pay-transparency requirements.

Benefits

Eligible employees may participate in The Kennedy Collective comprehensive benefits program, subject to plan eligibility requirements, which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options, where applicable
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions, if eligible
• Paid time off, including vacation time, sick time, and floating holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Employee discount and wellness programs
• Additional voluntary benefits offered by The Kennedy Collective

EEO Statement

The Kennedy Collective is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. As a federal contractor, The Kennedy Collective complies with applicable requirements regarding individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.