Program Specialist

Job Description

Program Specialist
Wilkes Barre / Scranton
Full-Time with Benefits

We are currently hiring a Program Specialist to supervise, organize and coordinate supports for individuals in their homes, in natural family home / Life Sharing and / or community based licensed residential programs. This region would be for Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming counties. The Program Specialist would supervise the Program Managers and homes for this specific territory with travel reimbursement.

JOB SUMMARY

Work is performed and reviewed for effectiveness and adherence to program policies and procedures under the general direction of the Residential Service Director. The Program Specialists are primarily responsible for ensuring that Residential Habilitation programs maintain compliance with applicable regulations and compliance standards. The Program Specialist is delegated the authority, to carry out assigned duties and to respond to emergency situations. The Program Specialist must be prepared to effectively deal with emergencies, health-related issues and unexpected interruption of duties. Further, the Program Specialist must be flexible in routine, site assignments, and work schedule. The Program Specialist is expected to be a positive role model.

Compliance/Program Management:

Responsible for all aspects of the program, including health and safety of individuals, intakes, staffing, licensing, and compliance.

• Primary responsibility for compliance with 6400 and 6100 regulations in all assigned Residential programs.
• Uses the Electronic Health Record (EHR) selected by the organization to:
• Monitor due dates for all relevant documentation including Assessments, Annual Physicals, Dental and Eye exams, Client Rights, Client Grievance procedure, follow up with medical specialists and psychiatrists, Gynecological exams and Mammograms, Psychotropic medication reviews...etc.
• Review daily activities of everyone assigned to their caseload
• Verify and authorize the daily census prior to locking the EHR daily log for everyone in their service.

• Oversee the Functional Assessment process for everyone on case load, and work with Supports Coordinators to ensure that assessment results are accurately reflected in the ISP. Participate in the development and implementation of program participant assessments and individual habitation plans which include goals, service objectives and behavioral plans of support which are designed to improve the social and emotional well-being, as well as the self-care skills, of program participants.
• Reviews program participant documentation for accuracy, timeliness, and overall quality. Ensures goals are person centered, measurable, and reflect the ISP Outcome for the service.
• Ensure HRS data is updated on a regular basis to reflect changes in health status
• Ensure programs are operated in accordance with the principles of Normalization, Positive Approaches and the principles elaborated in Everyday Lives, and are following all applicable State and Federal regulations.
• Ensures communication and coordination with family and team members of the program participants in the service when available.
• Responds to emergency situations, including notification of appropriate personnel and completion of accurate documentation.
• Must be available to administer medication to program participants in accordance with DPW Medication Administration training. Accurately records all medication administration on the Medication Administration Record (MAR). Notifies and consults with the physician's office on all medication disruptions or questions.
• Ensure behavioral recommendations are implemented in accordance with the interdisciplinary team through role modeling and training.
• Coordinates, arranges and completes provisions for specialized services as identified in the individual habilitation plan and individual needs as they occur, such as medical and dental care, speech and psychotherapy.
• Counsels program participants to help them more effectively deal with interpersonal relationships and community responsibilities through discussion and role modeling of appropriate behaviors. Guides program participants in the proper use of their civil rights which will aid the individual in assuming a more active role in community life.
• Prepares behavior evaluations, quarterly reviews, assessments and individual habitation plans. Records observations in the behavioral status and progress of program participants utilizing input from non-residential staff.

• Controls the budget for the facility, including petty cash funds and monies maintained for all program participants
• Obtains and maintains certified investigator certification and conducts investigations as assigned using certified investigator protocols and practices.
• Completes documentation for program participants to monitor their quality of life in medical, social, cognitive and emotional aspects of their well-being.
• Provides a safe and secure environment for program participants. Supervises the provision of upkeep, maintenance and supplies required for the physical facility, preparation and recording of expenses, daily communications, activities, medication and daily participant records.

Management/Supervision:

• Conducts weekly site inspections, using PUPS Inspection Tool, for assigned residential homes to ensure cleanliness and safety.
• Responsible for supervision of Program Managers of assigned residential programs with documented bi-weekly 1:1 supervision.
• Ensures all staff working at assigned programs follow the principles of Normalization, Positive Approaches and the principles elaborated on in Everyday Lives.
• With guidance from the Residential Service Director, provides coaching and corrective actions plan to team members as appropriate
• Facilitation of internal team meetings on a regular basis.

Education and/or Experience:

• Associate's degree/60 credit hours from an accredited college or university plus a minimum of four (4) years' experience working directly with individuals with an intellectual disability.
• Bachelor's Degree preferred but not required.

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