Program Specialist 1 - Developmental Programs

Job Description

General Purpose: The Program Specialist 1 position in Developmental Programs is responsible for the review, analysis, evaluation, coordination, and monitoring of programs and initiatives.

Supervision Received: This position reports directly to the Deputy Administrator for Developmental Programs.

Supervision Exercised: This position does not exercise supervision over other employees.

Essential Duties of the Position: Interprets state and County rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Assists in the preparation of all state, County and Administrative Entity (AE) plans. Develops and maintains policies and procedures. Responsible for Waiver Level of Care Determinations, Level of Care Redeterminations, and Advance Notice for changes in services. Responsible for the review and approval of Waiver Fiscal Year Renewal Individual Support Plans (ISPs) in HCSIS. Attends regularly scheduled meetings with all Support Coordination Organizations (SCOs). Responsible for waiver enrollment process including the facilitation of Support Intensity Scale (SIS) assessment and coordination with the PA Cash Assistance Offices. Attends and participates in on-going staff meetings scheduled by the Mental Health/Early Intervention/Developmental Programs (MH/EI/DP) Administrator or Deputy Administrator of Developmental Programs. Acts as a liaison to Regional Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and PA Cash Assistance Offices. Responsible for tracking individuals in Reserve Capacity, ensuring that appropriate processes are followed. Reviews and approves Critical Revisions and Annual Reviews of Consolidated Waiver to ISPs. Responsible for waiver variance review and approval or submittal to ODP when applicable.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Education & Experience Possession of a Bachelor's degree with major course work in Sociology, Social Welfare, Psychology, Gerontology, Criminal Justice, or other related social sciences; AND At least two (2) years of full-time professional work experience in the field of developmental programs; OR Any equivalent combination of experience and training. Employee assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator's license. Must have an acceptable driving record. Personal vehicle required for County business; employee is eligible for mileage reimbursement.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of philosophies, best practices, and emerging developments in the field of Intellectual Disabilities. Ability to interpret and implement state, Federal and local policies and procedures as they relate to Developmental Programs. Ability to represent the County in a variety of state, regional, and local settings with other stakeholders, particularly provider agencies, families, and consumers. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English. Ability to use a personal computer. Ability to travel between office and other locations. Ability to work independently. Ability to function as part of the team.

Tools and Equipment: Telephone, personal computer (including word processing and spreadsheet software), calculator, writing implements, fax machine, copy machine, and paper shredder.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. The physical demands 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.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the office is moderately quiet. Employee may also work in other work environments to include, schools, businesses, public spaces, mobile outreach vehicle, and other community agencies. Work environment can range from quiet to loud.

Selection Guidelines: Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. FLSA Status: FLSA Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime) Designation: Human Services Pay Grade: HS/GR39 Union Status: Non-Union Updated August 2026