Program Specialist

Job Summary

The Program Specialist is an experienced professional in the field of developmental disabilities who holds a bachelor's degree, preferably in a social services discipline. The Program Specialist coordinates services, communicates service needs, and documents services provided to a caseload of adults with disabilities who live in one of our residential care homes or who receive services in their own homes throughout Montgomery and Bucks Counties. This professional is responsible for ensuring that each individual is served in accordance with their Individual Service Plan and that all services are delivered according to agency and regulatory guidelines. As the lead in an interdisciplinary team, the Program Specialist will have excellent verbal and written communication skills and maintain a working knowledge of regulatory guidelines.

Basic Qualifications

Education/Training

Bachelor's Degree. Degree in a social services discipline preferred.

Experience

Minimum of 2 years of experience working in the field of developmental disabilities.


Basic Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to read and write in English
• Ability to effectively communicate qualitative and quantitative data to various stakeholders
• Moderate mathematics skills
• Proficient interpersonal relationship skills
• Auditory and visual skills
• Valid driver's license with a clear three-year driving record

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform the physical duties required of a Direct Care Worker
• Must have adequate mobility that requires frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching (vertical and horizontal), using fingers, hands, feet, legs, and torso in providing various care
• Must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds
• Occasionally must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including transferring of client
• Satisfactory completion of post-offer pre-employment physical exam and drug test as required

Equipment/Machine Operations

Must maintain skills necessary to safely and efficiently operate the following equipment and machines used in the performance of this job:

• Computer (must be proficient in email and Microsoft Word and Excel)
• Office equipment - including printer, scanner, fax machine, copier, etc.
• Time Clock System
• CareTracker
• Vehicles
• Mechanical lifts
• Adjustable chairs/beds, wheelchairs
• Various other equipment and supplies

Essential Duties

• Is responsible for being well versed in the functions of a Program Specialist as defined by regulation and for completing these functions for their assigned caseload.
• Responsible for the coordination of services to individuals in their caseload, including but not limited to:
  • Developing and implementing services for each individual according to their ISP and that are age appropriate, focused on acquiring or maintaining functional skills, and which provide opportunities for community participation.
  • Reviewing outcomes or goals and making recommendations for changes.
  • Training Residential Instructors on the implementation of outcomes and goals, as well as the health and safety needs of individuals.
• Responsible for the coordination and completion of Annual Functional Assessments for each individual in their caseload.
• Adheres to regulatory requirements for communicating the results of the initial assessment and any revisions to the individual and the team.
• Attends meetings for and participates in the development of the ISP/IPP, Annual updates, and revisions for individuals in their caseload.
• Responsible for the review, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the ISP/IPP for individuals in their caseload and for communicating discrepancies to the Supports Coordinator and team.
• Responsible for reviewing participation and authoring monthly progress and quarterly reviews for individuals in their caseload and for reporting changes in need to the Supports Coordinator.
• Responsible for reviewing the ISP, Quarterly Reviews, and any revisions with the individual and for providing documentation of the review to the Supports Coordinator and the team.
• Coordinates and attends regular monitoring visits with the Supports Coordinator.
• Monitors the completion of all required agency and regulatory documentation and communicates issues and problems in a timely manner.

Other Duties

• Attends county, regional, and state meetings as assigned.
• Functions as a Certified Investigator of unusual incidents when required.
• Coordinates support services to the family (Life Sharing Program only).
• Provides training to the family on relevant health and safety needs of individuals served in the home (Life Sharing Program Only).

Standard Requirements

• Completion and clearance of a criminal background check and a child abuse clearance.
• Supports the Mission and values of Indian Creek Foundation and the program.
• Is knowledgeable of resident rights and ensures an atmosphere which allows for the privacy, dignity, and well-being of all individuals served in a safe, secure environment.
• Supports, cooperates with, and implements specific procedures and programs for:
  • Safety, including universal precautions and safe work practices, established fire/safety plans, report and/or correct unsafe working conditions, equipment repair, and maintenance needs.
  • Confidentiality of all data, including individuals served, employee, and operations data.
  • Compliance with all regulatory requirements and agency policies as required by Human Resources, licensing, and funding agencies.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and compliance with HIPAA standards.
  • Conducts oneself in a professional manner when representing Indian Creek Foundation.
• Functions as a member of the Team:
  • Cooperates and works together with all co-workers, plans and complete job duties with minimal direct supervision and appropriate judgment.
  • Uses tactful and appropriate communications in all situations.
  • Reports and follows up regarding reported complaints, problems, and concerns with appropriate personnel.
  • Promotes positive public relations with individuals served, family members, other team members, and community.
  • Completes requirements for training, acceptable attendance, dress codes including personal hygiene and other work duties as assigned.
• Complete all documentation to ensure compliance with all regulations and agency policies.
• Exhibits behavior as set forth by the Code of Conduct in performance of their duties.
• Completes annual compliance HIPAA training and exhibits behavior as set forth by the Code of Compliance in performance of duties.

Job Location

Cowpath Road - Main campus