Program Specialist - Erie Residential

BNI Talent Acquisition Team • Erie, PA

1d

About The Position

The Program Specialist coordinates day services for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The role leads development of the Individual Support Plan (ISP), ensures supports are delivered according to the ISP, and completes required documentation. The specialist works with staff to develop and implement activities that help individuals achieve their desired outcomes. The position calls for creativity, initiative, record-management proficiency, problem-solving skills, and effective collaboration with all members of the Plan Team.

The Program Specialist oversees individuals’ health and safety, ensures their needs and preferences are addressed, coordinates licensing inspections and contractual reviews, and helps maintain services that meet required standards. The role serves as a liaison for families or caregivers, support coordinators, and other team members; maintains electronic health records in CareLogic; coordinates meetings and minutes; and collects and maintains intake, assessment, and progress-review data. The specialist also works with families or caregivers to obtain required health documents and provides technical assistance, training, and education to facility staff on applicable standards.

Barber National Institute is a nonprofit organization that provides educational, vocational, residential, and behavioral health programs for children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities, or behavioral health challenges and their families. It reports serving more than 6,200 individuals annually and was founded in 1952.

Requirements

• Master’s degree and 1 year of experience working directly with persons with intellectual disabilities; or a bachelor’s degree and 2 years of such experience; or an associate’s degree and 4 years of such experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Eligibility for a State Police Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Clearance; FBI clearance is required for individuals who do not meet Pennsylvania residency requirements.
• Successful completion of Medication Administration Training, CPR, and First Aid Certification; training and certification are provided upon hire.
• Genuine passion for supporting individuals with disabilities and helping them achieve their goals.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with team members and clients.
• Strong critical-thinking skills to address challenges and implement creative, person-centered solutions.
• Comfort working in a dynamic environment and adjusting to the evolving needs of the program and clients.
• Creativity, self-initiation, record-management proficiency, solid problem-solving skills, and ability to work effectively with all members of the Plan Team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and ensure the health and safety of consumers to the maximum extent possible.
• Ensure each individual’s needs and desires are met according to their ISP and that activities are safe and appropriate.
• Prepare and coordinate relevant aspects of licensing inspections and contractual reviews, and ensure services meet required standards.
• Serve as the internal liaison and contact person for the individual’s family or caregiver, support coordinator, and other team members.
• Update and validate information in each individual’s electronic health record within CareLogic.
• Prepare meeting agendas, coordinate meetings, and maintain meeting minutes when required or needed to discuss concerns.
• Collect and maintain consumer data for intake, annual skill and health assessments, and quarterly progress reviews.
• Work with families or caregivers to obtain required health documents within required time frames and verify that all necessary elements are included.
• Support the Residential Supervisor by providing facility staff with technical assistance, training, and education on licensing and contractual standards.
• Coordinate day services, lead development of the ISP, ensure supports are delivered as specified, and complete required documentation.
• Work with staff to develop and implement activities that help individuals achieve their desired outcomes.

Benefits

• Highmark medical and mental health coverage.
• Delta Dental and Davis Vision coverage.
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Teladoc virtual health.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• On-demand pay.
• Employee referral bonus program.
• Student loan forgiveness.
• College scholarship and tuition discounts.
• Employee discounts.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Discounted on-site weekday childcare at the Erie campus.
• Employee discounts for select BNI events and services.
• Generous paid time off.
• Seven paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree