Program Specialist

NEPA INCLUSIVE•Reading, PA

55d•$45,000 - $45,000•Onsite

About The Position

PA Inclusive is hiring a Program Specialist to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and other behavioral or mental health diagnoses. The role delivers services across housing, employment, behavioral support, in-home and community support, and other programs through ODP and OVR. It supports individuals in achieving greater independence, inclusion, and quality of life. The Program Specialist oversees an assigned caseload of clients and staff. Responsibilities include developing individualized support plans, implementing behavioral interventions, providing job coaching and case management, supervising staff, and ensuring compliance with state, ODP, and OVR requirements. The role is field-based up to 75% of the time and includes rotational on-call availability. Housing support work includes helping individuals find and maintain housing, apply for HUD, Section 8, and voucher programs, understand leases, communicate with landlords, budget, and manage daily living responsibilities. The specialist also supports applications for public assistance and monitors progress toward housing goals. Employment support work includes job readiness, career exploration, résumé building, job searching, interview preparation, job coaching, workplace orientation, and support with employer communication. The specialist promotes assistive technology and reasonable accommodations and ensures compliance with OVR and ODP employment standards and certifications. Behavioral support work includes conducting functional behavior assessments, developing and implementing positive behavior support plans, monitoring progress, maintaining records, and training or consulting with staff and families. The role also collaborates with support teams, healthcare professionals, and families, and provides on-call availability for behavior-related crises. The position pays $45,000 per year and offers a $2,500 retention bonus after six months.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field.
At least 2 years of experience working with people with disabilities, and/or NADD Competency Based-Direct Support Professional Certification, or ability to obtain NADD Certification within 90 days of employment.
Experience working with people with intellectual disabilities, autism, or mental health disabilities.
Ability to obtain ACRES or CESP certification within 6 months of employment.
Excellent communication skills, including effective presentation and social management skills.
Computer knowledge and strong documentation and organizational skills.
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
Must pass Child Abuse History and Criminal Record Check clearances and not be excluded from Pennsylvania state exclusion lists.

Responsibilities

Manage an assigned caseload of staff and clients.
Oversee delivery of employment and community-based services through OVR and ODP ID Waiver systems.
Hire, train, and supervise direct support professionals and job coaches as assigned.
Provide direct services as needed to fill open shifts or support clients.
Ensure use of client-directed services as needed and perform regular check-ins.
Promote PA Inclusive’s services to Support Coordinators, OVR Counselors, families, and referral sources.
Maintain accurate, timely documentation in Therap, HCSIS, EIM, CDWS, and other systems.
Ensure programs have backup plans, 24/7 coverage, and fill-in staff so individuals have required staffing.
Serve as an agency liaison to outside entities, receive referrals, and communicate with ODP and Support Coordinators.
Develop relationships with community agencies, businesses, community leaders, and neighborhood organizations, and develop program resources when appropriate.
Maintain organized client files in compliance with ODP and OVR standards.
Attend ISP, intake, host agency, and other required meetings and events.
Meet and exceed program, budget, and growth goals.
Participate in rotational on-call coverage to ensure program continuity.
Help individuals find and maintain housing, including support with HUD, Section 8, and voucher applications.
Develop individualized housing support plans and assist clients with lease terms, landlord communication, budgeting, and daily living responsibilities.
Support applications for public assistance, including food stamps and energy programs, and monitor progress toward ISP housing goals.
Provide employment services such as job readiness, career exploration, résumé building, job searching, and interview preparation.
Deliver job coaching and on-site employment support; assist with orientation, job responsibilities, and employer communication.
Promote assistive technology and reasonable accommodations in the workplace.
Conduct functional behavior assessments and develop individualized positive behavior support plans.
Implement behavior plans, monitor client progress, and maintain comprehensive records.
Consult with and train staff and families to support consistent behavior strategies.
Collaborate with support teams, healthcare professionals, and families to achieve behavior-related goals.
Provide on-call availability for behavior-related crises as part of the Behavior Supports Program.
Perform other related duties as assigned.