Program Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY: The Program Specialist (PS) ensures that the services provided in the CRS program adhere to applicable regulations and that the services which are provided meet the needs of the individuals and are provided according to the Individual Support Plan. The Program Specialist completes required documentation, assesses individual needs, coordinates and secures services, provides training to staff and individuals, attends and leads meetings, communicates effectively with all team members, and ensures continuous development and monitoring of programming and services to people on their caseload.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Locate, implement, coordinate, and monitor services provided to identified individuals supported
• Complete a full assessment sixty (60) days after admission and annually, within 365 days of admission to the residence thereafter and that the following components are included in the assessment:
  • functional strengths and needs
  • likes, dislikes, interests
  • level of performance and progress in functional skills
  • communication
  • personal adjustment with peers, community, staff
  • meeting personal needs activities (eating, hygiene, etc.)
  • supervision needs at home and in the community
  • self-administration of medications
  • use of poisonous materials
  • danger of heat sources
  • ability to evacuate in a fire
  • functional, medical disabilities
  • lifetime medical history
  • most recent psychological/psychiatric evaluation
  • recommended trainings, programming, services
  • progress and growth in the areas of
  • health
  • motor and communication
  • residential living
  • personal adjustment
  • socialization
  • recreation
  • financial independence
  • managing property
  • integration into the community
  • water safety, including swimming ability
• Update the assessment with any and all changes for the individual (e.g., lengthy illness keeps them out of day program; broken hand, etc.) and information of same submitted to the Supports Coordinator (SC), if any, as well as other team members
• Ensure that a copy of the assessment is sent to all team members with a cover letter; keep copy in the record for verification
• Ensure that an accurate Social Emotional Environmental Needs Plan (SEEP) is created for each individual who received psychotropic medications, who has a diagnosis of mental health disorder, or who otherwise is in need of a plan of support. The SEEP must include a written protocol to address the needs of an individual with a diagnosed psychiatric illness. The plan must identify the supports, services and actions needed to adequately address the target behavior triggers of the individual's diagnosed psychiatric illness successfully managed by psychotropic medication. SEEP should address any specific supports or services an individual needs in order to successfully manage his/her symptoms and participate in daily activities as part of everyday life.
• Ensure that Form DP 1032 (or any update as directed by Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)), the ISP Signature Page, is secured at each ISP meeting and a copy secured in the individual's chart
• Ensure that the form DP 1050 (or any update as directed by ODP) is initiated for individuals and updated according to need and appropriately shared with the team
• Be familiar with and process any other forms/changed forms/assessments and/or processes in relation to Program Specialist work as specified for people Elwyn supports
• Ensure that the information in the ISP is accurate and reflects the services and supports provided
  • The PS must keep documentation of all communication with the SC regarding changes that must be made to the ISP, including changes to outcomes based on a need or revision to the assessment and that the ISP is implemented as written.
• Ensure that all services/supports provided relative to ISP outcomes are reviewed at least every 3 months with the individual, that the ISP includes community involvement with peers without disabilities, that, if the consumer stays home during the day, there is documentation that; that the consumer's physician has documented medical necessity for the consumer to stay home during the day OR the team has determined it is to the best interest of the individual to stay home and for the agency to provide day programming at the home
• If the Program Specialist is the plan lead (the consumer has no SC, i.e. comes from out of State or is private pay), send the invitation letter to all team members 30 days prior to the meeting; write the ISP in the proper ISP format within 90 days of new admission; submit the ISP with a cover letter to all team members within 30 days after the ISP meeting was held
• Orient the individual to their new home including but not limited to ensuring fire safety training specific to the home is completed, housemate introductions are made, and the house schedule is reviewed
• Ensure medical appointments are scheduled, attended, and documented appropriately
• Develop Outcomes for individuals based on appropriate assessments and train all staff in the implementation of Outcomes
• Complete Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST) for assigned individuals on a yearly basis.
• Complete a monthly review, a quarterly review, and any necessary update, reflecting change of need an individual may have and ensure that the need is being met by the team.
• Participate in the on-call rotation as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university or 60 credit hours AND 4 years of experience working directly with persons with intellectual disabilities
  • OR Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university AND 2 years of experience working directly with individuals with intellectual disabilities
  • OR Master's Degree from an accredited college or university and 1 year experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities
• Knowledge of PA 6100 regulations preferred
• Intermediate experience with Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel computer programs ; knowledge of Electronic Health Record preferred
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage and prioritize multiple, often competing, priorities
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated strong time management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated excellent judgment with the ability to independently solve problems and make decisions with little or no need for direct supervision
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate future needed changes or identify problem areas and take effective actions
• Must be able to perform CPR and crisis intervention techniques using agency-trained protocols
• Must possess excellent customer interaction, collaboration, presentation, and written and verbal communication skills
• Must possess a current, valid driver's license in state of residence, have a minimum of two (2) years of driving experience within the United States, and have an acceptable driving record
• Ability to request, accept and utilize feedback and training appropriately