The Arc/PDDC • 2350 West Westmoreland Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 • 215-229-4550

Program Specialist
Reports to:  Associate Director Clinical Services
FLSA status:  non exempt

Summary
The Program Specialist is responsible to support the mission of the Arc/PDDC by coordinating  all aspects of consumer care with families or care givers, employees and external stakeholders. 

Position Responsibilities 
Case Management

  1. Coordinates all aspects of consumer support, ensuring implementation of behavior plans, regulatory and licensing compliance, maximizing consumer choice and treating all participants with personal dignity.
  2. Participates in the assessment, evaluation and planning of consumer support, and revising individual plans as necessary. Completes initial consumer assessments, updates, discharge summaries on planned/unplanned discharges within prescribed timeframes.
  3. Participates in the development of Individual Written Program Plans (IWPP’s) for each individual served.  Supervises implementation of IWPP’s bringing to the attention of supervisor any plans unable to implement. Conducts individual and group counseling sessions structured toward specific IWPP goals. Develops and implements behavioral management programs to encourage appropriate behavior.
  4. Ensures all team members are aware of the components of the IWPP.  Engages parent(s) or caregivers on plan implementation and ongoing exchange of information.
  5. Provides crisis intervention as necessary to support consumers.  Uses the least restrictive emergency procedure when necessary to protect the individual from injuring self or others.  Follows intervention policies and regulations.  State unusual incident standards are understood and followed
  6. Ensures all documents and consumer records are accurate and submitted timely as per agency policy and procedures and regulations.
  7. Assists in the development and implementation of therapeutic group and individual activities to be used during nonproduction periods.
  8. Provide support to direct service staff encouraging productive activities and redirection of behaviors as necessary.
  9. Assist in the resolution of transportation problems or mobility needs as necessary.
  10. Serves on behavior intervention committee and other committees as appropriate.
  11. Maintains certification to administer medication and train staff in medication administration.  Ensure accountability systems are in place for the appropriate administration of medication. CPR certified, First Aid trained.
  12. Provide coverage for direct support professionals.
  13. Participate in the development of the Quality Management Plan.

Partnerships and Collaborative Relationships

  1. Establishes and maintains ongoing effective relationships with all stakeholders to promote continuity of care and ensure quality services through coordinated efforts.
  2. Identifies and communicates significant events to appropriate team members responsible for care and coordination of all services. 
  3. Maintains positive and transparent relationships with all monitoring agencies.  Provides information, responds to requests, promptly and thoroughly responds to all consumers, family, funder and other stakeholder concerns.
  4. Positively and professionally represents the Arc/PDDC at appropriate venues.

Qualifications

  1. Bachelor's degree required in related field with at least 3 years prior related experience preferably with people with disabilities. 
  2. Clear criminal and child abuse history, medical and drug screen. Valid driver’s license.
  3. Must demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills with people from diverse backgrounds and varied abilities.
  4. Understands the needs of consumers and develops behavior plans that reflect consumer interests and potential, family/caregivers and funder concerns.
  5. Able to provide crisis intervention including de-escalation of behavior.
  6. Demonstrates the organization’s core competencies and solid customer service skills.
  7. Strong word processing skills in MS Word for Windows applications. 
  8. Ability to translate regulations into practice.  Knows the importance of effective record keeping. Possesses strong written communication skills
  9. Ability to form effective partnerships with all stakeholders including family and caregivers, funders.
  10. Effectively problem solve with the ability to proactively address issues preventing escalation.
  11. Requires self direction, independence, good time management.
  12. Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects and details simultaneously.  Ability to work well under pressure and flexibility respond to changing priorities, unplanned events or emergencies.
  13. Strong assessment skills and ability to translate assessment results into service plan.

Physical environment/working conditions
Routine office environment. Must be able to drive a van and have a valid driver‘s license.  May be required to lift and/or physically support consumers independently or with other staff.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.


The above statements describe the general nature of the work being performed by the individual assigned to this position.  This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties. Employees may be directed to perform tasks other than those specifically described in this description.