Program Specialist

Alpha Health Service; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Alpha Health Services in Pennsylvania is seeking a Program Specialist to support the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) services. This role blends community outreach, referral development, participant coordination, DSP supervision, and operational support.

The ideal candidate will build relationships with Supports Coordinators, SCOs, families, and community partners to generate referrals and ensure participants receive quality, person-centered services.

Qualifications

• Experience in ODP, intellectual disability services, or related human services.
• Knowledge of PA ODP waiver services.
• Strong communication, organization, networking, and follow-up skills.
• Ability to supervise DSPs and coordinate staffing coverage.
• Willingness to travel across assigned service areas.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Referral development with supports coordinators, SCOs, families, and partners.
• Conduct community outreach and promote Alpha Health Services.
• Coordinate participant intake, documentation, and service initiation.
• Provide DSP supervision, monitor attendance and performance.
• Coordinate case coverage for staff absences.
• Monitor authorized hours and report barriers.
• Support ISP implementation and incident reporting.
• Maintain referral, outreach, staffing, and utilization records for management.

Skills

ODP experience

Community outreach

Referral development

Staff supervision

Travel ability

Excellent communication

Job description

Alpha Health Services | Full-Time | Pennsylvania

Alpha Health Services is seeking a motivated, organized, and dependable Program Specialist to support our Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) services. This position combines community outreach, referral development, participant coordination, DSP supervision, and operational support.

We are looking for someone who can build strong community relationships, generate referrals, help grow our agency, and ensure participants receive quality, person-centered services.

Key Responsibilities

• Referral Development: Build relationships with Supports Coordinators, Supports Coordination Organizations (SCOs), families, guardians, and community partners to generate new participant referrals.


• Community Outreach: Conduct in-person visits, attend networking events, distribute agency information, and promote Alpha Health Services throughout assigned service areas.


• Participant Intake: Follow up on referrals, coordinate intake appointments, collect required documentation, and assist with service initiation.


• DSP Supervision: Provide day-to-day guidance to Direct Support Professionals, monitor attendance and performance, review documentation, and address staffing concerns.


• Case Coverage: Coordinate replacement staff for call-offs, scheduling gaps, and unexpected absences to maintain continuity of services.


• Authorized Hours Monitoring: Track participant service utilization and work toward the agency's goal of delivering at least 90% of authorized hours, while documenting barriers and corrective actions.


• Quality and Compliance: Support ISP implementation, participant rights, accurate documentation, incident reporting, and compliance with applicable ODP requirements.


• Operational Reporting: Maintain accurate referral, outreach, staffing, and service-utilization records and report progress to management.

Qualifications

• Experience in ODP, intellectual disability services, human services, or a related field preferred.


• Knowledge of Pennsylvania ODP waiver services preferred.


• Strong communication, organization, networking, and follow-up skills.


• Ability to supervise and support DSPs and coordinate staffing coverage.


• Ability to develop professional relationships and pursue new referral opportunities.


• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel throughout assigned service areas.


• Ability to work independently, manage multiple responsibilities, and meet established performance goals.

What We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate is proactive, professional, dependable, and comfortable working both in the office and in the community. This individual must be willing to make outreach visits, develop referral sources, follow up consistently, support DSPs, and help ensure participants receive authorized services.

Alpha Health Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.