Program Specialist

Community Options, Inc.; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive insurance benefits

Paid holidays

Generous PTO

Employee incentive programs

403b retirement plan

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Community Options, Inc. in Pittsburgh, PA is seeking a Program Specialist to apply best practices and technology in a community-based residential setting, helping individuals with developmental disabilities develop independent living skills.

The role involves training, crisis response, staff coordination, budget monitoring, and documentation, with starting pay of $50,000 per year. A master’s degree or equivalent with experience is required, as are strong communication and leadership abilities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher with one year of work experience directly with individuals with intellectual disability or autism.
• Bachelor’s degree with two years of relevant experience.
• Associate degree or 60 credit hours with four years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Complete staff evaluations including 90-day and annual reviews.
• Monitor and maintain residential budgets.
• Manage staff schedules and ensure shifts are adequately staffed.
• Monitor and schedule required staff trainings, seminars, and conferences.
• Monitor documentation to ensure accuracy.
• Prepare progress reports for support teams and families.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Time management

Crisis management

Relationship building

Judgment under pressure

Education

Master’s degree or higher

Bachelor’s degree

Associate degree / 60 credit hours

Job description

Community Options, Inc. is a national non-profit agency providing services to individuals with disabilities in 11 states.

We are seeking a Program Specialist in Pittsburgh, PA. The Program Specialist uses best practices and technology within a community-based residential setting to teach individuals with developmental disabilities how to acquire the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social skills needed to live as independently as possible. This person must be able to handle the pressure of training in a public environment, exercise patience, work with flexible schedules, and respond to crisis situations. Ingenuity and creativity must be utilized when determining the best training methods, assistance, and supports for an individual with developmental disabilities.

Starting pay is $50,000/per year

Responsibilities

• Complete staff evaluations including but not limited to 90-day and annual reviews
• Monitor and maintain residential budgets
• Manage staff schedules and ensure shifts are adequately staffed
• Monitor and schedule required staff trainings, seminars, and conferences
• Monitor fiscal, medical, personal, and IHP documentation to ensure accuracy
• Participate in Circle(s) of Support for personal future planning
• Monitor and schedule house and vehicle maintenance
• Assist in maintaining and monitoring of consumer’s finances
• Monitor and report the health and medical needs of individuals
• Build a support network between individuals and community members
• Prepare progress reports for individuals’ immediate support group, including their family and/or guardian, staff, employment specialist, case manager, and other professionals
• Ensure consistent service delivery that connects work, home, and recreational needs
• Serve as an active member of an individuals’ Inter-Disciplinary Team (IDT), which includes involvement in Individual Habilitation Plan development
• Submit monthly written reports to the appropriate individuals outlining operational status, progress, and concerns
• May perform the duties of direct support professionals as necessary, in accordance with current staffing needs
• Employees must cooperate with the licensee and department staff in any inspection, inquiry or investigation
• Additional tasks and responsibilities may be assigned

Minimum Requirements

• A master’s degree or above from an accredited college or university and one year of work experience working directly with individuals with an intellectual disability or autism.
• 2. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and two years of work experience working directly with individuals with an intellectual disability or autism.
• 3. An associate’s degree or 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university and four years of work experience working directly with individuals with an intellectual disability or autism
• Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record
• Complete all state and agency required training per state guidelines
• Team-oriented with demonstrated leadership experience
• Experience with problem solving against multiple priorities
• Ability to establish a comfortable and supportive relationship with individuals receiving supports
• Ability to exercise good judgment and remain calm in crisis situations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent time management skills

Why Community Options?

• Competitive Insurance Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• Paid Holidays - Including a Birthday Holiday
• Generous PTO
• Employee Incentive & Discount Programs
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Incredible career growth opportunities

Community Options is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

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