Program Specialist

Community Options Job Board; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A national non-profit agency is seeking a Program Specialist in Pittsburgh, PA. This role focuses on assisting individuals with developmental disabilities by teaching skills necessary for independent living. The ideal candidate will manage staff evaluations, maintain budgets, and ensure consistent service delivery. Qualifications include a Master’s, Bachelor’s, or Associates degree with relevant experience. The candidate must possess strong problem-solving abilities, leadership skills, and excellent communication capabilities. This position requires patience and creativity in assisting individuals.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree with 1 year of relevant experience, or Bachelor’s Degree with 2 years, or Associates Degree with 4 years.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record is required.
• Ability to establish supportive relationships with individuals receiving supports.

Responsibilities

• Complete staff evaluations including 90-day and annual reviews.
• Monitor and maintain residential budgets.
• Manage staff schedules and ensure adequate staffing.

Skills

Team-oriented

Problem solving

Verbal and written communication

Leadership experience

Good judgment in crisis

Education

Master’s Degree and 1 year of experience

Bachelor’s Degree and 2 years of experience

Associates Degree or 60 credit hours and 4 years of experience

Job description

Community Options, Inc. is a national non-profit agency providing services to individuals with disabilities in 12 states.

We are seeking a Program Specialist in Pittsburgh, PA. This role 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 schedule, 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.

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 conference
• 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
• Master’s Degree and 1 year of work experience; OR
• Bachelor’s Degree and 2 years of work experience; OR
• Associates Degree or 60 credit hours and 4 years of work experience
• 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

Working Conditions

• May be required to be on-call in cooperation with other management staff
• Frequent lifting, stretching, and other physical exertion may be required
• May be required to transport individuals utilizing your own vehicle or company provided vehicles
• May be required to lift or move 25+ pounds
• May assist with wheelchair transfer of non-ambulatory individuals
• May be exposed to various medical conditions and communicable diseases

Please send your application to: [e-mail]

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.