Program Specialist 1 - Developmental Programs

County of Northampton; Bethlehem (Northampton County); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Northampton seeks a Program Specialist 1 in Developmental Programs to coordinate and monitor initiatives, interpret regulations, and support waiver processes.

The role involves collaboration with state and local offices, preparing plans, and ensuring compliance with EI/DP requirements. Requires a bachelor’s degree and driving access; opportunity to impact services for individuals with developmental needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related social science field and two years of relevant work.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and route travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Interprets state and County rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Prepares state, County and Administrative Entity plans.
• Develops and maintains policies and procedures.
• Reviews Waiver Level of Care determinations and redeterminations.
• Approves Waiver Fiscal Year Renewal ISPs in HCSIS.
• Attends meetings with Support Coordination Organizations (SCOs).
• Coordinates SIS assessments with PA Cash Assistance Offices.
• Acts as liaison to Regional Office of Developmental Programs and PA Cash Assistance Offices.
• Tracks individuals in Reserve Capacity and ensures proper processes.
• Reviews Consolidated Waiver to ISPs and waiver variances.

Skills

Policy interpretation

Analytical thinking

Communication

Teamwork

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Social Welfare, Psychology, Gerontology, Criminal Justice, or related social sciences

Two years professional experience in developmental programs

Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheet software

PC literacy

Job description

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must successfully submit a completed application prior to the posting deadline. Applications submitted with incomplete or missing education and/or work experience sections will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. These applicants will be disqualified from consideration. The attachment of a resume to the application does not fulfill this requirement and will not prevent incomplete applications from being rejected. Education and work experience fields must be completed, regardless of the presence of an attached resume.

Once the posting closes, all applications will be reviewed. The information provided on the application will be utilized to determine whether or not each applicant meets the Minimum Requirements for this position as noted in the Job Description. We encourage all applicants to provide a comprehensive, concise history of their education, certification, licensing, and employment history. Please read the Minimum Requirements thoroughly and then demonstrate that you meet these requirements on your application.

For questions regarding this posting, please contact Kimberly Lorenzoni, Human Resources Position Specialist, [e-mail] or 610-829-6372.

Equal Employment Opportunities – It is the policy of Northampton County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or any other status protected by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any other state, federal, or local law.

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Program Specialist 1 position in Developmental Programs is responsible for the review, analysis, evaluation, coordination, and monitoring of programs and initiatives.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

This position reports directly to the Deputy Administrator for Developmental Programs.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position does not exercise supervision over other employees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION

• Interprets state and County rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Assists in the preparation of all state, County and Administrative Entity (AE) plans.
• Develops and maintains policies and procedures.
• Responsible for Waiver Level of Care Determinations, Level of Care Redeterminations, and Advance Notice for changes in services.
• Responsible for the review and approval of Waiver Fiscal Year Renewal Individual Support Plans (ISPs) in HCSIS.
• Attends regularly scheduled meetings with all Support Coordination Organizations (SCOs).
• Responsible for waiver enrollment process including the facilitation of Support Intensity Scale (SIS) assessment and coordination with the PA Cash Assistance Offices.
• Attends and participates in on-going staff meetings scheduled by the Mental Health/Early Intervention/Developmental Programs (MH/EI/DP) Administrator or Deputy Administrator of Developmental Programs.
• Acts as a liaison to Regional Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and PA Cash Assistance Offices.
• Responsible for tracking individuals in Reserve Capacity, ensuring that appropriate processes are followed.
• Reviews and approves Critical Revisions and Annual Reviews of Consolidated Waiver to ISPs.
• Responsible for waiver variance review and approval or submittal to ODP when applicable.

*An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Possession of a Bachelor's degree with major course work in Sociology, Social Welfare, Psychology, Gerontology, Criminal Justice, or other related social sciences;
• At least two (2) years of full-time professional work experience in the field of developmental programs;
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Employee assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator's license. Must have an acceptable driving record. Personal vehicle required for County business; employee is eligible for mileage reimbursement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of philosophies, best practices, and emerging developments in the field of Intellectual Disabilities.
• Ability to interpret and implement state, Federal and local policies and procedures as they relate to Developmental Programs.
• Ability to represent the County in a variety of state, regional, and local settings with other stakeholders, particularly provider agencies, families, and consumers.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English.
• Ability to use a personal computer.
• Ability to travel between office and other locations.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to function as part of the team.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Telephone, personal computer (including word processing and spreadsheet software), calculator, writing implements, fax machine, copy machine, and paper shredder.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, and hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The noise level in the office is moderately quiet. Employee may also work in other work environments to include, schools, businesses, public spaces, mobile outreach vehicle, and other community agencies. Work environment can range from quiet to loud.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

FLSA STATUS: FLSA EXEMPT (NOT ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)

DESIGNATION: HUMAN SERVICES

PAY GRADE: HS/GR39

UNION STATUS: NON-UNION

Updated August 2026