Program Specialist- Girard Day Program

Barber National Institute; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

On-site childcare

Employee discounts

Disability insurance

Job summary

Barber National Institute seeks a compassionate Program Specialist to coordinate services for adults with autism and developmental disabilities. You will support ISP processes, ensure regulatory compliance, and promote person-centered programming in IDS Adult Day services.

The role requires collaboration with families, staff, and community partners, along with strong organization, documentation, and training skills to deliver meaningful supports and safe services.

Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals with disabilities or related settings.
• Proficiency with electronic health record systems, preferably CareLogic.
• Ability to complete required clearances (Act 33/34; FBI if applicable).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate services and ISP goals for individuals served.
• Attend ISP meetings and support person-centered planning.
• Monitor documentation, assessments, and regulatory compliance.
• Update CareLogic and track regulatory due dates.
• Train staff on ISP implementation and regulatory requirements.
• Support community integration aligned with individual goals.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Relationship building

Problem-solving

Person-centered care

Regulatory compliance

Staff training

Time management

Education

Master's degree with 1 year experience

Bachelor's degree with 2 years experience

Associate degree or 60 credits with 4 years experience

Tools

CareLogic

Job description

Overview:

We are "making dreams come true." Our organization provides children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral health challenges—and their families—the education, support, and resources needed to be self-reliant, independent, and valued members of their communities.

We are seeking a compassionate and organized Program Specialist to support our IDS Adult Day programs. This role serves as a key member of the interdisciplinary team, coordinating services for assigned individuals, supporting the Individual Support Plan (ISP) process, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting person-centered programming. The Program Specialist works closely with individuals served, families, staff, and community partners to ensure services are meaningful, safe, and aligned with individual goals and preferences.

What You'll Bring:

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to build positive relationships with individuals served, families, staff, and external agencies.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Commitment to person-centered services and community integration.
• Ability to monitor and support regulatory compliance and documentation standards.
• Confidence in training and supporting staff on individual-specific programming and service requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.

What You'll Have:

• One of the following qualifications:
• Master's degree and one year of experience working directly with individuals with disabilities; or
• Bachelor's degree and two years of experience working directly with individuals with disabilities; or
• Associate degree, 60 college credits, or completion of a two-year program and four years of experience working directly with individuals with disabilities.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, or related developmental disabilities.
• Proficiency with electronic health record systems, preferably CareLogic.
• Strong documentation, record management, and reporting skills.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to complete Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) or ACRE-approved Basic Employment Services training within nine months of hire, when applicable.
• Act 33 and Act 34 clearances required; FBI clearance required if applicable.

A Typical Day May Include:

• Coordinating services and supports for assigned individuals to ensure implementation of ISP goals and outcomes.
• Participating in ISP meetings and collaborating with team members to support person-centered planning.
• Monitoring documentation, assessments, and progress reports to ensure accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
• Reviewing electronic records and updating information within CareLogic as needed.
• Tracking regulatory due dates and ensuring all required documentation is completed on time.
• Training and supporting staff on ISP implementation, individual-specific supports, and regulatory requirements.
• Observing services and activities to ensure individuals' needs, preferences, and rights are respected.
• Supporting community integration opportunities based on individual interests and goals.
• Monitoring behavior support plans and assisting staff in responding effectively to behavioral challenges.
• Coordinating admissions, discharges, and program transitions.
• Assisting with incident reporting and collaborating with investigators and leadership as appropriate.
• Accompanying individuals to the emergency room and assisting with coordination of care when necessary.
• Collecting data and preparing reports related to program performance and individual progress.
• Building and maintaining strong working relationships with families, support coordinators, vocational agencies, and community partners.
• Coordinating annual satisfaction surveys and other quality improvement initiatives.
• Participating in committees and projects that support the growth and development of Adult Day services.

Perks with a Purpose

Our benefits are created with YOU in mind.

Healthcare

• Highmark Medical and Mental Health
• DeltaDental andDavisVision Coverage

• Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Erie Campus*- discounted on-site weekday childcare
• Employee discounts for selectBNIevents and services

Who is Barber National Institute?

The Barber National Institute is a non-profit committed to its mission of providing the highest quality services for children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities or behavioral health challenges and their families. Since our founding in 1952, we have evolved into a multi-faceted organization serving more than 6,200 individuals annually with a wide range of educational, vocational, residential and behavioural health programs.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. If you need an accommodation to apply, please contact HR. EOE

Any consideration of the background check will be an individualized assessment based on the applicant or employee’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the specific job.