PROGRAM SPECIALIST-HOURLY

Abraxas Youth & Family Services; Nazareth (Northampton County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Abraxas Youth & Family Services is seeking a Program Specialist – Lifesharing in Pennsylvania to coordinate Lifesharing services, support individuals with IDD and autism, and ensure high-quality, person-centered care in compliance with state regulations.

The role requires collaboration with providers, families, and interdisciplinary teams, with ongoing training, documentation, and performance monitoring to promote independence and dignity for individuals served.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of PA Chapters 6100 and 6500 regulations.
• Experience directly supporting individuals with IDD or autism.
• Ability to travel to homes and community locations.
• Strong documentation and record-keeping skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate Lifesharing services and ISP goals.
• Monitor program quality and regulatory compliance.
• Provide provider coaching and trainings.
• Collaborate with SCOs, AEs, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and partners.

Skills

Person-centered planning

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Independence

Team collaboration

MS Office

Education

Master’s Degree in related field

Bachelor’s Degree in related field

Associate Degree in related field

High School Diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Program Specialist – Lifesharing

Program Specialist – Lifesharing

Department: Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

Service Line: IDD Lifesharing

Location: Pennsylvania

Reports To: Assistant Regional Director of Lifesharing

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

EEO Classification: 2

Position Summary

The Program Specialist supports individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and Autism by ensuring high-quality Lifesharing services that promote independence, dignity, and personal growth. This position is responsible for coordinating services, monitoring program quality, ensuring regulatory compliance, supporting Lifesharing Providers, and promoting person-centered practices aligned with the principles of Everyday Lives.

The Program Specialist serves as a key resource for individuals, families, providers, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure services are delivered safely, effectively, and in accordance with Pennsylvania regulations and organizational standards.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities – Program Coordination & Individual Support

• Foster an environment that empowers individuals with IDD and Autism through skill development, choice, self-advocacy, and person-centered planning.
• Support individuals in achieving goals and outcomes identified in their Individual Support Plans (ISP).
• Monitor the quality of services and supports to ensure health, safety, and well-being.
• Conduct individual assessments and complete required program documentation, including quarterlies and SEEPs, within established timeframes.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities – Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure all services, goals, outcomes, and supports are accurately documented in accordance with PA Chapters 6100 and 6500 regulations.
• Organize and maintain individual records and program files to meet regulatory and agency standards.
• Monitor compliance with program requirements and licensing expectations.
• Assist Lifesharing Providers in preparing for self-licensing assessments and regulatory reviews.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities – Provider Support & Training

• Provide guidance, coaching, and ongoing support to Lifesharing Providers and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).
• Facilitate required trainings and educational opportunities for providers and staff.
• Promote best practices that support person-centered services and positive outcomes.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities – Team Collaboration & Community Partnerships

• Attend and actively participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and planning sessions.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with Supports Coordination Organizations (SCOs), Administrative Entities (AEs), the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), and other community partners.
• Effectively communicate with individuals, families, providers, and stakeholders to ensure coordinated service delivery.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities – Incident Management & Oversight

• Serve as the program’s primary Incident Management contact within the Enterprise Incident Management (EIM) system.
• Respond to, document, and monitor incidents in compliance with applicable regulations and agency policies.
• Participate in an on-call rotation to provide support outside of regular business hours as needed.

Professional Development

• Complete a minimum of 24 hours of professional and service-related training annually.
• Participate in supervision, performance management, and professional development activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations and organizational goals.

Required Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of Pennsylvania Chapters 6100 and 6500 regulations.
• Understanding of person-centered practices and the Everyday Lives philosophy.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Ability to engage individuals, Lifesharing Providers, and Direct Support Professionals in positive, supportive, and professional interactions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and basic computer systems.
• Strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality and protecting individual rights.

Education and Experience

Education and Experience

Candidates must meet one of the following requirements:

• Master’s Degree from an accredited institution and 1 year of experience directly supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism; or
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution and 2 years of experience directly supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism; or
• Associate Degree from an accredited institution and 4 years of experience directly supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism; or
• High School Diploma/GED and 6 years of experience directly supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license.
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel to homes, meetings, and community locations.
• Ability to meet all position responsibilities and maintain required clearances and certifications.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position:

• Frequently sit, stand, and walk.
• Use hands and fingers to operate office equipment and technology.
• Reach, push, pull, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, and climb stairs as needed.
• Communicate effectively through speaking, hearing, and visual observation.
• Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds continuously.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in office, residential, and community-based settings.

• Regular travel is required to conduct home visits, meetings, and provider support activities.
• Use of standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, copiers, and related technology.
• Compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, fire safety, and organizational policies is required.

Schedule Expectations

Work schedules may vary based on program and business needs. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or alternative locations may be required. Participation in an on-call rotation is expected.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that values diversity, promotes dignity and respect, and provides equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.