Program Specialist - IDD

Verland; Upper St. Clair (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health (UPMC), Dental and Vision Insurances

403b – Traditional and Roth with Company Match

Tuition Reimbursement

Competitive PTO Plan

8 Paid Holidays

Job summary

Verland is hiring a Program Specialist to provide compassionate care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The role includes acting as an advocate, ensuring all medical needs are addressed, and developing the Individual Support Plans required for each client.

The Program Specialist will train staff, complete necessary documentation, and coordinate services while ensuring compliance with state regulations. This position involves a commitment to maintaining excellent relationships and ongoing training, as well as being available on-call 24/7.

Qualifications

• Must be able/willing to be on-call 24/7.
• Knowledge of current practices and regulations for IDD individuals is essential.
• Ability to monitor programming and train staff effectively.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an advocate for individuals with IDD and manage their Individual Support Plans.
• Ensure all medical concerns are addressed for assigned individuals.
• Train and coordinate Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) on health and safety needs.

Skills

Effective verbal and written communication

Leadership and organizational skills

Empathy and relationship-building

Knowledge of regulations for individuals with IDD

Education

Master’s Degree

Bachelor’s Degree

Associate’s Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Program Specialist – IDD

Pittsburgh, PA

Location

Upper St Clair Area, PA 15241

Shift

24/7

Description

Verland is hiring Exceptional People to provide Compassionate Care as a Program Specialist for our Residential locations – CLA division. A Program Specialist works with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, is the primary advocate for each assigned individual, and ensures that all medical concerns are addressed. The Program Specialist develops, supervises and coordinates each Individual Support Plan (ISP), completes assessments, identifies strengths, needs, likes, interests and preferences, and documents all required information. This is a salaried, exempt position.

Contributions

• Secures all necessary services to ensure all individuals’ needs are being met as specified in the individuals’ ISP.
• Completes / ensures all necessary documentation associated with the Individual Support Plans, Quarterly Reviews, ISP revisions and ISP processes meet all State licensing requirements including 33b 1-19 regarding plan lead.
• Supervises, monitors, evaluates and/or makes recommendations to the SC to revise a service or outcome in the ISP that is provided to the individual.
• Reports a change related to the individual’s needs to the SC, as applicable, and plan team members.
• Ensures all content are included in the ISP, (protocol for social, emotional, environmental plan, protocol for restrictive procedures plans, etc.)
• Provides assessment to the SC or plan lead at least 30 days prior to the ISP meeting.
• Reviews the ISP with the individual and coordinates the services provided to meet State licensing requirements.
• Provides the documentation of the ISP review to the SC, as applicable, and plan team members to meet State licensing requirements.
• Informs plan team members of the option to decline the ISP review document to meet State licensing requirements.
• Monitors house funds and money relating to an individual’s needs.
• Monitors Individual’s progress monthly through direct observation, reviewing, signing and dating monthly documentation of an individual’s participation and progress toward outcomes.
• Coordinates the training of DSP’s in the content of health and safety needs relevant to each individual.
• Develops and implements provider services to meet State licensing requirements (relating to provider services).
• Must be fluent on all assigned Individual’s ISP’s.
• Provides ongoing training to assigned staff relevant to each individual on the following areas: ISP and reviews, specific therapeutic needs, health and safety needs, medication needs, diet orders, and specific house needs etc.
• Exhibits a professional attitude at all times when representing the individual and the facility and maintains an excellent working relationship with all staff and peers.
• Schedules and attends (as needed) medical appointments, monitors medical follow‑up appointment and ensures implementation of medical care.
• Maintains medication administration certification, and maintains practicum observer certification by completing observations and monitoring staff/documentation relating to the medication process. Performs MAR reviews and medication checks.
• Provides face‑to‑face ISP training to Program Coordinators and DSP’s.
• Acts as Certified Investigator on an on‑call basis when necessary.
• Performs other related duties upon request.

Exceptional Benefits

• Health (UPMC), Dental and Vision Insurances (1st of the month following 30 days from start date)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (HSA)
• 403b – Traditional and Roth with Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement (for core positions)
• Competitive PTO Plan
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Incentive in lieu of Medical coverage
• Career Development
• Whole Person Wellbeing Resources
• Mental Health Resources and Support

Requirements

• Must be able/willing to be on-call 24/7.
• Must possess knowledge of current practices and regulations pertaining to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Must have effective verbal and written skills necessary to both communicate with individuals and staff and to prepare necessary written documentation.
• Must be able to effectively monitor individual programming, providing hands‑on implementation and staff training.
• Must possess the ability and empathy needed to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with fellow employees, supervisory staff, Base Service Units, families of the individuals, and our co‑representative.
• Must demonstrate leadership and organizational skills.

Minimum Experience and Training

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college and one year’s experience working directly with persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college and two years’ experience working directly with persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Associate’s Degree or 60 credit hours from an accredited college and four years’ experience working directly with persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must complete all required clearances and maintain a valid Driver’s License.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Verland is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.