Program Specialist (Supported Employment and Community Integration)

Community Options, Inc.; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid holidays

Generous PTO

Employee incentive program

403b retirement plan

Job summary

Community Options, Inc. in Allentown, PA, seeks a Program Specialist to oversee daily operations of employment programs and lead a team to achieve programmatic goals in line with the organization's mission.

You will ensure compliance with state licensing and COI standards, develop staff through ACRE training, and expand high‑quality employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Starting pay is $55,000–$60,000 per year; travel and variable hours may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor\u2019s degree required.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in related field or 1 year as COI Employment Specialist.
• ACRE certified or similar credentials.
• Valid driver\u2019s license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Complete all state and agency required training.
• Knowledge of DORS and DDA employment supports.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the employment programs across assigned regions.
• Lead and train the team to meet programmatic goals and organizational standards.
• Provide ACRE training to staff and external partners.
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Define contract requirements for vocational and employment activities with state entities.
• Manage contract procurement and disbursements.
• Support growth and financial stability of programs.

Skills

ACRE certified

Bachelor\u2019s degree

Driver\'s license

Communication skills

Time management

Relationship building

Crisis management

DORS/DDA knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Description

Community Options, Inc. is a national non-profit agency providing services to individuals with disabilities in 11 states.

We are seeking a Program Specialist in Allentown, PA. The Program Specialist manages and provides oversight for the daily operations of the employment programs in the assigned regions to successfully integrate people with disabilities into the workforce. The individual manages a team to achieve programmatic goals as they relate to the mission and philosophy of the organization.

Starting pay is $55,000-$60,000/per year

Responsibilities

• Manage the employment services program across assigned regions, maintaining compliance
  with state licensing and CO standards
• Lead, train and manage the performance of team to support programmatic initiatives and
  corporate goals related to growth, licensure, capacity and financial stability
• Provide ACRE training to staff and external agencies
• Partner with various internal and external stakeholders to expand and maintain high quality
  employment programs
• Define contract requirements for vocational and employment activities with appropriate state
  entities
• Manage contract procurement and disbursements
• Network with business leaders to develop employment, volunteer, and internship opportunities
• Build a support network between individuals and community members
• Assist with business development, fundraising, and grant development
• Ensure program documentation and billable records are completed accurately and timely
• Institute and maintain appropriate management, financial and personnel controls, and provide
  the national office with the necessary documentation and paperwork
• Prepare required statistical, financial and service reports as needed
• May be required to perform the responsibilities of an Employment Specialist
• Employees must cooperate with the licensee and department staff in any inspection, inquiry or
  investigation
• Additional tasks and responsibilities may be assigned

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum 3 years of experience in related field or 1 year as a COI Employment Specialist
• ACRE certified or similar credentials
• Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record
• Complete all state and agency required training
• Knowledgeable in the areas of the Department of Rehabilitations Services (DORS) and the Developmental Disability Administration (DDA) employment supports
• Ability to establish a comfortable and supportive relationship with individuals receiving supports
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and remain calm in crisis situations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent time management skills

Working Conditions

• Travel is required utilizing personal vehicle or company provided vehicle
• Work in residential programs, day programs, and in the community
• May transport individuals utilizing personal vehicle or company provided vehicle
• Schedule may change due to business needs and may include evening and weekend hours
• Overtime may be required due to business needs
• Frequent lifting, stretching, and other physical exertion may be required
• May be required to lift or move 25+ pounds
• May assist with wheelchair transfer of non-ambulatory participants
• May be exposed to various medical conditions and communicable diseases

Why Community Options?

• Competitive Insurance Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• Paid Holidays - Including a Birthday Holiday
• Generous PTO
• Employee Incentive & Discount Programs
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Incredible career growth opportunities

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

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