The Arc Residential Program Specialist

The-Arc-of-Northeastern-PA; Scranton (Lackawanna County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arc of Northeastern PA is seeking a Residential Program Specialist to coordinate Life Sharing Services, Supported Living Services, and oversee operations of community-based homes. The role emphasizes person-centered support, independence, dignity, and quality of life for individuals with IDD and autism.

Ideal candidates will have advanced education with direct interaction experience, strong advocacy, collaboration with families and staff, and a commitment to compliance and confidentiality

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in a related field with at least 1 year of direct work with IDD or autism.
• Bachelor's degree with at least 2 years of direct work with IDD or autism.
• Associate's degree or 60 credits with at least 4 years of direct work with IDD or autism.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate Life Sharing Services and Supported Living Services for quality, individualized support.
• Oversee daily operations of community-based residential homes and group homes.
• Promote choice, independence, self-determination, and community integration.
• Develop and implement individualized service plans and personal goals.
• Advocate for rights, preferences, and needs of individuals served.
• Collaborate with families, providers, direct support professionals, and the support team.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, licensing, policies, and quality standards.
• Monitor service delivery and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Encourage participation in meaningful activities for social connections and life skills.
• Maintain a respectful, inclusive, person-centered environment across programs.
• Maintain accurate documentation and complete required reports per policy.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Interpersonal skills

Coordination

Advocacy

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Knowledge of residential services

Confidentiality

Regulatory compliance

Education

Master's degree or higher

Bachelor's degree

Associate's degree or 60 college credits

Job description

The Arc | Residential Services

Position Overview

The Arc is seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and organized Residential Program Specialist to support the coordination and delivery of residential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism.

Under the direction of the Manager of Residential Services, the Residential Program Specialist coordinates Life Sharing Services and Supported Living Services and assists with overseeing the operations of community-based residential homes, including group homes. This position helps ensure that services are person-centered, responsive to individual needs, and focused on promoting independence, inclusion, dignity, and quality of life.

The ideal candidate is passionate about advocacy, committed to person-centered support, and motivated to help individuals achieve their personal goals and live meaningful, fulfilling lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate Life Sharing Services and Supported Living Services to ensure quality, consistency, and individualized support.
• Assist with the oversight and daily operations of community-based residential homes and group homes.
• Promote individual choice, independence, self-determination, and community integration.
• Support the development and implementation of individualized service plans and personal goals.
• Advocate for the rights, preferences, and needs of individuals receiving services.
• Collaborate with individuals, families, Family Providers, direct support professionals, and other members of the support team.
• Help ensure residential services comply with applicable regulations, licensing requirements, agency policies, and established quality standards.
• Monitor service delivery and assist in identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Encourage participation in meaningful activities that promote social connections, life skills, personal growth, and community involvement.
• Support a safe, respectful, inclusive, and person-centered environment across all residential programs.
• Maintain accurate documentation and complete required reports in accordance with agency policies and regulatory standards.

Qualifications: Education and Experience

Candidates must meet one of the following requirements:

• Master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university and at least one year of direct work experience with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and at least two years of direct work experience with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism.
• Associate's degree or 60 college credit hours from an accredited college or university and at least four years of direct work experience with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism.

Important experience requirement: Qualifying experience must include face-to-face interaction with individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism. Administrative experience that does not involve direct interaction with individuals may not be counted, even if the work indirectly supports services. Qualifying years of experience may be cumulative.

Preferred Skills and Competencies

• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple services and priorities effectively.
• Commitment to person-centered practices, inclusion, and individual rights.
• Ability to collaborate with families, staff, providers, and community partners.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and advocacy skills.
• Knowledge of residential services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality, professional standards, and regulatory compliance.

Why Join the Arc?

Join a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. As a Residential Program Specialist, you will have the opportunity to support independence, strength community connections, advocate for individual choice, and help create opportunities for people to live their lives to the fullest.

Your work will contribute to a supportive environment where every individual is respected, valued, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.