Disability Services Program Specialist

Lifesteps is a non-profit human services organization serving Western Pennsylvania for nearly 100 years by “helping individuals and families with life's changing needs.” The agency provides programs and services to help those with special needs live to their fullest potential.

About the role

The Program Specialist creates an environment empowering individuals through the development of skills, coordination of resources, and supportive services to help individuals live as independently as possible. This position ensures special needs adult individuals have regularly scheduled medical, dental, psychiatric, and psychological services in accordance with regulations and doctor recommendations. The role involves assisting in the development and implementation of care and development plans (e.g., Individual Plans, Restrictive Procedure Plans, Social Emotional Environmental Plans, Fade Plans, and Desensitization Plans) to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of persons with intellectual disabilities. This is a combination of hands-on work with individuals and administrative duties and is a highly respected team member, though not a supervisory position.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement skills, resources, and supportive services to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Coordinate and ensure access to regularly scheduled medical, dental, psychiatric, and psychological services.
• Assist in creating and executing care plans, including Individual Plans (IP), Restrictive Procedure Plans, Social Emotional Environmental Plans, Fade Plans, and Desensitization Plans.
• Monitor and ensure the health, safety, and well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and 2 years of experience working directly with persons with intellectual disabilities or autism (degrees in Special Education, Human Services, Social Services, Psychology, and Criminology are preferred).
• OR 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university plus 4 years’ experience working with persons with intellectual disabilities or autism.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate information to a diverse audience.
• Must secure and maintain training requirements for Crisis Prevention Intervention within three months of hire.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license that legally permits operating a motor vehicle.

Benefits

• 100% paid medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums.
• Paid vacation, sick, and personal/emergency time.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Short- and long-term disability.
• Life insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Tuition reimbursement.

Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (no evenings, weekends, or holidays).