IDD Program Specialist

About the role

Lifesteps is a non‑profit human services organization that has served Western Pennsylvania for 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. This full‑time Disability Services Program Specialist position is based in Kittanning, PA and offers a schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (no evenings, weekends, or holidays).

Responsibilities

• Create an environment that empowers individuals through skill development, coordination of resources, and supportive services to promote independent living.
• Ensure special‑needs adult individuals receive regularly scheduled medical, dental, psychiatric, and psychological services in accordance with regulations and doctor recommendations.
• Assist in the development and implementation of appropriate care and development plans for persons with intellectual disabilities, including Individual Plans (IP), Restrictive Procedure Plans, Social Emotional Environmental Plans, Fade Plans, and Desensitization Plans.
• Perform a combination of hands‑on work with individuals and administrative duties to support health, safety, and well‑being.
• Function as a respected team member; this is not a supervisory role.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and 2 years of experience working directly with persons with intellectual disabilities or autism.
• OR 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university plus 4 years’ experience working with persons with intellectual disabilities or autism.

Qualifications

• Preferred degrees include Special Education, Human Services, Social Services, Psychology, and Criminology.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate information to a diverse audience.
• Ability to secure and maintain Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training requirements within three months of hire.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• 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 coverage.
• Life insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Additional benefits as part of a generous package for full‑time employees.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. (No evenings, weekends or holidays)