program specialist
About the Role
COMHAR is seeking a skilled and dedicated Program Specialist to coordinate and implement Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and/or behavioral health needs. The role involves working closely with participants, families, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), and the interdisciplinary team to ensure services are delivered effectively, promote independence, and support each individual's dignity, well‑being, and community integration.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate and complete initial, annual, and revision assessments for assigned caseload.
- Identify individualized consumer support needs for direct supervision or unsupervised periods.
- Disseminate assessments to ISP team members at least 30 days prior to meetings for ISP development or revisions.
- Provide training to DSPs on consumer Support Plans, including medication protocols, before working with the consumer.
- Participate in development, review, and revision of ISPs, ISP Annual Updates, and all ISP revisions.
- Attend ISP meetings, annual updates, and revisions; serve as Plan Lead when a Supports Coordinator is not assigned.
- Review ISPs quarterly (or more often as needed) and report content discrepancies to the Supports Coordinator and team members.
- Implement ISPs as written, supervising and evaluating services and outcomes, and recommending revisions when necessary.
- Review, sign, and date monthly documentation of consumer progress toward ISP outcomes.
- Report changes in consumer needs to the Supports Coordinator and team members.
- Disseminate quarterly ISP review documentation and recommendations within 30 days and inform plan team members of the option to decline the review.
- Coordinate consumer services and ensure training of DSPs on health, safety, and programmatic needs.
- Develop and implement component services supporting advancement in life skills, employment, or other goals.
- Ensure compliance with DPW 6400 regulations for medication management, site safety, and training requirements.
- Maintain accurate consumer records in HIRS, ensuring all Medical and Programmatic Books are current.
- Monitor the EIM system to ensure incidents are resolved per applicable regulations.
- Support the behavioral component of the ISP, including adherence to the Human Rights Team process.
Requirements
- Associate’s degree or 60 college credits with at least 3 years related experience (required).
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or related field (preferred).
- Current PA driver’s license with satisfactory driving record; eligible to operate program vehicles.
- Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, or autism.
- Knowledge of ISP development, regulatory requirements, and consumer‑centered service delivery.
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and privacy of all consumer records and information.
- Ability to acquire working knowledge of COMHAR policies and applicable regulations.
- Attention to detail to ensure safety for residents and safe operation of program vehicles.
- Ability to work well with individuals with varying emotional and cognitive challenges.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities and complete assignments in a timely manner while adhering to COMHAR procedures.
Benefits
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
- Life and disability coverage.
- 403(b) retirement plan.
- Paid time off.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Employee assistance program.
- Voluntary options such as disability, accident, and pet insurance.
Pay
$20.80 per hour.
Schedule
Full‑time, day shift: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. No weekends, no on‑call. Observed holidays off per COMHAR policy.
About COMHAR
COMHAR is a nonprofit human‑services organization dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and communities to live healthier, self‑determined lives. Founded in 1975, COMHAR serves the Philadelphia region with a continuum of behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disability, substance‑use, and social support services, including outpatient treatment, residential services, community‑based recovery centers, supportive housing, and specialized programs for children, families, and diverse populations. The organization supports more than 5,500 people each month.