Program Specialist

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates and reflects a commitment to the mission and values of Milestone by serving others with respect, dignity and compassion.
• Monitor services for assigned caseload of individuals to ensure needs were properly identified, services were delivered effectively, and all reporting requirements were completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Work with Director of Data Management and Systems to manage utilization of the programs by people receiving services and communicate with family and Supports Coordinator to discuss utilization below 90%.
• Ensure that Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are documenting services provided accurately and in a timely manner.
• Cookordinate Staff Training
• Ensure all DSPs receive initial, revised, and annual training on individuals’ Individual Support Plans and work with Behavior Specialist to ensure Behavior Support Plans are reviewed as needed.
• Ensure programmatic training regulatory requirements are met by all staff.
• Complete all ISP duties of the Program Specialist position as outlined in the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) PA Chapter 6400 Regulations:
• Attend scheduled ISP meetings and participate in the development, annual update, and revision of assigned individuals’ ISPs.
• Review the ISP at least every three months with the individual and complete a quarterly review for the same time period in Qualifacts.
• Utilize the review documentation to recommend a revision to a service or outcome in the individual’s ISP as needed.
• Provide review documentation to the SC (or Plan Lead) and all team members.
• Ensure that ISP is implemented as written and coordinate the training of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in both the ISP and individual’s specific health and safety needs.
• Monitor services provided and review the monthly documentation of the individual’s participation and progress towards goals and outcomes.
• Facilitate communication between all team members. Report changes related to an individual’s needs to the SC and to plan team members as they occur.
• Review documentation in the individual record and in Qualifacts regularly to ensure that it is complete and accurate.
• Cookordinate and complete the initial and annual functional assessments as needed for all assigned individuals.
• As needed, provide the assessment to the ISP team members and ensure updates are reflected in the ISP.
• Responsible for developing overall schedule of Residential ISP meetings.
• Facilitate and support individuals’ activities and community participation based on their individualized goals and service plans.
• Work with the SC and Community Living Manager to coordinate meetings, visits, and regulatory requirements are completed for potential new admissions to the residential program.
• Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with the Community Living Managers.
• Communicate significant information (including behavioral/medical problems, transportation changes and staffing issues to the Directors of IDA and agency nurses).
• Deliver direct care support, when necessary, to promote continuity of care and ensure participants received appropriate health and safety support.
• As assigned, Perform duties of Enterprise Incident Management (EIM) Point Person and Certified Investigator.
• Complete monthly reviews of medication errors and document information on the Medication Administration Record (MAR) review.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or 60 college credits, preferably in Human Services and four (4) years of experience providing services and supports to people with intellectual developmental disabilities and/or autism; OR Bachelor's degree, preferably in Human Services, consistent with State Licensing Regulations and two (2) years of experience providing services and supports to people with intellectual developmental disabilities and/or autism.
• At least one year of experience in residential programs.
• Prior experience in developing and implementing Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for people with intellectual, developmental disabilities and/or autism.
• Act 34 Clearance and FBI Clearance, as applicable.
• Complete and maintain ODP’s Certified Investigator certification within first year.
• Complete and maintain Department of Human Services (DHS) Medication Administration, Medication Trainer & Practicum Observer Certification within first year.
• Valid PA, West Virginia or Ohio Driver’s license and acceptable driving record.