Residential Program Specialist

The Arc of NEPA
http://www.thearcnepa.org/index.html

Position Description:
GENERAL SUMMARY: Under the administrative supervision of the Manager of Residential Services, the position is responsible, by assignment, for either the coordination of The Arc's Life Sharing Services, Supported Living Services and/or assisting in the management of the operations of Arc Community based homes (group homes).The primary focus of the position is to ensure that individuals served maximize levels of independence at home, at work, in the community, or within the Family Provider setting. The position should further ensure meaningful inclusive life experiences for those served. 

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF JOB: 
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

  • DEVELOP on-going listings of prospective providers for Lifesharing. 
  • MEET with providers and DISCUSS Lifesharing, policies, procedures.
  • COMPLETE assessments of potential living arrangements and COORDINATE approval of new providers with ODP.
  • PROVIDE recommendations to the core team concerning consumer placements.
  • SERVE as an advocate of Lifesharing. 
  • MONITOR consumers’ adjustment to Lifesharing. 
  • EVALUATE consumer satisfaction and service outcomes.
  • FURNISH providers with inservice training requirements, dates, and topics. 
  • ENSURE that minimum training requirements are met.
  • PERFORM monthly scheduled and unscheduled visits to assigned residential homes (including Lifesharing and/or Supported Living) to ensure the implementation of consumers’ plans, prescriptive techniques, and activities, as well as compliance with physical site regulations.
  • PERFORM occasional visits as mentioned above across all shifts, including weekends/third shifts.
  • REPORT the occurrence of unusual incidents to administrative staff, parents/guardians/advocates, case managers, sponsoring Administrative Entity (County Program Office) and Office of Developmental Programs electronically through the HCSIS/EIM system. 
  • COMPLETE electronic reports for submission in timely fashion.
  • PREPARE monthly packets of consumers physician visits, progress notes, incidents, etc, for dissemination to Base Service Unit. 
  • COORDINATE the completion of consumers’ assessments as assigned by caseload, both in Community Living and Lifesharing Services.
  • ASSIST in the development of consumers Annual Plans, including individuals personal visions, outcomes, supervision needs, Community Life Plans, Behavior Support Plans, and any other prescriptive technique.
  • PARTICIPATE in the Annual Plan, Quarterly or other team meetings.
  • PARTICIPATE in standing agency committee meetings including, but not limited to: Quality Forum, Health and Safety, Incident Management, Arc Responds. 
  • MAINTAIN accurate and current individual consumer files/records and related meetings, counseling sessions, correspondence, etc. MAINTAIN schedules of Annual Plans, reviews, assessments.
  • CONDUCT periodic staff meetings at assigned community homes.
  • REVIEW and APPROVE/SIGN all outcomes (goals), as agreed upon by consumer and team.
  • CONDUCT monthly inspections of smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, smoking stations (if allowed) at assigned sites.
  • PARTICIPATE in all Arc residential site monitoring conducted by the Department of Human Services/ODP, Provider Monitoring, Temple University, Pennhurst and Waiver monitoring, etc.
  • COMPLETE licensing inspection self- assessments in timely fashion using Licensing Inspection Instrument scoresheet.
  • ATTEND semi-annual or emergency Restrictive Procedures Committee meetings.
  • CONDUCT regular reviews of consumer records, including financial logs ASSIST home supervisors with staff schedule(s) patterns. 
  • WORK overtime as deemed necessary by Manager of Residential Services or Program Director. ENSURE quality, efficient operations while maintaining budget requirements.
  • MAINTAIN on call responsibility for every other weekend. Know and follow emergency procedures and report occurrences to appropriate individuals.

OTHER ELEMENTS:

  • PARTICIPATE in required in/out service training. 
  • PROVIDE inservice education to staff when necessary.
  • ASSIST in orientation/training of new staff.
  • ATTEND and PARTICIPATE in administrative staff meetings.
  • SERVE as agency liaison to other service providers, parents, guardians, or advocates for Lifesharing and assigned CLA's.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

  • Individual must be able to meet established physical requirements of job. (i.e. performing various restraining techniques, providing ambulatory assistance, lifting and carrying 50 pounds, performing any necessary CPR/First Aid, etc.).

Specific Requirements and Preferences:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • A Master’s Degree or above from an accredited college or university and one year of work experience working directly with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism is required; or
  • A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university and two years of experience working directly with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism is required; or
  • An Associate’s degree or 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university and four years working directly with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism. ”Working directly with individuals with an intellectual disability or autism” means that the program specialist’s work history must include face to face interaction with individuals. Work experience that did not include such interaction (such as administrative work) may not be counted, even if the work was related to indirect support of individuals. **Years of work may be cumulative.

SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

  • A valid driver’s license is required.
  • A working knowledge of ODP regulations is required.
  • The individual must possess reliable transportation and be able to work flexible hours as the position entails on-call responsibility.
  • The individual must be able to communicate effectively with staff, clients, management, external agency personnel, etc.
  • The ability to work in a drug-free workplace setting is required.
  • A criminal background check is required.

Organization Description:
The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania is a grassroots organization formed in 1955 by a group of parents seeking public education for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Since that time a growing number of parents, neighbors and members of the business and professional communities have faced numerous challenges in advocating for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc continues to be a strong voice for education rights, community supports, progressive legislation, and public awareness. The Arc is the largest organization dedicated to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. You can rely on us!

Working at The Arc of NEPA can be summed up with one word: Rewarding! Our vision is that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are entitled to live full, self-determined and respected lives. The smiles of the individuals you will work with will make it almost impossible for you to have a bad day. Our employees love helping individuals reach their goals, become more independent, and experience fun and meaningful memories out in their community. What's more, The Arc of NEPA provides excellent growth opportunities for our employees as you'll have the opportunity to work alongside with some of the most compassionate and tenured staff. This growth even includes growing your paycheck as we provide competitive rates and an outstanding benefits package.

How to Apply:
https://thearcnepa.applicantpro.com/jobs/3700094

Posted April 2, 2025