Summary: The Program Specialist is responsible to support the mission of SpArc Services by coordinating all aspects of participant care with families or caregivers, employees and external stakeholders. 

Position Responsibilities

Case Management

• Coordinates all aspects of participant support, ensuring implementation of behavior plans, regulatory and licensing compliance, maximizing participant choice and treating all participants with personal dignity.
• Participates in the assessment, evaluation and planning of participant support, and revising individual plans as necessary. Completes initial participant assessments, updates, and discharge summaries on planned/unplanned discharges within prescribed timeframes.
• Participates in the development of Individual support plan and outcome reviews for each individual served. Supervises implementation of support plan bringing to the attention of supervisor any plans unable to implement. Conducts individual and group counseling sessions structured toward specific outcomes. Develops and implements behavioral management programs to encourage appropriate behavior.
• Contributes and implements the quality management, incident and risk management processes.
• Ensures all team members are aware of the components of the ISP. Engages parent(s) or caregivers on plan implementation and ongoing exchange of information.
• Provides crisis intervention as necessary to support participants. Uses the least restrictive emergency procedure when necessary to protect the individual from injuring self or others. Follows intervention policies and regulations. State unusual incident standards are understood and followed.
• Ensures all documents and participant records are accurate and submitted timely as per agency policy and procedures and regulations.
• Assists in the development and implementation of therapeutic group and individual activities to be used during nonproduction periods.
• Provide support to direct service staff encouraging productive activities and redirection of behaviors as necessary.
• Assist in the resolution of transportation problems or mobility needs as necessary.
• Serves on behavior intervention committee and other committees as appropriate.
• Maintains certification to administer medication. Ensure accountability systems are in place for the appropriate administration of medication. CPR certified and First Aid trained.
• Provide coverage for direct support professionals.
• Participate in the development of the Quality Management Plan.
• Assures waiver compliance.
• Partnerships and Collaborative Relationships
• Establishes and maintains ongoing effective relationships with all stakeholders to promote continuity of care and ensure quality services through coordinated efforts.
• Identifies and communicates significant events to appropriate team members responsible for care and coordination of all services.
• Maintains positive and transparent relationships with all monitoring agencies.  Provides information, responds to requests, promptly and thoroughly responds to all consumers, family, funder and other stakeholder concerns.
• Positively and professionally represents SpArc Philadelphia at appropriate venues.

Regulatory Responsibilities

• Responsible for the coordination and completion of assessments within the regulated timeframes.
• Informs participant’s team members at least 30 calendar days prior to the ISP, ISP annual update meeting or ISP plan revision; documenting all efforts in the participant file.
• Participates in the development of participant’s ISP, ISP annual update and all ISP revisions.
• Attends participant ISP meetings.
• Acts as plan lead for participants not supported by an SCO (support coordination organization) and is responsible for ensuring that supports and services are implemented as described in the plan for the SpArc Services licensed program the individual is enrolled.
• Reviews the ISP, annual update and all ISP revisions for consistent accuracy.
• Reports all discrepancies to the supports coordinator and plan team members; documents all efforts to fix ISP discrepancies in the participant file.
• Implements the ISP as written; documents efforts for ISP modification to ensure accurate outcome goals.
• Supervises, monitors, and evaluates participant services.
• Reviews, signs, and dates monthly reporting documents illustrating participant participation and progress towards outcomes.
• Reports changes related to participant needs to the supports coordinator and other team members.
• Reviews the ISP with the client at the regulated timeframes, including, but not limited to, annual assessments and ISP review documentation, ISP 3 month reviews or quarterly meetings, changes in participant needs and outcomes.
• Documents the ISP reviews relating to ISP 3 month reviews (quarterly meetings) and ISP revisions; all efforts for ISP modification as related to SpArc Services’ licensed programs must be documented and placed in the participant file.
• Provides documentation of plan reviews and recommendations to the supports coordinator and other team members within 30 days of the ISP review meeting.
• Informs the plan team members of the option to decline the ISP review documentation as regulated.
• Recommends a revision to a service or outcome in the ISP as needed, including addition, deletion, or modification of an outcome, or service.  Documents all efforts in the participant file.
• Coordinates services provided to the participant within the SpArc Services program.
• Coordinates the training of direct support professionals on the content of the Health and Safety needs section of the ISP, relevant to the service being provided by SpArc Services.
• Responsible for developing and implementing the service as specified in the ISP and for each consumer.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree required in related field with at least 3 years prior related experience preferably with people with disabilities. 
2. Clear criminal and child abuse history, medical and drug screen. Valid driver’s license.
3. Must demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills with people from diverse backgrounds and varied abilities.
4. Understands the needs of participants and develops behavior plans that reflect participant interests and potential, family/caregivers and funder concerns.
5. Able to provide crisis intervention including de-escalation of behavior.
6. Demonstrates the organization’s core competencies and solid customer service skills.
7. Strong word processing skills in MS Word for Windows applications.  
8. Ability to translate regulations into practice.  Knows the importance of effective record keeping. Possesses strong written communication skills
9. Ability to form effective partnerships with all stakeholders including family and caregivers, funders.
10. Effectively problem solve with the ability to proactively address issues preventing escalation.
11. Requires self direction, independence, good time management.
12. Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects and details simultaneously.  Ability to work well under pressure and flexibility respond to changing priorities, unplanned events or emergencies.
13. Strong assessment skills and ability to translate assessment results into service plan.

Physical Environment/Working Conditions

Routine office environment. Must be able to drive a van and have a valid driver‘s license.  May be required to lift and/or physically support participants independently or with other staff.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume to HR@sparcphilly.org. Please include the position title in the subject line of your email.