The lead program specialist (LPS) is assigned a reduced individual caseload and is responsible for licensed regulatory compliance resulting in quality programming for the individuals in both residential and day services programs for adults with intellectual disability and autism.

ACCOUNTABILITY:
Accountable to the associate director(s) of operations.

AUTHORITY:
Responsible for supervision of the program specialist (PS) team and for a reduced individual caseload.

QUALIFICATIONS:
A. The LPS must meet the requirements for a PS as defined in the 6400 and 6500 regulations.
B. Leadership and program development experience is expected.
C. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, regulations require two years of paid experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disability.
D. An Associate’s degree and four years paid experience with ID/DD also qualifies.
E. Supporting the mission, vision and values of Friendship Community is critical.
F. A level of professional maturity and ability to provide effective leadership within the organization in an effective and efficient manner.
G. Critical thinking.
H. Efficient gathering, organization and monitoring of large amounts of information.
I. Professional, concise written and oral communications.
J. Computer skills including database management, design, interfacing, etc.

RESPONSIBILITY:
A. Demonstrate a respectful and positive attitude that promotes service excellence to individuals, team members, families and/or the general public.
B. Support the PS and other team members ensuring that program specialist assignments are being fulfilled at an optimal level.
C. Communication, collaboration and decision-making with other departments.
D. Participation in assigned meetings and committees.
E. Familiarity of applicable regulations, bulletins, etc. from ODP.
F. Updating of PS policies and forms, as appropriate.
G. Assign appropriate caseloads to each PS.
H. Involvement in the human rights team as assigned.
I. Oversite of the health risk screening tool application in collaboration with the nursing, behavior support, and residential teams.
J. Recommend seeking additional funding for residential services, as identified.
K. Management of a reduced individual caseload, as assigned.
L. Provide leadership and oversight for PS.
M. Professional mentor and role model to PS, other leaders, etc.
N. Provide training content for PS and other team members, as assigned.
O. Ensure coverage of caseload in the event of a program specialist absence.
P. Assist associate director(s) of operation and regulatory compliance advisor with oversight of the self-assessment process.
Q. Other duties as assigned.

WORK SCHEDULE:
This is a full-time, hourly non-exempt professional position. The typical work schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with the flexibility to work non-scheduled hours to handle emergencies, appointments and other duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member (TM) to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the TM is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The TM must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually mild to moderate.

NOTE:
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the TM(s) incumbent in this position. TMs will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

BENEFITS:
As a full-time lead program specialist, you will be eligible for the below benefits at 60 days.
A. Medical insurance: $40 bi-weekly medical benefits for individuals, $50 bi-weekly medical benefits for family. Eligible after 60-day waiting period.
B. Ancillary benefits (ex. dental, vision, etc.) provided through Lincoln Financial. Friendship Community provides a defined annual contribution that full-time team members can use towards ancillary benefits each year. The 2024 defined contribution is $150, which totals $5.77 per pay. Eligible after 60 day waiting period.
C. Paid time off: Accrues per pay period, can be used immediately.
D. Sick time: Accrues per pay period, can be used immediately.
E. Retirement: Team member is able to contribute to 403(b) retirement plan after 30 days.
F. Holiday pay (full-time status): 7 paid holidays—New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday (or Good Friday for team members who do not normally work weekends), Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas

OTHER BENEFITS:
The benefits below are offered to all team members.
A. Wellness program
B. Everence Federal Credit Union
C. Everence Small Loan
D. WellSpan Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
E. Modern Eyes Membership
F. Discount at our heart gallery
G. Meals/Activities while on shift for DSPs
H. Olivia Cunningham Education Fund
I. Free myStrength app access

Friendship Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, citizenship or veterans status.