Description

The Program Specialist is responsible for supporting participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other barriers to employment. They will assist participants in maintaining, acquiring, and enhancing skills to participate in work related activities. The Program Specialist will work with all aspects of our programs (facility, community, small group employment, and supportive employment) to ensure that our participants have individualized plans to support their needs in becoming job ready. The Program Specialist is responsible for being a liaison with appropriate referral sources, using independent judgement in implementation of the participants plan and delivering a broad range of workforce services to employers, job seekers, the general public and other customers.

About Life’sWork of Western PA 

Life’sWork of Western PA is a nonprofit organization empowering people to live the life they choose. We partner with people with disabilities, people with other barriers, young adults, children, and families to pursue their hopes and dreams through strengthening workplace abilities, building life skills, and developing meaningful relationships. 

About Adult Services: 

The unemployment rate for people with disabilities is three times higher than that of people without disabilities. Through our Supported Group Employment, Small Group Staffing, and Community Participation Supports, we’re providing adults with disabilities an opportunity to overcome barriers to employment. 

Job Responsibilities: 

• Coordinating the completion of assessments 
• Participating in the individual plan process, development, team reviews and implementation in accordance with regulatory guidelines 
• Providing and supervising activities for the participants in accordance with the individual plans 
• Supporting the integration of participants in the community 
• Supporting participant communication and involvement with families and friends 
• Responsible for the management and oversight of the safety and well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, mental health and behavioral health needs in the facility and community 
• Evaluate and interpret all information (referral information and information gathered in our program) as well as observing participant behaviors to determine realistic potentials for occupational and education adjustment and employability 
• Provide individual counseling with regard to assignments given, progress and performance on work samples, appropriate vocational choice, changing attitudes and promoting self-confidence 
• Assess participants, develop and document individualized goals and goal plans, implement goal plans, and monitor goals and plans for modification and completion 
• Prepare well written reports within established time frames 
• Act as a liaison with referral agencies, funding sources, advocates and families as needed 
• Provide participants with information concerning rights, options, benefits, services, goals and expectations 
• Demonstrate knowledge of and implementation of the participant’s support plan 
• Complete daily documentation of implementation and progress towards the participant’s goals and activities based on the care plan
• Serve as a resource person and act as a role model for participants and staff members 
• Engage with all participants in a positive, respectful, and productive manner 
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment 
• Contribute information regarding the participant’s progress for support team meetings when requested 
• Engage with participants on a daily basis to facilitate growth for learning and opportunities
• Identify and provide reasonable accommodation to assist the needs of participants; for example, assisting them with the vending machine or walking them to the bathroom
• Provide a person-centered environment that fosters advancement and transition
• May transport participants to and from the worksite using company vehicles 
• Complete and maintain annual staff qualifications, including 24 hours of training per year 
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Health Coverage: (full-time only) 

• Pays 100% of employee-only coverage. 
• Matches up to $700 towards your health savings account (H.S.A.) 

Other benefits; (100% paid by employee) 

• Dental and vision 
• Pet insurance
• Aflac 
• Legal Shield / Identity Theft 

Holidays: (full-time & part-time) 

• 12 paid holidays per year. 

Retirement Plan (403(b) Thrift Plan): 

• Matches 100% up to 5% of employee’s contribution after one year of service.

Mileage reimbursement: 

• Follows the federal mileage rate. 

Requirements

Education & Experience:  

• An associate’s degree in Special Education, Psychology, Public Health, Rehabilitation, Social Work Speech Pathology, Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation or another human services field required. Bachelor's degree or above preferred. Will consider relevant work experience in lieu of a Bachalor's degree
• A license or certification by the State Board of Nurse Examiner, the State Board of Physical Therapists Examiners, or the Committee on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification OR be a licensed Psychologist or registered Occupational Therapist AND 1-year experience working directly with individuals with disabilities 
• Patch / PA Child Abuse / FBI Fingerprint Clearance are required within 30 days of employment and this is all paid by Life’sWork of Western PA
• ACRE certification – Life’sWork will pay for certification if you do not currently hold certification

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:  

• A team player with confidence to take the lead 
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Well-organized with customer-oriented approach
• Good attention to detail and observation skills 
• Proficient technical understanding and can pick up on new systems easily 
• Working knowledge of computer systems to complete documentation 
• Knowledge of agency and community resources and services 
• Knowledge of organizational programs 
• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations and policies and procedures 
• Ability to de-escalate situations and ensure the safety of our participants 

At Life’sWork of Western PA, we have a clear vision: to create a community where difference is valued. As an organization with a mission that is centered around lifting up some of the most vulnerable members of society, diversity and inclusion are more than just words to us. Here, everyone is welcome. We employ, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, age, sex, religion, color, national origin, language, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity, handicap or disability, and other protected status’. As an employment organization that is continually evolving to provide the best possible services for our clients, we strive to be as diverse as the individuals that we serve. Life’sWork is fully focused on building and nurturing a workplace where inclusion is part of our everyday culture, not just an initiative; where all employees feel their individual gifts are celebrated and appreciated, and where they are encouraged to be who they are.

There is always more work to be done, and we believe that if the services that are provided by our organization are done through a diverse mix of talents, perspectives, and backgrounds, we can play a role in creating ongoing and lasting change.