Program Specialist - Home and Community-Based Services

Program Specialist - Home and Community-Based Services Exceptional Tours: Mission, Vision, and Values Our Mission Exceptional Tours is committed to providing high quality care by compassionate, skilled professionals. We are dedicated to helping each individual we support reach their highest potential, while promoting independence, relationship building, and fulfillment within the community in which they live and beyond. Our Vision Exceptional Tours strives to transform the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. We work tirelessly to help create a just and compassionate society-one where every person we support, regardless of race, creed, religion, ability, or age, is valued. We pledge to keep individuals safe, promote good health, and support them in achieving their dreams. Our Values Our promise is to work diligently to carry out the Commonwealth's vision that all Pennsylvanians live safe, healthy, and independent lives, free of discrimination and inequity. Supporting Adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Autism at Exceptional Tours # Position Overview The Program Specialist at Exceptional Tours is essential to the successful delivery and oversight of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. This position ensures the integrity of Community Participation Supports (CPS), In Home Support, Respite, and Employment Services programs through staff guidance, quality documentation, participant engagement, and proactive community partnerships. The Program Specialist is dedicated to fostering meaningful experiences for all participants and supporting the professional growth of direct service staff. Supervision: The Program Specialist is supervised by the Program Director and maintains a dotted line reporting relationship with the Director of Operations. # Essential Responsibilities 1. Review Daily Staff Visit Notes: Ensure all staff notes are submitted accurately and promptly; monitor for quality, completion, and address any outstanding issues. 2. Prepare Participant Quarterly Reports: Compile, review, and maintain participant progress and outcome reports, ensuring compliance with Exceptional Tours policies and regulatory requirements. 3. Provide Staff Supervision: Guide and supervise direct support staff, conduct regular check-ins, address performance concerns, and support ongoing professional development. 4. Monitor Time and Attendance: Oversee staff timekeeping, resolve discrepancies, and ensure program coverage aligns with Exceptional Tours policies and participant needs. 5. Update CareSmartz360 Staff Schedules, Participant Documents, and Care Plans: Maintain up-to-date schedules, care plans, and participant records within the CareSmartz360 platform. 6. Participate in Meet and Greets: Facilitate introductions and orientation sessions with new staff and potential clients to ensure welcoming transitions. 7. Staff Coverage: Provide direct support coverage by filling in for staff when replacements are unavailable, ensuring continuity of participant services. ## Employment Services Responsibilities 1. Develop Employer Relationships: Build and nurture partnerships with potential employers to create employment opportunities for program participants of Exceptional Tours. 2. Job Coaching: Serve as a temporary job coach to support participants in new employment settings, ensuring a successful transition and skill acquisition. 3. Employment Assessments: Conduct thorough assessments to identify participant strengths, preferences, and support needs related to employment. 4. Mock Interviews and Job Finding: Organize and conduct mock interviews, assist participants in preparing for the workforce, and actively participate in job development and placement activities. ## Incident Management Responsibilities 1. Peer Reviews: Participate in incident Pee Review meetings to analyze events, share insights, and promote a culture of safety and accountability. 2. Conduct Investigations: Lead or assist in investigations related to participant or staff incidents, ensuring thorough and timely reporting and documentation. 3. Incident Management Policy Input: Provide feedback and suggestions for ongoing improvement of incident management policies and procedures. ## Other Responsibilities 1. Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, training, and ongoing professional development opportunities as required by Exceptional Tours. 2. Support quality assurance activities and assist with audits, surveys, or accreditation processes as needed. 3. Maintain confidentiality and uphold the values and mission of Exceptional Tours in all interactions. 4. Perform other duties as assigned to meet the needs of participants and the organization. # Qualifications 1. Bachelor's degree in Human Services/ Associate's Degree or 60 credits from an accredited college in Social Work, Psychology, Education, or a related field preferred. 2. Experience supporting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism, ideally in HCBS and Employment Services settings. 3. Demonstrated skills in staff supervision, documentation, and electronic record systems (CareSmartz360 preferred). 4. Experience in job coaching, employment assessment, and employer outreach is highly valued. 5. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 6. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build positive relationships with staff, participants, employers, and community partners. 7. Must have strong computer skills, including proficiency with Google Workforce, Google Documents and Sheets, as well as email communication. 8. Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings or weekends to accommodate participant and agency needs. 9. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required. Certified Investigator's training, Employment Coaching Certificate preferred. CPC Certificate, required. # Preferred Attributes 1. Dedication to person-centered practices and a strengths-based approach. 2. Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to a dynamic work environment. 3. Proactive, creative, and solutions-focused mindset. # Working Conditions