Program Specialist I​/II

The Program Specialist shall provide Enhanced Community Coordination to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities residing in a state supported living center or a nursing facility transitioning to a community Medicaid waiver program or community Intermediate Care Facility. The Program Specialist will also be responsible for educational activities designed to promote the availability of community living options and need for transition and follow-up services.

The individual in this position should be highly effective when interacting with consumers/families, service providers, SSLCs, nursing facilities, as well as community resources.

• Identify available community living options, services, and supports to assist individuals to successfully live in the community.
• Conduct interviews with consumers and families to gather information on support and barriers necessary for a successful transition into the community.
• Coordinate increased Service Planning Team interactions and coordinate with other entities as appropriate to the individual’s needs and situation.
• Provide information about available community living options, services, and support in addition to the information provided during the community living options information process.
• Provide intensive and flexible support to achieve success in a community setting. Ensure the individual is provided with enhanced pre- and post-transition services. Identify all necessary Medicaid waiver and non-Medicaid waiver program services in an individualized service plan, initially and on-going for one (1) year after enrollment.
• Completing documentation related to service provision, including Person Directed Plans, Individual Plans of Care, ICSR’s, Permanency planning, and CARE data entry as required.
• Complete reporting requirements as required in the PASRR reporting manual.

Two (2) years’ experience in coordinating or providing services to individuals with IDD, including those with complex medical needs, in the community is required. One (1) year case management experience is required.

Position requires a bachelor's or master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in social work, psychology or related human service discipline. Position requires credentialing as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP).

• The person in this position must work independently within specific guidelines, and must be able to work with consumers, families, nursing facilities, SSLCs, and other community entities to ensure the potential diversion to facility placement and/or the individual’s successful transition into the community.
• The person in this position must be able to communicate effectively verbally and through written documentation.
• Must be able to consistently and in a timely manner produce documentation as required by the Texas Administrative code and billing guidelines.
• Must be flexible in schedule yet organized to keep up with demands of individual consumers and program requirements.
• Must be able to travel 20% locally and 20% regionally.
• Must have and maintain a level of general health that permits the performance of the job duties and ability to maintain regular attendance as set forth in Center policies and procedures.
• Physical capacity may include prolonged sitting, necessitate carrying supplies up to 30 lbs., driving vehicles to transport consumers and/or their families and attend meetings at various sites.
• The person in the position must be able to successfully participate, perform, and complete the skills required for CPR, First Aid, and PMAB certification.

Hours:

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

Salary: $22.52-$26.51 hourly ($46,851-$55,144 annually). Depending on education & experience.

• Employer paid Health Insurance
• Employer paid Dental Insurance
• Employer paid Life Insurance
• Employer Paid Short Term Disability
• Employer Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Payroll Direct Deposit
• 12 paid Holidays per year
• Excellent 401-K Retirement Plan (Center will contribute 12% of employee earnings)
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) - begins after 3 months of full-time employment

Department:
Developmental Services