Program Specialist

Description Looking for a career that makes a real difference? If you’re passionate about helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, or autism, COMHAR welcomes you to begin your journey with us. Full-Time | Day Shift Available In the Philadelphia, PA 19125 Area | No Weekends and No On-Call ! Rate: $21.00/HR

Current Shift

• Monday-Friday 8:30AM - 4:30PM with observed holidays off per COMHAR policy.

Job Summary COMHAR is seeking a skilled and dedicated Program Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will coordinate and implement Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and/or behavioral health needs. You will work closely with participants, families, and staff to ensure services are delivered effectively, promote independence, and support each individual’s dignity, well-being, and community integration.

The Program Specialist is responsible for coordinating, implementing, and monitoring Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for assigned consumers. This role ensures services meet individualized support needs, comply with regulatory requirements, and promote consumer growth, independence, and well-being. The Program Specialist works closely with consumers, families, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), and the interdisciplinary team to provide high-quality care and support.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and complete initial, annual, and revision assessments for assigned caseload.
• Identify individualized consumer support needs for direct supervision or unsupervised periods.
• Disseminate assessments to ISP team members at least 30 days prior to meetings for ISP development or revisions.
• Provide training to DSPs on consumer Support Plans, including medication protocols, before working with the consumer.
• Participate in development, review, and revision of ISPs, ISP Annual Updates, and all ISP revisions.
• Attend ISP meetings, annual updates, and revisions; serve as Plan Lead when a Supports Coordinator is not assigned.
• Review ISPs quarterly (or more often as needed) and report content discrepancies to the Supports Coordinator and team members.
• Implement ISPs as written, supervising and evaluating services and outcomes, and recommending revisions when necessary.
• Review, sign, and date monthly documentation of consumer progress toward ISP outcomes.
• Report changes in consumer needs to the Supports Coordinator and team members.
• Disseminate quarterly ISP review documentation and recommendations within 30 days and inform plan team members of the option to decline the review.
• Coordinate consumer services and ensure training of DSPs on health, safety, and programmatic needs.
• Develop and implement component services supporting advancement in life skills, employment, or other goals.
• Ensure compliance with DPW 6400 regulations for medication management, site safety, and training requirements.
• Maintain accurate consumer records in HIRS, ensuring all Medical and Programmatic Books are current.
• Monitor the EIM system to ensure incidents are resolved per applicable regulations.
• Support the behavioral component of the ISP, including adherence to the Human Rights Team process.

Employees are eligible for generous benefit options including but not limited to: Full-time employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, and dental insurance, life and disability coverage, a 403(b) retirement plan, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, an employee assistance program, and additional voluntary options such as disability, accident, and pet insurance.

Requirements Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Associates or 60 college credits with have at least 3 years related experience in ID required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or related field preferred.
• Current PA Driver's License; satisfactory driving record; eligible to operate program vehicles.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, or autism.
• Knowledge of ISP development, regulatory requirements, and consumer-centered service delivery.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Able to maintain confidentiality and privacy of all consumer records and information.
• Able to acquire working knowledge of COMHAR policies and other applicable regulations
• Attention to details to ensure safety for residents and for safely operating program vehicles
• Able to work well with individuals with varying emotional and cognitive challenges .
• Able to successfully manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Able to complete assignments in a timely manner while adhering to COMHAR procedures.

About COMHAR COMHAR is a nonprofit human-services organization dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and communities to live healthier, self-determined lives. Our mission is: “To provide health and human services that empower individuals, families and communities to live healthier, self-determined lives.” Serving the Philadelphia region since 1975, COMHAR provides a wide continuum of behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disability, substance use, and social support services. With programs that include outpatient treatment, residential services, community-based recovery centers, supportive housing, and specialized services for children, families, and diverse populations, COMHAR delivers person-centered care rooted in dignity, respect, and community integration. Today, COMHAR’s team supports more than 5,500 people each month, helping individuals build stability, independence, and meaningful connections in their communities. COMHAR strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse. COMHAR is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We maintain a drug-free workplace. COMHAR, Inc. is a not-for-profit community-based health and human service organization founded in 1975. We do not discriminate in services or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, past or present receipt of disability-related services or supports, marital status, veteran status, or any other class of persons protected by federal, state or local law.