Program Specialist

Are you looking for an opportunity to advance your career while working with an extraordinary team? At Merakey, we put our heart and soul into everything we do. We are seeking a Program Specialist to join our team in our New Jersey location. Earn: $26.44-$28.37/Hour based on experience The Program Specialists plays a critical role in the day-to-day management and oversight of specific client care within their identified Division. Reporting to the Program Director or Program Manager this position is responsible for coordinating program activities and ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to program participants. This role may manage a caseload. Staff Management * Provide guidance, support, and direction to staff members * Assign duties and responsibilities to staff based on program needs and individuals' strengths * Conduct regular check-ins and provide feedback to staff regarding performance and areas for improvement Client Care and Safety * Ensure the safety and security of clients and staff by enforcing program policies and procedures * Monitor client behavior and intervene as necessary to de-escalate conflicts or address concerns * Respond to emergencies or crises effectively, following established protocols and seeking assistance as needed Responsibilities Include: * Overall coordination of individual care and services * Facilitates team meetings as needed * Coordinates healthcare and medication oversight * Is the point person and liaison with family and stakeholder contacts * Responsible for service plan development and implementation * Works with internal and external parties to ensure unit authorizations in the ISP * Aggregates data for quarterly reports and shares data with applicable parties * HRST (PA requirement) development and coordination * Completes and coordinates annual consents * Supports the coordination of Medicaid renewals and redeterminations * Coordinates and facilitates Human Rights Meetings (NJ) or the equivalent in other states * Completes the coordination the annual assessments * Works with business authorization and processes department on individual admissions, transfers, and discharges * Compiles individual specific data such as medical history, units of service, rates, staffing needs, etc. for all initial/annual pre-ISP assessments * Meets with Supports Coordinators (SC)/Case Manager to transfer ISP data * Collaborates with Behavior Specialist regarding Behavior Support Plan; submits to Peer Review; works with management regarding response and plan of action; monitors adherence to plan * Serves as a resource for Program Manager in determining activities in immediate neighborhoods in which Individuals can participate to foster inclusion * Participates in the development of Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) * Analyzes daily, weekly, monthly, progress notes and data collection tools to verify adherence to ISP; determines any changes needed or inconsistencies in services provided; and initiates changes as appropriate * Ensures Peer Review recommendations are implemented by Manager regarding Consumer Behavior Plans * Initiates Consumer burial reserve account; works with Fiscal Department to manage accounts to include Special Needs Trusts * Conducts audits to ensure compliance with licensing regulations * Collaborates with Nursing to address Consumer healthcare issues, prescribed medications, discharge instructions, Consumer-specific adaptive equipment needs, and delivery of Individual -specific training * Provides follow-up regarding medical appointments, cancelled appointments, transportation, and medical refills, etc. * Complies with Incident management policy and procedures to include any necessary follow-up Benefits Merakey offers medical, dental - vision insurance plans, competitive compensation plans and more! * DailyPay * Work/Life Balance * Flexible Schedules * Cell Phone Discount Plans * Employee Referral Bonuses * Tuition Reimbursement * Care.com Membership About Merakey Merakey is a non-profit provider of developmental, behavioral health, and education services. More than 8,000 employees provide support to nearly 40,000 individuals and families throughout 12 states across the country each year. Click here to watch a video about Merakey. Merakey strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse. Merakey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer! We deeply value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ethnic background, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability status. Moreover, we are committed to creating teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Merakey welcomes all Veterans to apply! The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications: * College Coursework - 60 credit hours * 3-5 Years of IDD experience * 1-3 Years of Supervisory/Managerial experience Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled