AWC Program Specialist

Summary:

Responsible for assisting the program manager with implementation and documentation of AWC program components including enrolling, educating, monitoring, and problem-solving with managing employers/clients. recruiting, hiring, orienting, educating, monitoring, and problem-solving with service worker employees; communicating and problem-solving with York/Adams MH-MR staff; communicating with The Arc biller; processing employee timesheets, and program financial documents as appropriate; assuring that the program operates in compliance with federal, state, and county regulations. participating in ODP/MH-MR audits or quality reviews.

The Program Assistant has the unique role of a trained Certified Investigator to investigate incidents that occur during program services.

Duties:

•  Educate individuals (York/Adams MH-MR staff, staff of community agencies, clients and their families, potential/actual AWC employees) about the AWC Program and its many components.
•  Enroll clients and their managing employers into the program. Assure that all documents are completed in a timely manner and copies are forwarded to appropriate individuals. Train the managing employer in all aspects of the program as it applies to his/her role. Provide follow-up training as needed.
•  Provide ongoing monitoring of the managing employer’s performance and compliance with program requirements. Provide ongoing support and problem-solving assistance to the managing employer.  
•  Recruit and hire service workers (employees) for clients. Assure that all documents are completed timely and that background checks are obtained as required. Train the service workers in all aspects of the program as it applies to his/her role. Provide follow-up training as needed. Assure that AWC employees are treated the same as any other temporary employees of The Arc. Ensure compliance with Employee Policies as pertinent.
•  Provide ongoing monitoring of the service worker’s performance and compliance with program requirements. Provide ongoing support and problem-solving assistance to the service worker.
•  Communicate with York/Adams MH-MR staff about clients enrolled in the program, assuring that all necessary information is shared and that the Individual Support Plan (ISP) is complete and accurate for the service provided.
•  Assure that complete and accurate billing information is conveyed to The Arc billing staff. Communicate with billing staff to problem-solve as necessary.
•  Assure that requests for reimbursement from AWC employers and employees are forwarded to The Arc accounting staff for appropriate payment.
•  Assure that AWC employee timesheets are checked for accuracy and completeness, agree with Service Invoices submitted by the managing employer, and are forwarded to The Arc payroll staff in a timely manner.   
• Assure that the program operations comply with federal, state, and county regulations.
• Maintain proper organization of program documents, files, educational materials, forms, manuals, etc. 
• Participate in reviews or audits by regulatory agencies such as PA DWP/ODP, York/Adams County MH-MR as requested.
• Attain and retain Certified Investigator status to investigate, record, and address incidents that occur during program operations. This might be a service of The Arc that is marketed and contracted out to other organizations that have the same mandate.  
• Network with professionals from other organizations to effectively work in the best interests of AWC clients.
• Follow The Arc’s HIPAA and confidentiality protocol when sharing client information. Assure client/staff records are filed in a secure, safe location that is locked. 
• Other relevant tasks as requested by the program manager.

Key Characteristics:

• assertive, to require program compliance 
• attention to detail 
• supportive of clients/families   
• conscientious  
• respectful of others   
• well organized   
• flexible      
• reliable

Physical Demands

Standing, Sitting: Both frequently

Bending, Crawling: Rarely

Use of fingers, hands, and feet: Frequently

Use of arms, and legs: Both frequently

Hearing: Frequently, could use a hearing aid

Vision: continuously, could use corrective lenses Near vision, computer-distance vision, far vision (driving)

Speaking: frequently (communication with the public, clients, Arc staff)

Tasting: never

Lifting, pushing, pulling: Infrequently

Environmental Demands

Indoors/outdoors: Indoors frequently; outdoors on occasion if driving on the job

Impact of inclement weather: Weather rarely impacts work.

Dirt, and dust: Rarely impacts the job.

Noise level: Typical office or home environment of low to moderate level; rarely loud.

Moist/wet, dry: Mostly dry indoor environment.   

Hot, cold: Never excessively hot or cold; can vary somewhat.

Accommodations

The employee is responsible for making the employer aware of the need for accommodation. The Arc will make accommodations to the extent possible. Accommodation cannot impact the effectiveness of the employee and cannot cause undue business hardship to The Arc or its programs.

Education:

Prefer degree from an accredited college or university in human services, social services or a related field. At a minimum, a high school diploma/GED plus 18+ college credits in human services or a related field.           

Experience:

With a college degree a minimum of one year of related experience in social work, case management, etc. Without a college degree, a minimum of two years of related experience is required.   

Knowledge:

Knowledge of the physical/mental/emotional needs and behaviors, of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities; appropriate means of communication and interaction with clients and families from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, races and ethnicities, religions, etc.; problem-solving techniques. mastery of English language, basic math; basic principles of social work. Typical office computer software. Knowledge of geography of York and Adams Counties is helpful, but not required.

Abilities:

Very good oral and written communication skills; problem-solving and critical- thinking; interpersonal skills that convey compassion and support to customers. while working toward compliance with program requirements; ability to educate others effectively (to present information in an organized, clear, appropriate manner that is personalized to the receptive abilities of the student), network with professionals from other organizations in the best interests of the client and The Arc; obtain and integrate bits of information effectively; coordinate multiple. efforts; time management; work mostly independently; maintain confidentiality.

Other Requirements:

• Pass background checks by ChildLine (DPW), PA State Police, and FBI.
• Have a current valid PA driver’s license, insured & inspected vehicle