Program Specialist 1 - Developmental Programs

Posting number: 2026-00298E

Department: Human Services

Division: Developmental Programs

Job classification: DP Program Specialist 1

Posting type: Open

Categories: Community Services, Social Services, Human Services, Humanities

Summary

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must successfully submit a completed application prior to the posting deadline. Applications submitted with incomplete or missing education and/or work experience sections will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. These applicants will be disqualified from consideration. The attachment of a resume to the application does not fulfill this requirement and will not prevent incomplete applications from being rejected. Education and work experience fields must be completed, regardless of the presence of an attached resume.

Once the posting closes, all applications will be reviewed. The information provided on the application will be utilized to determine whether or not each applicant meets the Minimum Requirements for this position as noted in the Job Description. We encourage all applicants to provide a comprehensive, concise history of their education, certification, licensing, and employment history. Please read the Minimum Requirements thoroughly and then demonstrate that you meet these requirements on your application.

For questions regarding this posting, please contact Kimberly Lorenzoni, Human Resources Position Specialist, klorenzoni@norcopa.gov or 610-829-6372.

Equal Employment Opportunities – It is the policy of Northampton County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or any other status protected by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any other state, federal, or local law.

Examples of duties

GENERAL PURPOSE The Program Specialist 1 position in Developmental Programs is responsible for the review, analysis, evaluation, coordination, and monitoring of programs and initiatives.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED This position reports directly to the Deputy Administrator for Developmental Programs.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED This position does not exercise supervision over other employees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION Interprets state and County rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Assists in the preparation of all state, County and Administrative Entity (AE) plans.

Develops and maintains policies and procedures.

Responsible for Waiver Level of Care Determinations, Level of Care Redeterminations, and Advance Notice for changes in services.

Responsible for the review and approval of Waiver Fiscal Year Renewal Individual Support Plans (ISPs) in HCSIS.

Attends regularly scheduled meetings with all Support Coordination Organizations (SCOs).

Responsible for waiver enrollment process including the facilitation of Support Intensity Scale (SIS) assessment and coordination with the PA Cash Assistance Offices.

Attends and participates in on-going staff meetings scheduled by the Mental Health/Early Intervention/Developmental Programs (MH/EI/DP) Administrator or Deputy Administrator of Developmental Programs.

Acts as a liaison to Regional Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and PA Cash Assistance Offices.

Responsible for tracking individuals in Reserve Capacity, ensuring that appropriate processes are followed.

Reviews and approves Critical Revisions and Annual Reviews of Consolidated Waiver to ISPs.

Responsible for waiver variance review and approval or submittal to ODP when applicable.

*An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – Possession of a Bachelor’s degree with major course work in Sociology, Social Welfare, Psychology, Gerontology, Criminal Justice, or other related social sciences; AND

At least two (2) years of full-time professional work experience in the field of developmental programs; OR

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Employee assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license. Must have an acceptable driving record. Personal vehicle required for County business; employee is eligible for mileage reimbursement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of philosophies, best practices, and emerging developments in the field of Intellectual Disabilities.

Ability to interpret and implement state, Federal and local policies and procedures as they relate to Developmental Programs.

Ability to represent the County in a variety of state, regional, and local settings with other stakeholders, particularly provider agencies, families, and consumers.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English.

Ability to use a personal computer.

Ability to travel between office and other locations.

Ability to work independently.

Ability to function as part of the team.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT Telephone, personal computer (including word processing and spreadsheet software), calculator, writing implements, fax machine, copy machine, and paper shredder.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, and hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The noise level in the office is moderately quiet. Employee may also work in other work environments to include, schools, businesses, public spaces, mobile outreach vehicle, and other community agencies. Work environment can range from quiet to loud.

SELECTION GUIDELINES Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

FLSA STATUS: FLSA EXEMPT (NOT ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)
DESIGNATION: HUMAN SERVICES
PAY GRADE: HS/GR39
UNION STATUS: NON-UNION
Updated August 2026