View of Saint Joseph Hall, a stone building with terra cotta roof tiles, through the trees

Program Specialist – Life Skills through Career Program

Position Summary:

The Program Specialist is responsible for ensuring the delivery of quality services and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the Life Skills Through Career Program, in compliance with Pennsylvania Chapter 6100 regulations. This role includes the development, implementation, and oversight of individual service plans (ISPs), coordination of services, and monitoring of service quality and regulatory compliance.

About Chestnut Hill College:
Founded by the Sisters of Saint Joseph in 1924, Chestnut Hill College is an independent, Catholic institution rooted in a strong liberal arts tradition that fosters equality through holistic education. Distinguished by its strong mission, collegial environment, and dedication to personalized instruction through a small faculty-to-student ratio, the College promotes the spiritual, academic, social, ethical, and moral development of the whole person. Located in the charming Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia, it serves a culturally diverse student body.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Develop, update, and monitor Individual Support Plans (ISPs) in collaboration with the individual, family, and interdisciplinary team.
  • Ensure services and outcomes specified in the ISP are implemented and documented according to the ODP-approved ISP.
  • Complete monthly reviews of service delivery and individual progress toward ISP outcomes, documenting findings in progress notes.
  • Coordinate and facilitate team meetings (annual and as needed), ensuring required participants are present, and decisions are person-centered.
  • Ensure all assessments and documentation are up-to-date and consistent with ODP and 6100 regulations.
  • Monitor and evaluate service delivery to verify compliance with 55 Pa. Code Chapter 6100, including documentation, health and safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.
  • Provide training and support to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) regarding individual needs, ISP implementation, and best practices.
  • Participate in the development of behavior support plans, restrictive procedures review, and implementation as required.
  • Assist in coordinating and monitoring community participation, health care services, and other supports.
  • Serve as the point of contact for families, supports coordinators, and stakeholders to ensure collaborative service planning.
  • Maintain records in accordance with agency policy and regulatory requirements, including documentation in HCSIS and other data systems.
  • Respond to and help investigate incidents, ensuring compliance with Incident Management protocols under 6100 regulations and ODP Bulletins.
  • Support individuals in exercising their rights, making choices, and fully participating in community life possible.

Qualifications: 

  • Per § 6100.53 of 55 Pa. Code, the Program Specialist must meet one of the following qualifications:
  • A master’s degree or above from an accredited college or university and one year of work experience working directly with individuals with an intellectual disability or autism; OR
  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and two years of work experience working directly with individuals with an intellectual disability or autism

Additional Requirements

  • Must complete and maintain all required training per 6100.143-147, including:
    • Individual rights
    • Recognizing and reporting abuse
    • Incident management
    • Fire safety
    • Medication administration oversight (if applicable)
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to multiple sites as needed.
  • Must pass required child protection clearances.  Under Act 153, these include PA State Police Criminal History Check (state criminal clearance), PA Child Abuse History Check, & FBI Criminal History Check (via fingerprinting).
  • Strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems (e.g., HCSIS, EIM).

Working Conditions:

  • May require occasional evening or weekend hours.
  • Must be able to lift and assist individuals as needed (based on program needs).
  • Work may include visits to residential or community settings.

Contact Information:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume via ADP Workforce Now HERE. No phone calls, please.

Chestnut Hill College is an employer committed to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion as a core value.  To foster an inclusive community and support our diverse student body, we embrace equal access. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and encourage applications from groups historically underrepresented in higher education.  We are committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum. 

Chestnut Hill College is an equal opportunity employer