Program Operations Specialist

Base pay range

$70,951.00/yr - $89,138.00/yr

Program Operations Specialist 1 (POS
1) for a division of the Service Access Program Implementation and Stakeholder Support
- Regional Field Office (SPSRFO). The role supports Service Access (Front Door and Waiver Services), Eligibility, Self-Direction, Housing, Crisis, Development, Fiscal/Services, and Quality Management and Technical Assistance units. The position assists the Unit Leader in authorizing services, planning and implementing division and unit initiatives, and maintaining agency policies and procedures. Travel within the region and to other areas of the state may be required.

• Have proficient computer skills including data entry, use of databases, spreadsheets, and Microsoft products such as Excel, Word, Outlook, Power Point, TEAMS, SharePoint, and others as necessary.
• Assist the Unit Leader with receiving, reviewing, and processing service requests, including self‑direction budgets, waiver service authorizations or amendments, and housing subsidies.
• Maintain knowledge and understanding of OPWDD policies and procedures. Review Administrative Memorandums, Protocols, Policies and Procedures; conduct training; and ensure implementation. Emphasis on Development, Self‑Direction, HCBS Waiver Services and Family Support Services.
• Represent the Regional Field Office in local & statewide meetings regarding OPWDD Services and changes in the service delivery systems.
• Assist and participate in any Regional Office Quality Review and Quality Assurance related to OPWDD service authorization.
• Participate in local and statewide meetings, trainings, and work groups as indicated. Public speaking required; training with providers such as fiscal intermediaries, support brokers, residential and other service providers, and community partners.
• Foster effective collaboration and communication with individuals, families, Care Coordination Organizations, agencies, Local Government Units and other stakeholders.
• Provide technical assistance to Care Coordination Organizations and OPWDD provider agencies as needed.
• Participate in the regular maintenance of the Regional Field Office’s Policy and Procedural Manual.
• Process OPWDD Service Terminations as necessary.
• Assist with OPWDD Enrollments, track service requests and authorizations, maintain Development Plan, process fiscal, prior property approvals, monitor TABS Reports, and/or process DDP1s via CHOICES as related to Department Services.
• Actively participate in Statewide Community of Practice (COP) Calls including providing feedback on operations, policies, implementation activities and other areas as needed.
• Review submitted Letters of Intent (LOIs) for various development projects: acquisitions of an IRA or Day Hab program; renovations to an existing or new property; changes in capacity; relocations; and processing commercial lease renewals, new leases and/or relocations/renovations.
• Provide technical guidance and support to voluntary agencies for all development‑related requests utilizing current guidance issued by OPWDD.
• Review all prior PPAs and property backup schedules.
• Manage all special projects assigned by Central Office and RFO leadership.
• Travel/site visits to programs and agencies may be required.
• Additional tasks/duties/projects as assigned.

• Program Operations Specialist Trainee 1, NS (SG-14): A bachelor’s degree in a human services field.
• Program Operations Specialist Trainee 2, NS (SG-16): A bachelor’s degree in a human services field and one year of experience in a federal or state certified human service program, in a professional administrative position with planning, coordinating, monitoring or evaluating a provision of services for people with developmental disabilities.
• Program Operations Specialist 1, SG-18
  : A bachelor’s degree in a human services field and two years of experience in a federal or state certified human service program, including at least one year in a professional administrative position with planning, coordinating, monitoring or evaluating a provision of services for people with developmental disabilities.