Program Specialist 1 - Developmental Programs

Summary

Salary : $56,724.00 Annually
Location : Human Services Building, 2801 Emerick Boulevard, Bethlehem, PA
Job Type: Full time
Job Number: 2026-00298E
Department: Human Services
Division: Developmental Programs
Opening Date: 09/17/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 5:00 PM Eastern

Application Requirements
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must successfully submit a completed application priorto 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, 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.
Job Description

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

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

SUPERVISION EXERCISEDThis position does not exercise supervision over other employees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITIONInterprets 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 ABILITIESKnowledge 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 EQUIPMENTTelephone, personal computer (including word processing and spreadsheet software), calculator, writing implements, fax machine, copy machine, and paper shredder.

PHYSICAL DEMANDSWhile 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 ENVIRONMENTThe 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 GUIDELINESFormal 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
Full-time employees of the County of Northampton are afforded a package of benefits which includes the following:
Medical Insurance
Vision and Prescription
Dental
Life Insurance
Retirement
I. Medical Insurance

Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Cost to the employee to participate in the plans varies by the coverage selection and number of dependents; and may be subject to collective bargaining, if a union member. The employee may also elect to opt out of the County's medical insurance if proof of coverage through the spouse's employer is provided. Under this arrangement, the employee is provided with an annual $1,500.00 opt out payment.
II. Vision and Prescription

Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Copayments may vary, subject to collective bargaining, if a union member. Coverage under the vision plan varies and depends upon the employee's choice of doctor and frame selection.
III. Dental Coverage

Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Copayments may vary, subject to collective bargaining, if a union member.
IV. Life Insurance

A life insurance policy is afforded to full-time employees beginning on the first day of employment, unless specified differently in a collective bargaining agreement. It remains in effect as long as the employee is actively employed and terminates upon resignation or retirement. $20,000 is afforded to all eligible employees.
V. Retirement

All full-time employees and part-time employees working more than 1000 hours per year qualify for County of Northampton retirement benefits, in which employees must contribute 5% of their earnings, and employees may choose to add additional voluntary contributions, not to exceed an additional 10%. Additionally, employees may participate in an optional deferred compensation plan (457(b)) which may provide present tax advantages and future retirement savings. Such arrangements are made directly with the providers and the County will administer payroll deductions only.
01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the applicant screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

• Yes
• No

02

Current Northampton County employees MUST detail ALL County work experience on their application. Failure to include correct work history and employment dates will result in the rejection of your application. If you need assistance with this information, please reach out to the Human Resources department BEFORE submitting your application. Please select "yes" to confirm your understanding of this requirement. If you are not a current County employee, please select "no".

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a Bachelor's degree with major coursework in Sociology, Social Welfare, Psychology, Gerontology, Criminal Justice, or other related social sciences? Note: Be sure to list your degree major in your education section and please attach your transcripts to your application for review. Failure to attach your transcripts could result in your application being rejected.

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have two (2) years of full-time professional work experience in the field of developmental programs? This experience includes working with individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, Developmental Delays, and children with Medical Complexity. If yes, your work history must reflect this experience to qualify.

• Yes
• No

05

Do you possess a valid and current driver's license with an acceptable driving record?

• Yes
• No

06

The starting salary for the Program Specialist 1 - Developmental Programs position is $27.2711 per hour ($56,724.00 annually) and is non-negotiable. Please choose "yes" to indicate your understanding of the starting wage, and that this is non-negotiable.

• Yes
• No

07

This position is located at the Department of Human Services building in Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania (2801 Emrick Boulevard). Hybrid and remote work is not available. You will be required to work on site for this position. Please select "yes" to confirm your understanding of this requirement.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Job Description

Salary : $56,724.00 Annually
Location : Human Services Building, 2801 Emerick Boulevard, Bethlehem, PA
Job Type: Full time
Job Number: 2026-00298E
Department: Human Services
Division: Developmental Programs
Opening Date: 09/17/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 5:00 PM Eastern

Application Requirements
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must successfully submit a completed application priorto 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, 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.
Job Description

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

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

SUPERVISION EXERCISEDThis position does not exercise supervision over other employees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITIONInterprets 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 ABILITIESKnowledge 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 EQUIPMENTTelephone, personal computer (including word processing and spreadsheet software), calculator, writing implements, fax machine, copy machine, and paper shredder.

PHYSICAL DEMANDSWhile 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 ENVIRONMENTThe 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 GUIDELINESFormal 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
Full-time employees of the County of Northampton are afforded a package of benefits which includes the following:
Medical Insurance
Vision and Prescription
Dental
Life Insurance
Retirement
I. Medical Insurance

Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Cost to the employee to participate in the plans varies by the coverage selection and number of dependents; and may be subject to collective bargaining, if a union member. The employee may also elect to opt out of the County's medical insurance if proof of coverage through the spouse's employer is provided. Under this arrangement, the employee is provided with an annual $1,500.00 opt out payment.
II. Vision and Prescription

Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Copayments may vary, subject to collective bargaining, if a union member. Coverage under the vision plan varies and depends upon the employee's choice of doctor and frame selection.
III. Dental Coverage

Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Copayments may vary, subject to collective bargaining, if a union member.
IV. Life Insurance

A life insurance policy is afforded to full-time employees beginning on the first day of employment, unless specified differently in a collective bargaining agreement. It remains in effect as long as the employee is actively employed and terminates upon resignation or retirement. $20,000 is afforded to all eligible employees.
V. Retirement

All full-time employees and part-time employees working more than 1000 hours per year qualify for County of Northampton retirement benefits, in which employees must contribute 5% of their earnings, and employees may choose to add additional voluntary contributions, not to exceed an additional 10%. Additionally, employees may participate in an optional deferred compensation plan (457(b)) which may provide present tax advantages and future retirement savings. Such arrangements are made directly with the providers and the County will administer payroll deductions only.
01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the applicant screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

• Yes
• No

02

Current Northampton County employees MUST detail ALL County work experience on their application. Failure to include correct work history and employment dates will result in the rejection of your application. If you need assistance with this information, please reach out to the Human Resources department BEFORE submitting your application. Please select "yes" to confirm your understanding of this requirement. If you are not a current County employee, please select "no".

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a Bachelor's degree with major coursework in Sociology, Social Welfare, Psychology, Gerontology, Criminal Justice, or other related social sciences? Note: Be sure to list your degree major in your education section and please attach your transcripts to your application for review. Failure to attach your transcripts could result in your application being rejected.

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have two (2) years of full-time professional work experience in the field of developmental programs? This experience includes working with individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, Developmental Delays, and children with Medical Complexity. If yes, your work history must reflect this experience to qualify.

• Yes
• No

05

Do you possess a valid and current driver's license with an acceptable driving record?

• Yes
• No

06

The starting salary for the Program Specialist 1 - Developmental Programs position is $27.2711 per hour ($56,724.00 annually) and is non-negotiable. Please choose "yes" to indicate your understanding of the starting wage, and that this is non-negotiable.

• Yes
• No

07

This position is located at the Department of Human Services building in Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania (2801 Emrick Boulevard). Hybrid and remote work is not available. You will be required to work on site for this position. Please select "yes" to confirm your understanding of this requirement.

• Yes
• No

Required Question