1. (a) A minimum of 1 program specialist for every 45 clients shall be available when clients are present at the facility.

2. (b) The program specialist shall be responsible for the following:

   1. (1) Coordinating the completion of assessments.
   2. (2) Participating in the individual plan process, development, team reviews and implementation in accordance with this chapter.
   3. (3) Providing and supervising activities for the clients in accordance with the individual plans.
   4. (4) Supporting the integration of clients in the community.
   5. (5) Supporting client communication and involvement with families and friends.

3. (c) A program specialist shall meet one of the following groups of qualifications:

   1. (1) Possess a master’s degree or above from an accredited college or university in Special Education, Psychology, Public Health, Rehabilitation, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation or other human services field.
   2. (2) Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Special Education, Psychology, Public Health, Rehabilitation, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation or other human services field; and 1 year experience working directly with disabled persons.
   3. (3) Possess an associate’s degree or completion of a 2-year program from an accredited college or university in Special Education, Psychology, Public Health, Rehabilitation, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation or other human services field; and 3 years experience working directly with disabled persons.
   4. (4) Possess a license or certification by the State Board of Nurse Examiners, the State Board of Physical Therapists Examiners, or the Committee on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification or be a licensed psychologist or registered occupational therapist; and 1 year experience working directly with disabled persons.

Authority

The provisions of this § 2390.33 amended under sections 201(2), 403(b), 403.1(a) and (b), 911 and 1021 of the Human Services Code (62 P.S. § § 201(2), 403(b), 403.1(a) and (b), 911 and 1021); and section 201(2) of the Mental Health and Intellectual Disability Act of 1966 (50 P.S. § 4201(2)).

Source

The provisions of this § 2390.33 adopted May 9, 1980, effective May 10, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 1897; amended May 9, 1986, effective August 8, 1986, 16 Pa.B. 1693; amended August 27, 2010, effective August 28, 2010, 40 Pa.B. 4935; amended October 4, 2019, effective in 120 days, 49 Pa.B. 5777. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (352132) to (352134).

Cross References

This section cited in 55 Pa. Code § 2390.31 (relating to effective date of staff qualifications); and 55 Pa. Code § 2390.141 (relating to exceptions).