Human Services Program Specialist

THE POSITION

Step into a role where your efforts make a direct and lasting impact! As a Human Services Program Specialist with the Department of Human Services, you will be part of a mission-driven team that helps individuals access the support they need. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys digging into details, working with others, and finding solutions. You will gain experience that strengthens both your professional skills and your connection to the community. Become part of a team that works every day to improve quality of life for Pennsylvanians!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position focuses on reviewing service plans, as well as supporting home and community-based programs to ensure participants receive effective and appropriate services. The role involves collaboration, analysis, and communication to help protect the health and safety of individuals receiving long-term support. As a Human Services Program Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Service Plan Review: Review service plans to ensure services match participant needs and meet program requirements
• Data Evaluation: Analyze service trends and spending patterns to support effective decision making
• Case Collaboration: Coordinate with staff and stakeholders to manage complex participant situations
• Technical Assistance: Provide guidance to providers and Service Coordinators on program rules and service needs
• Issue Resolution: Investigate concerns, respond to inquiries, and assist with complaint resolution
• Program Support: Participate in meetings, training, and workgroups to support policy development and program improvement

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 3 days per week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year of professional experience developing, implementing, or evaluating human services, social services, health care services, or health care insurance programs.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines. 
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

This position is subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding.

You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations.

Recruitment Methods:

• Applicants must meet the following method to be considered for this vacancy:
  • Promotion Without Exam

Promotion Without Examination (PWOE):

• Class Restrictions for Promotion Without Examination Only - You must have or have held regular civil service status in one of the following classifications:
  • Child Support Enforcement Specialist
  • Childline Caseworker
  • HIPP Operations Specialist
  • Income Maintenance Caseworker
  • Program Analyst 1
  • Social Worker 1
  • Business Analyst 1
  • Therapeutic Activities Worker
  • Third Party Liability Specialist
  • Third Party Liability Agent
  • Residential Services Worker
  • Forensic Therapeutic Activities Worker
  • Forensic Social Worker 1
  • Medical Assistance Program Technician Supervisor
• Employees who previously held regular civil service status in the job title of the position being filled are also eligible for promotion without examination.
• The promotion without examination requirements are issued in accordance with merit system employment regulations.
• Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher. 
• Applicants must have a minimum of one year in the next lower classes by the posting closing date with no break in service. 

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. 

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.* 

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

Supplemental Questions

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Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov