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CDD ~ Program Specialist - KC MO

Kansas City, MOOnsiteFull Time$61,000–$61,000 /yrPosted 1 month ago

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Required skills

  • Program Specialist
  • Residential Specialist
  • Direct Support Professional
  • Supervisory experience
  • Staff performance management
  • Evaluations
  • Corrective action
  • PCP principles
  • Therap
  • T-Logs

Nice to have

  • Individualized program development
  • Case coordination
  • Staff supervision

Role summary

Center for Developmentally Disabled (CDD) is seeking a Program Specialist in Kansas City, MO, to oversee services for individuals with developmental disabilities. This role ensures high-quality care, regulatory compliance (including CARF and Missouri DMH/DD standards), and positive outcomes across multiple settings. Responsibilities include implementing Individual Support Plans (ISPs), coordinating with service coordinators and nursing teams, maintaining documentation in Therap, leading staff training, and ensuring safety protocols. The position requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience (typically 5+ years in the field), with a minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience in developmental disabilities. A valid driver's license and ability to pass specific training are also necessary. This is a full-time, exempt position offering competitive pay and benefits.

Join Our Team as a Program Specialist Kansas City Metro | Exempt | $61,000/year + Full Benefits If you’re a strong leader who values advocacy, quality, and person-centered support, this opportunity is for you. Join Center for Developmentally Disabled (CDD) — a nonprofit serving Kansas City for over 50 years — as a Program Specialist, ensuring high-quality services, regulatory compliance, and meaningful outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities across multiple residential and community settings. Why You’ll Love Working at CDD
  • Mission-Driven Leadership: Support individuals in living safe, fulfilling, and independent lives through high-quality program oversight.
  • Impactful Work: Lead and coach Residential Specialists and Direct Support Professionals to deliver exceptional care.
  • Professional Growth: Paid training, tuition assistance, mileage reimbursement, and opportunities for advancement.
  • Supportive Team Culture: Join a collaborative environment that values integrity, accountability, and compassion.
  • Community Engagement: Build relationships with families, nurses, service coordinators, and outside partners to meet individual needs.
What You’ll Do
  • Oversee service delivery across assigned locations, ensuring compliance with agency, state, and CARF standards.
  • Implement and monitor Individual Support Plans (ISP), ensuring outcomes, PCP principles, and timelines are met.
  • Coordinate plan meetings, communicate with service coordinators, and act as the primary contact for the support team.
  • Maintain accurate documentation, including ISP updates, individual reviews, directives, and case records.
  • Visit each assigned location regularly to review medical documentation, safety, finances, medications, and residential needs.
  • Lead monthly in-service trainings, coach staff on documentation, behavior supports, and crisis intervention.
  • Ensure accurate documentation in Therap, including T-Logs, CIST notes (where applicable), and medication records.
  • Support medical coordination, including consents, discharge summaries, follow-up, and communication with the nursing team.
  • Review and monitor emergency drills, monthly reports, and safety procedures.
  • Provide leadership and support to Residential Specialists and PRNs, including guidance on staff development and corrective actions.
  • Facilitate community inclusion and ensure individuals receive meaningful outings and engagement opportunities.
  • Submit required reports, event documentation, and audit tools within prescribed timelines.
  • Adjust personal schedule as needed to observe operations, provide support, or attend meetings.
What You Bring Internal Candidates:
  • Non-degreed: High school diploma or GED, plus 2 years of experience as a Residential Specialist at CDD. Note: candidates without a bachelor's degree must also demonstrate sufficient total relevant experience in the field to meet Missouri DMH/DD Professional Manager qualification requirements (typically 5 years or more). Prior qualifying experience in developmental disabilities or human services may be combined with CDD Residential Specialist experience toward this threshold
  • Degreed: Bachelor's degree in education, rehabilitation, social/behavioral sciences, human services, or a related field, plus 1 year of experience as a Residential Specialist at CDD.
External Candidates:
  • Bachelor's degree in education, rehabilitation, social/behavioral sciences, human services, or a related field — OR equivalent relevant experience sufficient to meet Missouri DMH/DD Professional Manager qualification requirements (typically 5 years or more of relevant experience in the field).
  • Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, including responsibility for staff performance management, evaluations, accountability, and corrective action.
Preferred:
  • Master’s degree in a related field
  • Experience with individualized program development, case coordination, and staff supervision
Other Requirements:
  • Valid MO Class E or KS Class C driver’s license
  • Ability to pass CPR/First Aid and medication administration training
  • Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and navigate homes with stairs
  • Person-centered mindset with a commitment to high-quality service delivery
The Role at a Glance
  • Pay: $61,000/year (Exempt)
  • Schedule: Full-time | Core hours 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. | Includes occasional before/after hours and weekend support
  • Work Setting: Group homes, ISLs, community settings, and administrative offices
  • Training: Paid onboarding + ongoing certification requirements
  • Reports To: Program Director
  • Travel: Daily travel throughout the KC metro; occasional out-of-area travel as needed
Ready to Make a Difference? If you’re passionate about helping others reach their potential, we’d love to meet you. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. About CDD For over five decades, Center for Developmentally Disabled has helped individuals with developmental disabilities live, work, and thrive independently in their communities. Our mission is to promote dignity, opportunity, and inclusion — and we’re looking for compassionate professionals like you to help us continue that work. Apply today at www.CDDKC.org/Careers and start changing lives tomorrow!
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