Community Prevocational Specialist

Abilities First, Inc.; Arlington (NY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation leave

Health plans

Retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

On-demand pay

Employee recognition

Job summary

Abilities First, Inc. seeks a Community Prevocational Specialist to train, supervise, and ensure quality in work readiness classes and community sites. The role emphasizes safety, adherence to plans, and strong communication with staff and individuals served.

You’ll coordinate transportation, participate in case reviews, and collaborate with local colleges and partner organizations to support meaningful work experiences for individuals served.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Prefer one year experience with individuals with disabilities in a vocational setting; depending on funding.
• Must have a valid NYS driver's license with no moving violations.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and document services and activities daily identified by the Life plan and SAP.
• Train and supervise services to maximize the SAP goals.
• Ensure quality control of work at work readiness sites and classrooms.
• Build rapport with individuals served while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Engage and communicate with staff and individuals effectively.
• Attend case reviews and relevant trainings and meetings.
• Transport individuals to and from work readiness sites using agency vehicles.
• Support other Employment Services areas as needed.
• Maintain required trainings and certifications and seek further training.
• Act as liaison with community members, colleges, businesses and partners.
• Fulfills mandated reporter role and reports suspected abuse immediately.
• Demonstrate proficiency in NYS DSP Core Competencies.

Skills

Training & supervision

Communication

Safety compliance

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

Who We Are

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services—including preschool and school programs, day programs and residential services , community connections, and employment services—are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams.

We believe in the power of people—of every background, identity, and ability—to create change and build a more inclusive world. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. At Abilities First, you’ll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work. If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose, we’d love to welcome you aboard.

Who We Need

Abilities First is seeking a Community Prevocational Specialist is responsible for training, supervision and ensuring production quality of assigned individuals (persons receiving services) in work readiness classes and/or community job sites in a positive and creative manner.

**This position will be required to adhere to all assigned site health and safety guidelines and requirements.**

Full-time Non-Exempt

Standard Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am – 4pm with some flexibility needed (40 Hours per week).

Pay Range: $18.12 - $20.12 per hour

Responsibilities:

• Be familiar with each Individual’s Staff action Plan (SAP). Delivers and documents the services, supports and activities daily identified by the Life plan and the Staff Action Plan. Completes the monthly note and ensure it covers the individual’s response to service within the seven days of the following month for assigned individuals.
• Assumes responsibility for training and supervision of services that assist individuals to maximize the services identified in the Staff Action Plan (SAP).
• Responsible for quality control of all work performed at the work readiness job site and/or classroom.
• Develops a trusting and friendly rapport with individuals served while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ensure active engagement and appropriate communication with staff and individuals.
• Attends all relevant case reviews, in-services and all other necessary meetings.
• Responsible for transportation of individuals using agency vehicles to and from work readiness job sites and/or classes.
• Provides coverage and assistance as directed in other areas of Employment Services, which may include providing assistance at a job site or otherwise supporting the people we serve with skill acquisition.
• Ensures all required trainings and certifications required are current and seeks further support and training where needed.
• Serve as a liaison between Abilities First, Inc. and community members, including local colleges and learning institutes, businesses, and other organizations the agency may partner with.
• Fulfills mandated reporter role by interrupting and reporting suspected abuse to administration immediately.
• Demonstrates proficiency in all goals and skillsets outlined in the NYS DSP Core Competencies, on which performance will be evaluated.
• Consistently exhibits the qualities of a committed and professional employee including but not limited to: respect toward others, strive for excellence, teamwork and unity.
• Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which require all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.
• Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and the safety of others.
• Performs other appropriate job-related activities as requested by your supervisor or as circumstances warrant.

Perks & Benefits:

• Time to Recharge - Vacation, personal, sick, and holiday time
• Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you covered, and free Employee Assistance Program available 24/7
• Plan for The Future – Retirement savings plan options, employer-paid life insurance, and access to Free Will
• Level Up Your Skills– Tuition reimbursement and career development training opportunities
• Get Paid When You Need It – On Demand Pay gives you access to earnings as early as the next day
• Make a Difference and Be Recognized! – We celebrate our team through staff appreciation events, employee awards, team celebrations, and ongoing recognition of exceptional performance and service.
• And More!

*Eligibility requirements may apply

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Prefer one year experience working with individuals with disabilities in a vocational setting; experience may be required based on certain funding streams.
• Must have a current NYS driver’s license, free of moving violations; deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.

Physical demands:

Described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job. Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, in order to perform the essential functions of this job, an individual shall be required to:

1. Have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques).
2. Lift individuals by using appropriate techniques, including but not limited to usage of tools to assist, such as the Hoyer Lift.
3. Assist individuals in ambulation by providing physical assistance, including use of a gait belt or other equipment where necessary.
4. Have the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
5. Have the ability to push, pull, and maneuver adults in wheelchairs.
6. Possess verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.

NOTE: The salary range represents the expected range of compensation for this position exclusive of fringe benefits or other job specific stipends where applicable. The actual starting salary for the successful candidate will be based on qualifications, experience, skills, education, internal equity, and other job-related factors. Not all candidates will qualify for the maximum range.