Day Habilitation Specialist

The New York Foundling; New York (NY); On-site; USD 21,593 - 30,754; Full time

Job summary

The New York Foundling is looking for a Day Habilitation Specialist to support adults with developmental disabilities in achieving their individualized goals in New York. You will help promote independence through direct support services in community settings and monitor participant progress.

The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills, a high school diploma, and valid driver’s license. This role offers a salary of $19/hour with an education additive based on your degree.

Qualifications

• High-school diploma required.
• Valid NY/NJ/CT/PA Driver’s License with 6 months of experience and 6 or fewer points.
• CPR & SCIP certification required.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to providing compassionate care and advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Support adults with developmental disabilities in achieving their goals.
• Monitor program implementation and participant outcomes.
• Communicate regularly with interdisciplinary teams.
• Manage the usage of petty cash and related resources.
• Ensure health, safety, and dignity of people supported.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Ability to motivate

Advocacy

Education

High School / G.E.D.

Tools

CPR certification

SCIP certification

Valid NY/NJ/CT/PA Driver’s License

Job description

Overview

At The New York Foundling, we trust in the power and potential of people, and we deliberately invest in proven practices. From bold beginnings in 1869, our New York‑based nonprofit has supported hundreds of thousands of our neighbors on their own paths to stability, strength, and independence. We help children and families navigate through and beyond foster care. We help families struggling with conflict and poverty grow strong. We help individuals with developmental disabilities live their best lives, and we help our neighbors access quality health and mental health services—core to building lifelong resilience and wellbeing. Together, our interrelated programs provide a whole‑person, whole‑family, and whole‑life approach that unlocks solutions for a lifetime.

Responsibilities

The Day habilitation Specialist supports adults with developmental disabilities in achieving their individualized goals related to daily living skills, community inclusion, socialization, and personal growth. This role involves delivering direct support services in both center‑based and community settings, promoting independence, dignity, and meaningful participation in daily life.

Core Responsibilities

• Monitor program implementation, adherence to policies, and participant outcomes; conduct regular assessments and adjustments to ensure high standards of service delivery. Track person‑supported progress, document achievements and challenges.
• Maintain accurate and contemporaneous documentation of daily services, incidents, and progress using agency systems to uphold information integrity in the electronic health systems and meet OPWDD reporting standards. Be a custodian and mandated reporter in accordance with OPWDD, NYSJC, and Organizational Policies.
• Implement individualized life plans and staff action plans that align with OPWDD regulations and person‑centered goals, promoting independence; enhancement of social, vocational, and life skills; community inclusion and personal growth tailored to the unique needs and goals of each person through structured activities and positive reinforcement.
• Communicate regularly with Day Habilitation Manager, interdisciplinary teams, the person, families, and community partners to ensure consistent supports and collaborative goal tracking.
• Manage the usage of petty cash, activity budgets, and material resources responsibly to support program needs while ensuring compliance with agency financial procedures.
• Provide safe transportation to each participant throughout the day by adhering to the agency and OPWDD policies and procedures. Conduct pickup, drop‑off, and transport to daily activities. Maintain vehicle logs and timely reporting of needed maintenance and accidents for the vehicles.
• Ensure the health, safety, and dignity of people supported by ensuring their Rights and Responsibilities are at the forefront of each day. Provide the required level of supervision and support for a person's needs. Adopt the Core Competencies as a metric to provide the best support to the people in the program.
• Assist with the development and facilitation of daily community‑based activities, recreational activities, and volunteer opportunities. Advocate for, help with community member interactions, teach life skills, and truly support the person to reach their highest level of independence.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse employee population, honoring your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

Qualifications

• High‑school diploma required.
• Valid NY/NJ/CT/PA Driver’s License with 6 months of experience and 6 or fewer points.
• CPR & SCIP certification required.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills; ability to motivate, inspire, and empower individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their goals.
• Commitment to providing compassionate care and advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Ability to develop innovative programming, adapt activities to meet diverse needs, and respond effectively to challenges and changing situations.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, engage stakeholders, and build positive relationships with community partners.
• Demonstrated strong commitment to safety.

Education Required

High School / G.E.D.

Salary Range

$19.00/hour + Education Additive ($0.15/hour Associate’s Degree $.80/hour: Bachelor's or higher)