Day Services DSP

Abilities First, Inc.; City of Poughkeepsie (NY); On-site; USD 25,637 - 28,392; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation, personal, sick, and holidays built around the school calendar

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

On Demand Pay

Employee discounts with Verizon, AT&T

Job summary

Abilities First, Inc. is looking for a full-time Day Services Specialist in Poughkeepsie, NY. This role provides vital support to individuals with developmental disabilities, helping them achieve personal, social, and vocational goals through structured activities and community engagement. Responsibilities include facilitating daily living skills and documenting progress. The position offers a salary range of $18.61 to $20.61 per hour. Comprehensive benefits include health plans, vacation time, and a 401(k) match, making this an essential role in empowering individuals to live fulfilling lives.

Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Must have a current NYS driver's license deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.
• Current SCIP R certification, Medication Administration certification, CPR certification, and SFA certification or the ability to achieve certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct personal care as needed, including assistance with toileting and hygiene.
• Facilitate skill-building in community integration.
• Transport individuals to community activities and appointments.
• Deliver and document services and supports based on individual service plans.

Skills

Experience working with individuals with disabilities

Communication skills in English

Adaptability and flexibility

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

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.

Abilities First is seeking a full-time Day Services Specialist to provide direct support to individuals with developmental disabilities in both Day Habilitation and Community Connections settings. This role assists individuals in maximizing their personal, social, and vocational potential through structured program activities at the center and meaningful experiences in the community. The Day Services Specialist delivers hands‑on support, implements individualized service plans, and documents progress toward personal goals. Responsibilities include facilitating daily living skills, promoting independence, and encouraging participation in recreational, vocational, and community‑based activities such as outings, fitness, and social engagement.

This position may function as a floater, supporting multiple program sites or individuals based on staffing and attendance needs. Flexibility and adaptability are essential, as assignments may vary between center‑based services and one‑on‑one community support. Day Services Specialists play a key role in empowering individuals to live their best lives by providing mentorship, fostering independence, and creating engaging opportunities aligned with each person’s interests and goals. All required training is provided.

Salary Range: Day Service Specialist $18.61-$20.61

Schedule Full Time

Monday‑Friday 10am‑6:30pm 40 hours per week

(Site based assignment 10am‑2pm and Community Based assignment 2:30‑6:30pm)

Position Standards

• Deliver and document services, supports, and safeguards in accordance with each individual’s ISP, Day Habilitation Plan, and Community Habilitation Staff Action Plan; complete required monthly documentation within designated timelines.
• Provide direct personal care as needed, including assistance with toileting, hygiene, mobility, and daily health needs; accurately document observations such as skin integrity and other required health tracking.
• Support individuals in developing independence in daily living skills, including personal hygiene, self‑care, meal preparation, household tasks, and maintaining an organized environment.
• Facilitate skill‑building in community integration, including use of public transportation, participation in recreational activities, and appropriate social behavior in public settings.
• Promote independence in areas such as personal health management, financial skills (e.g., money use and transactions), and overall wellness.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the NYS DSP Core Competencies and apply person‑centered practices in all interactions.
• Transport individuals to community activities, appointments, and program locations as needed.
• Complete and submit required documentation, including billing records, in a timely and accurate manner.
• Mobility training for maximum independence in travel to and from work or activity center, community stores, recreational sites, etc. It included training in the use of public transportation.
• Training in appropriate social behaviors which are normative in both the community and household settings such as conducting oneself appropriately in restaurants, on public transportation vehicles, in recreational facilities, and in stores and other public places.
• Meet regularly as per oversight agencies and service program requires.
• Fulfills mandated reporter role by initialing protective measures, as needed and reporting suspected abuse to administration immediately.
• Ensures all required trainings and certifications required are current, and seeks further support and training where needed.
• 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.
• Will incorporate CORE concepts of person‑centered excellence by respecting people’s concerns and responding accordingly and will use “teachable moments” to assist people in understanding and exercising their rights.

Perks & Benefits

• Time to Recharge – Vacation, personal, sick, and holidays built around the school calendar
• Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you covered
• Plan For The Future – 401(k) with employer match and employer‑paid life insurance
• Level Up Your Skills– Tuition reimbursement and online training through the College of Direct Support (and to boost your earning potential)
• Get Paid When You Need It – On Demand Pay gives you access to earnings as early as the next day
• Exclusive Extras – Employee discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, and more....

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Must have a current NYS driver’s license deemed “acceptable” by our insurance carrier.
• Possess verbal and written communication skills in English to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.
• Current SCIP R certification, Medication Administration certification, CPR certification, and SFA certification or the ability to achieve certification required.

Physical Demands

1. Have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, squat, bend 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 and pull individuals in wheelchairs.
6. Possess verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.