Habilitation Assistant

Description

Why Join ADAPT?

It's more than a job; it's a calling. It's where passion meets purpose. ADAPT Community Network, formerly United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of NYC provides a multitude of services to people with developmental disabilities. At ADAPT, we are 3,000 strong, and it takes every one of us to empower the lives of the people we support. With caring and great resources at hand, we know what it takes to help people live fuller, happier, healthier lives. Our employees show their commitment to the people we support every day, and we all deliver on our promise to provide innovative and comprehensive services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

For your next career move, apply with us at ADAPT Community Network! Wherever you work among our many locations around New York City, ADAPT offers paid training, competitive benefits, and we foster a team culture of learning, support, collaboration and career growth.

SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the program director or designee, the Habilitation Assistant supports individuals in achieving greater independence and personal growth through meaningful daily activities and individualized program plans. This role is responsible for assisting with personal care, implementing skill development activities, ensuring safety and well-being, and promoting inclusion both within the program and in the community. The Habilitation Assistant helps maintain a supportive, engaging, and homelike environment that fosters dignity, learning, and participation for all individuals served.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of the Habilitation Assistant will include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provide direct support and personal care to individuals, assisting with daily living activities such as toileting, feeding, dressing, and hygiene as needed.
• Support implementation of individualized program plans and behavior support strategies under the guidance of a Habilitation Specialist.
• Encourage and assist individuals in developing self-help, communication, and social skills that promote independence and community participation.
• Supervise and engage individuals in classroom activities, community outings, recreational programs, and skill-building opportunities.
• Maintain close supervision of individuals during all program activities and community trips to ensure safety and positive engagement.
• Drive agency vehicles to transport individuals to and from program sites, appointments, community activities, and other outings as needed.
• Collect data and document progress on program goals, behavior plans, and treatment objectives as directed.
• Prepare concise written documentation, including progress notes, incident reports, and communication logs.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and in-service training to enhance skills and contribute to program planning.
• Assist in maintaining a clean, organized, and safe program environment.
• Participate in recreational activities, including swimming or gym sessions, providing direct support as required.
• Dispense prescribed medications after completing all required training and certification as an Approved Medication Administration Personnel (AMAP), under the supervision of a registered nurse.
• Respond appropriately to crisis situations and medical emergencies, including administering first aid and contacting emergency personnel when necessary.
• Ensure actions and interactions promote respect, dignity, and the prevention of abuse or neglect.
• Substitute in other program areas as needed to ensure continuity of care and coverage.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Director or designee.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Six months of related experience is preferred but not required.
• Employees must be approved Medication Administration Personnel (AMAP) at time of hire or within six months of date of hire.
• Valid New York State Driver’s License, maintained in good standing
• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for working effectively with the people we support, families, coworkers, and community partners.
• Ability to respond appropriately to crisis situations and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding the rights of the people we support.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Passion for ADAPT's mission and demonstrates a commitment to the non-profit disability sector.

COMPENSATION: $20.17/hour (after probation) + Industry-Leading Benefits for all full-time employees.

At ADAPT, we value diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. We strive to ensure that our employees are comfortable bringing their whole, authentic self to work and that the people we support can also be their authentic selves. We value diverse backgrounds, opinions, ideas, and ways of thinking. We aim to build an inclusive and diverse workforce that is empowered and supported with leaders who create diverse and inclusive teams. We continuously seek opportunities for the organization to foster a more positive, respected, united, and collaborative culture.

ADAPT Community Network is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds and status are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.