Habilitation Specialist

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 Specialist is responsible for designing, implementing, and monitoring individualized habilitation and skill-building programs that support the independence, community inclusion, and personal goals of the people we support. This role provides leadership within the program by supervising Habilitation Assistants, coordinating service delivery, and ensuring that all supports are person-centered and aligned with ADAPT Community Network policies, OPWDD regulations, and best practices in the field.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• Develop individualized Day Habilitation plans and program goals that reflect each participant’s strengths, preferences, interests, and support needs.
• Implement and monitor active treatment plans both on-site and in the community, ensuring meaningful engagement and progress toward identified outcomes.
• Provide daily supervision, coaching, direction, and performance feedback to Habilitation Assistants; participate in interviewing, onboarding, training, and progressive discipline processes.
• Serve as a primary liaison with families, residences, Service Coordinators, clinical teams, and other members of the participant’s circle of support.
• Participate fully in the person-centered planning process, including team meetings, annual reviews, and interdisciplinary discussions.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation including attendance, data collection, service notes, progress reports, and other required records.
• Utilize community resources to enhance independence, socialization, and community integration.
• Plan and coordinate group and individual activities, and assign staff appropriately to support implementation.
• Train and guide Habilitation Assistants on routines, behavior support strategies, program plans, and general best practices.
• Prepare and adapt program materials, equipment, and physical environments to meet individual needs and ensure accessibility.
• Participate in required in-service trainings and maintain up-to-date knowledge of program policies, OPWDD regulations, and developments in the field.
• Provide support to other program groups or classrooms as needed.
• Assist participants with activities outside the immediate program area, including community outings, gym, pool, and other scheduled activities; enter the pool with participants when required.
• Support individuals with transportation between buses and buildings, and drive agency vehicles for program activities, appointments, and community outings.
• Provide direct support with personal care tasks such as feeding, toileting, and hygiene based on the participant’s level of need.
• Demonstrate proactive awareness of risk, follow universal precautions, and ensure health and safety in all environments.
• Maintain confidentiality of participant records, personal information, and all agency-related materials.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an incumbent 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.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or a related field required.
• At least one year of post-graduate experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities required.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills necessary to effectively interact with participants, families, coworkers, and external partners.
• Strong organizational and teaching skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Proficient in the use of computers, including electronic documentation systems and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to safely operate wheelchairs, adaptive equipment, and supportive devices used by participants.
• Ability to model positive, professional behavior and provide leadership to support staff.
• Ability to analyze problems, exercise sound judgment, and determine appropriate corrective measures.
• Must maintain confidentiality regarding participant information and agency operations.
• Valid New York State Driver’s License preferred.
• Passion for ADAPT's mission and demonstrates a commitment to the non-profit disability sector.

COMPENSATION: $27.25/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.