The specialist provides ongoing training and personal assistance to participants with disabilities to promote independence and community inclusion, working with minimal supervision to implement individualized habilitation plans.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be able to read, write, and speak English, possess computer literacy for Electronic Medical Record software, and demonstrate the ability to implement prompting hierarchies while writing detailed session notes. Successful completion of required background checks and in-service training is mandatory.
high schoolAdvocacyHIPAA ComplianceComputer LiteracyTrainingActivity PlanningPersonal CareRole ModelingCommunity InclusionIndependence PromotionPersonal AssistanceEthical Principles AdherenceHabilitation Plan ImplementationStructured RoutinesCommunity Resource ResearchCrisis AversionAutonomy Fostering
Job description
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 general supervision, the Community Habilitation Specialist provides individualized training and personal assistance to participants with developmental and/or physical disabilities in their homes and communities. The goal of this position is to promote meaningful independence, personal growth, and full community inclusion. Specialists work with minimal supervision to deliver skills training, role modeling, structured routines, and specialized supports as outlined in each participant’s Community Habilitation Plan. Activities and routines are individualized and based on participant choice, emphasizing empowerment, dignity, and self-determination.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The duties and responsibilities of the Community Habilitation Specialist will include but are not limited to the following: Provide habilitation supports in accordance with each participant’s Community Habilitation Plan, focusing on daily living skills, socialization, recreation, vocational exploration, and community integration.
Assist participants in identifying personal goals, preferences, strengths, and learning needs.
Support participants in choosing and participating in meaningful activities that reflect person-centered practices.
Promote independence through teaching, modeling, structured routines, and least-restrictive prompting strategies.
Provide personal care as needed and appropriate to the participant’s skill level, including bathing, grooming, toileting, dressing, and laundry.
Benefits
Paid Training
Competitive Benefits
Industry-Leading Benefits
Follow dietary guidelines, medical recommendations, and risk management strategies outlined in the habilitation plan.
Maintain a respectful, supportive, and empathetic approach in all interactions.
Use proactive strategies and crisis-prevention techniques to ensure participant safety and well-being.
Utilize on-call supervisory support to report or respond to emergency situations.
Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and agency policies.
Complete accurate, timely, and detailed session notes, progress summaries, and all required documentation in the Electronic Medical Record system.
Communicate professionally with supervisors, coworkers, families, and members of each participant’s circle of support.
Collaborate with community service providers, clinicians, and other professionals involved in supporting the participant.
Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and in-services.
Research and identify community resources to promote inclusion, independence, education, employment readiness, and social opportunities.
Support participants in accessing community-based services such as banking, shopping, transportation training, medical appointments, and educational or religious activities.
Encourage and facilitate the use of technology, communication systems, and assistive devices to enhance independence.
Carry out responsibilities assigned by the Program Manager, including attending appointments, budgeting, completing session notes, and other tasks.
Foster autonomy, self-advocacy, and personal empowerment.
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. High School Diploma or equivalent required. Some college coursework in human services or a related field preferred. Experience working with individuals with developmental or physical disabilities preferred. Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English. Strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with participants, families, coworkers, and community partners. Basic computer literacy with the ability to learn and utilize Electronic Medical Record systems. Ability to follow prompting hierarchies and complete detailed, objective documentation. Flexibility to accommodate participant schedules, including evenings or weekends as needed. Willingness to travel to participant homes and community locations. Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and remain solution-focused. Demonstrated sensitivity, patience, and respect in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Passion for ADAPT Community Network’s mission and the nonprofit sector. COMPENSATION: $21.43/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.
