Vocational Specialist (Job Coach)

Abilities First • Poughkeepsie, NY

11d • $18 - $20

About The Position

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services—including preschool and school programs, day and residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services—are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams. We believe in the power of people—of every background, identity, and ability—to create change and build a more inclusive world. 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. At Abilities First, you’ll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work. If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose, we’d love to welcome you aboard. Vocational Specialist (Job Coach) - Poughkeepsie Abilities First is seeking a full time Vocational Specialist. This position is responsible for training, supervision, and ensuring quality performance of assigned employees (persons receiving services) in community job sites in a positive and creative manner. Schedule: Monday - Friday Day Shift 40 hours per week Salary range $17.90-$19.90 per hour

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must have a current NYS driver’s license, free of moving violations; deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.
• 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).
• Assist individuals in ambulation by providing physical assistance, which may include pushing of wheelchairs.
• Have the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Possess verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.

Nice To Haves

• Prefer one year experience working with individuals with disabilities in a vocational setting; experience may be required based on certain funding streams.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for quality control of all work performed at the job site.
• Augments production as needed or requested.
• Provides coverage for other Vocational Specialists as directed.
• Assumes responsibility for training, supervision and coordination of services to ensure reaching individual goals and the achievement of independence in each employee’s work setting.
• Be familiar with each employee’s work goals, SE Plan, and safeguards.
• Attends all relevant case reviews, in-services and all other necessary meetings.
• Observes the employee’s activity, behavior and progress.
• You are required by OPWDD regulations to document the employee’s progress daily and monthly.
• Analyzes all skills to be taught and teach through recommended training techniques.
• Responds in a positive manner to employer’s requests for additional support and retraining.
• Advocates for each employee’s ongoing success in a positive, creative and pro-active manner.
• Includes driving responsibilities to transport people we serve on a daily basis.
• When between assignments or during other periods of down time, takes on tasks as directed by supervisor: assuring accurate completion of all documentation for which they are responsible, lends support to other staff members of this department which may mean assisting at a job site, lends support to other departments in an effort to assist people we serve with skill acquisition.
• 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 CQL’s 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.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED