Community Habilitation Specialist

Overview

At The New York Foundling, we trust in the power and potential of people, and we deliberately invest in proven practices. From bold beginnings in 1869, our New York-based nonprofit has supported hundreds of thousands of our neighbors on their own paths to stability, strength, and independence. We help children and families navigate through and beyond foster care. We help families struggling with conflict and poverty grow strong. We help individuals with developmental disabilities live their best lives, and we help our neighbors access quality health and mental health services—core to building lifelong resilience and wellbeing. Together, our interrelated programs provide a whole-person, whole-family, and whole-life approach that unlocks solutions for a lifetime.

The primary purpose of the position is to provide one on one assistance to persons with special needs. We provide specifically tailored life plans/goals to enhance the developmental skills that is needed for those to live independently within their chosen community.

Responsibilities

The primary purpose of the position is to provide one on one assistance to persons with special needs. We provide specifically tailored life plans/goals to enhance the developmental skills that is needed for those to live independently within their chosen community.

Core Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement personalized habilitation plans based on participants’ strengths, needs, and goals, promoting skill development and independence in daily living activities.
• Facilitate community-based outings, social activities, and educational opportunities to promote inclusion and enhance social skills among persons supported.
• Provide hands‑on training and support in areas such as communication, self‑care, household management, and vocational skills to promote autonomy and achievement of personal goals.
• Partner with families, caregivers, and support networks to ensure consistency and continuity of support, while also providing guidance and training as needed.
• Track participant progress, document outcomes, and prepare progress reports to measure goals achievement and inform future planning.
• Advocate for the rights and inclusion of persons with developmental disabilities within the community, and educate community members and stakeholders on abilities awareness and best practices.
• Handle crisis situations calmly and effectively, implementing appropriate interventions and ensuring persons supported safety and well‑being.

The New York Foundling is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse employee population, the Foundling will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required;
• Minimum of 1+ years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, preferably in community-based settings.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, empathy, patience, and the ability to empower and motivate individuals with disabilities to achieve their goals.
• Ability to build rapport and establish trust with participants while providing supportive guidance and encouragement.
• Commitment to advocating for the rights and inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities in the community and society.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work with interdisciplinary teams, employers, and community partners.
• Demonstrated strong commitment to safety.

Education Required

High School / G.E.D.

Salary Range:

$19.00/hour + Education Additive ($0.15/hour Associate's Degree $.80/hour Bachelor's or higher)