Direct Support Specialist

Direct Support Specialist

Owego, NY (

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Description

Direct Support Specialist - Day Habilitation

Schedule:Full Time; Schedule may include daytime hours with occasional evenings or community-based activities

Pay:$20.50 - $21.75/hr

Location:Binghamton, NY

Benefits:Medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, company-paid life and disability insurance, optional voluntary benefits, and generous PTO for eligible full-time employees

Why Join ACHIEVE

At ACHIEVE, you’ll do more than just a job, you’ll build a meaningful career while making a real impact on your community. Join a mission-driven team where you can support individuals in achieving independence, foster community inclusion, and grow within a collaborative and supportive environment.

Position Overview

The Day Habilitation Specialist is responsible for delivering person-centered services within the Day Habilitation program. This role focuses on implementing individualized service plans, supporting skill development, and promoting community integration while ensuring compliance with OPWDD regulations and agency standards. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Implement individualized goal plans based on each person’s Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and valued outcomes

• Collect data, monitor progress, and maintain accurate documentation, including monthly progress notes

• Provide supervision, training, and support to individuals during program and community-based activities

• Coordinate and schedule community and recreational activities to promote integration and engagement

• Transport individuals to community activities and appointments as needed

• Supervise and provide guidance to Day Habilitation Trainers, including ongoing evaluation

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to support individualized care and program compliance

• Participate in team meetings, including initial, semi-annual, annual, and special reviews

• Ensure compliance with all OPWDD regulations (including Parts 624 and 633) and agency policies

• Identify and report incidents, safety concerns, or issues impacting participant well-being

• Maintain a clean, safe, and structured program environment that promotes skill development and independence

• Assist individuals with activities of daily living, including feeding, toileting, and personal hygiene

• Provide support during behavioral situations, including de-escalation and intervention as needed

• Maintain accurate records including logs, charts, and progress documentation

• Assist with program operations such as ordering supplies, transportation duties, and coverage as needed

• Participate in agency committees, projects, and training initiatives

• Serve as a transportation aide as assigned

• Complete all required OPWDD and agency training, including First Aid, CPR, SCIP, and Medication Administration

Requirements

• An associate's degree in human services, Special Education or a related field and previous experience working with the Developmentally Disabled. - OR - A combination of education (High School Diploma/GED) and experience that meets the needs of the reviewing agencies.

• A driver's license and driving record acceptable to the agency's insurance carrier.

• Candidate must be able to lift 50 pounds and not have any lifting restrictions which would prohibit him/her from assisting with toileting, transfers, physical intervention, lifting, etc.