Habilitation Specialist

Goodwill Greater New York and Northern New Jersey (GWNYNJ) believes that the power of work and sustainable fashion is how we unlock the good in our communities. For over 100 years, we have helped people get jobs, stay employed, and progress in careers across New York and Northern New Jersey. We believe that diversity drives innovation and strengthens our workplace. We are committed to fostering our inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, experiences, and abilities.


About this Role

Coordinate Pre Vocational and/ or Day Habilitation services for a case load of up to 30 individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. Engage everyone in a Person-Centered Planning process to identify their goals and implement services and activities that will help them achieve their highest level of independence. Complete all required documentation efficiently & to employers & funding source's standards. Coordinate group & individual scheduling of activities and services, regularly visit program and volunteer sites, oversee Direct Support Professionals implementation of services to individuals, write and update each individual's Habilitation Plan and Person-Centered Plan.


The Awesome Things You'll Do

1. Complete required documentation (including Habilitation Plans, Monthly Case Notes, Person Centered Plans, New Start Packets, Incident Reports, and other required documentation) to funding source and oversight agency standards within specified timeframes.

1. Ensure Individual's on caseload meet monthly attendance goals. Prepare monthly attendance report for Program Manager.

1. Engage each individual in Person Centered Planning. Use their Person Centered Plan and feedback as the basis for developing Habilitation Plans, Goals, Staff Supports & Services, and in group & individual monthly schedule development. Each individual's goals, interests, needs, and skills must be taken into account when developing the schedules.

1. Solicit feedback, observations, insights, & recommendations from the individual, Rehabilitation Technicians, & Job Developer regularly on individual's progress & changes to make to schedules & Habilitation Plans.

1. Responsible for submitting & balancing Petty Cash reports, tracking Metro Card distribution & reconciliation, submitting monthly transportation reimbursements, and conducting monthly fire drills at offsite locations.

1. Visit hub sites & volunteer / internship sites to supervise activities, evaluate individual's progress, and monitor the quality of services/ activities and interactions between Rehabilitations Technicians and individuals.

1. Responsible for ensuring Rehabilitation Technicians provide daily services as written in the individual's Habilitation Plan and accurately enter time & attendance and services provided to individual's on a daily basis.

1. In accordance with OPWDD and agency requirements modifies his / her own communication to ensure understanding & respect when interacting with individuals; including modifying tone of voice and use of verbal & nonverbal techniques to meet the individual's communication needs.

1. Exercises good judgment and discretion in all communications and when making decisions that impact individuals, the group of individuals, and / or in crisis situations.

1. Demonstrates the following desirable professional qualities: Professional demeanor, follows punctuality & attendance policies, reliability, readily adapts to changes in work assignments, good communication skills, and pleasantness.

1. For Prevocational Services, develop & support the Individual's skills to help the Individual meet the productivity expectations of the work place.

1. Develop and maintain positive & productive relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and other colleagues, individuals, parents & caretakers, support teams, and internship / volunteer sites.

1. Other duties as needed or required.

Activities are subject to change / be added to meet business needs with management approval.

Our Must Haves

• Education: Bachelor degree from an accredited school in related field required.

• Experience: One year of work experience in mental health, vocational rehabilitation, or case management preferred.

• Skills: Strong interpersonal & communication skills. Strong organizational and time-management skills. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize demands. Facility with written communication. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Flexible and open to new ideas. Approaches problems in a solution oriented manner. Avoids making assumptions about individuals abilities and motivation. Deals with confidential information and issues using discretion and judgment.

Special Working Conditions

• Frequent travel & field work within the boroughs.
• Attendance at Individual's meetings that may occur in the evenings and / or at off site locations.
• Supervise Rehabilitation Technicians implementation of schedules & services. Provide support and training on how to positively interact with individuals. Meet with Rehabilitation Technicians and Peers weekly to discuss individuals goals and achievements and coordinate schedules.
• Address performance issues with Rehabilitation Technicians including punctuality, absences, communication issues and relate any issues to Supervisor. Create Performance Improvement Plans when necessary.

What We Offer

• Generous Time off policy to use when you need it
• Health, wellness and financial resources to help you achieve our personal goals
• Robust health benefits including medical, dental, vision, parental leaves and company sponsored life insurance
• Retirement matching programs and contributions
• Transit and commuter benefits

#IND1

We believe in creating space for everyone to do their best work and have individual and collective impact. We believe in challenging the status quo and setting ambitious goals in the name of doing more good. We believe that being your best self and helping others do the same is how we bring our mission alive. Even if you don't think you meet all the qualifications listed for the job, we would love to hear from you!


If you require a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, or if you are unable to apply through our recruitment portal, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io. We are happy to assist and ensure you have an equal opportunity to apply.