Day Habilitation Specialist / Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

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.

Position Summary

  No Nights • No Weekends • Meaningful Work Every Day  • Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can make a real difference—without working nights or weekends? Join our team and help individuals with developmental disabilities live more independent, fulfilling lives. The Day Habilitation Specialist (DSP) will assist individuals with developmental disabilities to maximize their personal and vocational potential in their center and community. The  Day Habilitation Specialist (DSP) provides direct care support and assists in the implementation and documentation of each individual’s program plan. Day Habilitation Specialists for designated programs may be expected to support other programs based on staffing and attendance. Floating Day Hab Specialists will be assigned based on need. The following position standards apply to both regular and floating Day Hab Specialists.

Full time schedule: Monday – Friday 7:45am – 3:30pm (36.25 hours per week).

Salary Range:

Day Hab Specialists I (drivers)- $17.90 to $19.90 per hour

Day Hab Specialists II (drivers)- 18.41- 20.41 per hour

Note: The rates outlined above are contingent upon being deemed eligible to drive by our insurance carrier. Should you be deemed ineligible to drive and the program is able to make a non-driver accommodation, a lower rate of pay will apply.

Depending on the needs of the program, additional certifications (training provided) for med administration $1.00, insulin $.50, G-Tube $1.00 and ostomy care $.50; can add up to $3 per hour once achieved!  

Position Standards:

• Delivers and documents the services, supports, safeguards, behavioral documentation and activities identified by ISP/CFA and the Day Habilitation plan. Completes the monthly note and ensure it covers the individual’s response to service within the seven days of the following month for assigned individuals.
• Performs individual specific personal care as required, including but not limited to assistance with toileting, transferring, changing needs, handwashing and oral care. Documents any finding on appropriate forms including but not limited skin integrity, bowel and repositioning charts.
• Ensures active engagement and appropriate communication with staff and individuals.
• Assumes responsibility for medication administration and appropriate documentation in an accurate and timely manner.
• Develops a trusting and friendly rapport with individuals served while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Fulfills mandated reporter role by interrupting and reporting suspected abuse to administration immediately.
• Ensures that the center is kept safe, clean and decorated in an age appropriate and comfortable manner and that is kept in good repair inside and out.
• Demonstrates proficiency in all goals and skillsets outlined in the NYS DSP Core Competencies, on which performance will be evaluated.
• Responsible for providing transportation to individuals receiving services driving agency vehicles with a capacity up to 14 passengers.
• Ensures all required trainings and certifications are current, and seeks further support and training where needed.
• Consistently exhibits the qualities of a committed and professional employee including but not limited to: respect toward others, strive for excellence, teamwork and unity.
• Supports agency vision and mission.
• 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.
• Contributes reports of observations of individual’s progress and behavior, unusual incidents, or other relevant information.
• Performs other appropriate job related activities as requested by your supervisor or as circumstances warrant.

Perks & 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

Job Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum 1 year's experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities population or any combination of training and experience which in the view of the employer qualifies the candidate for the position. 
• Clean NYS driver’s license that is deemed “acceptable” by our insurance carrier required.
• SCIP-R, CPR, SFA, and Med Certification a plus. Ability to obtain these certifications required.
• Lifting and maneuvering of individuals is required.

Physical demands:

Described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job. Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, in order to perform the essential functions of this job, an individual shall be required to:

1. Have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, squat, turn in 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).
2. Lift individuals by using appropriate techniques, including but not limited to usage of tools to assist, such as the Hoyer Lift.
3. Assist individuals in ambulation by providing physical assistance, including use of a gait belt or other equipment where necessary.
4. Have the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
5. Have the ability to push, pull, and maneuver adults in wheelchairs.
6. Possess verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.

At Abilities First, we recognize that talent and potential come in many forms. If this position inspires you but your experience does not align with every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role—or another opportunity within our organization