Habilitation Counselor

Job Details

Job Location: Jawonio Inc - NEW CITY, NY 10956

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $18.36 - $18.36 Hourly

Purpose

The Habilitation Counselor (HC) will align their scope of work with Jawonio’s Mission, while incorporating Jawonio’s Core Values as the guiding principle for all work activities.

Summary

To perform direct care activities for individuals. Assists individuals in maintaining good daily living skills and acquiring independent living skills. Provide direction and oversight to individuals who may at times display challenging behaviors. Serve as a role model and mentor, demonstrating the desired behaviors, and coaching the individuals using approved techniques and strategies; uses approved physical intervention techniques when necessary to protect individuals and others.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Encourage and support assigned individuals to reach their individual level of independence through prescribed task analysis and activities, and document results on data collection forms/electronic system.
• Perform QIDP (Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional) duties including case management, assessment and advocacy services to ensure the well‑being and quality of life for the individuals in their care.
• Conduct personal care and support activities for severely physically impaired individuals based on the consumer’s capabilities (physical and mental status). Activities include grooming, feeding, washing, moving, lifting, physical transferring and other related tasks.
• Consult with supervisor to assist in the planning and coordination of individuals’ activities, helping them reach their goals. Develop and implement activities related to the individual’s goals and interest areas, including community integration, self‑advocacy, disability issues, and personal development. Document all activities and progress in appropriate logs/electronic system.
• Participate in discussions or conferences regarding individuals, their care and progress. Offer suggestions and opinions as appropriate. Prepare or maintain progress notes and records pertaining to individuals as instructed and appropriate.
• Transport individuals to workshops, day treatment, recreational activities, shopping trips, doctor appointments, and other destinations using the agency van. Assistance includes physical lifting and carrying, use of wheelchairs, following prescribed safety procedures. Complete vehicle safety checks as required.
• Perform a broad range of cleaning functions and activities throughout the residence as assigned, including dining room, kitchen, bathrooms, living quarters and other areas. Additional cleaning duties include removal of garbage, washing consumer’s clothes, and other related activities.
• Assist in the operation of the residence, including checking fire alarm systems and maintaining communication books.
• Prepare meals in accordance with the special dietary needs of the consumer. Assist individuals during mealtimes, including helping with silverware, dishes, cups, etc., maintaining good eating habits as outlined in staff responsibilities and individual goals.
• Plan meals to ensure compliance with dietary guidelines for individual consumer(s).
• Regularly attend mandated staff meetings, training, and other scheduled events.
• Cooperate and participate fully with Jawonio and/or Justice Center and OPWDD during an investigation or inspection, including making verbal and written statements as requested.
• Dispense medication as determined by agency policy, prescription, and medication certification course.
• Work overtime as directed, including before and after scheduled shift and regularly scheduled days off. Failure to work overtime as directed and comply with all agency policies may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in Education, Psychology, Sociology, or Social Work. No waiver will be permitted for these requirements.
• Language Ability: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of families, co‑workers, and other community groups.
• Math Ability: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uncomplicated written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Computer Skills: Knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and internet software.
• Certificates and Licenses: No certifications required at hire. Must complete Jawonio’s DSP Behavioral Track and DSP Medical Track within 24 months of hire date.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not require official supervisory responsibilities, but is expected to act as a mentor to DSPs and DSP‑As.
• Work Environment: Tasks occasionally expose the employee to blood, body fluids, or tissues. The noise level is usually moderate. The employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions.
• Physical Demands: The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee is frequently required to stand and sit, walk, use hands to handle, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. On most of the day most of the time on feet, including pushing, lifting of equipment and individuals as required, and driving the van as required.
• Additional Requirements: Adjust shift, residence (work location), or work schedule (hours, days) as needed by the agency. Valid driver’s license strongly preferred. Maintain current NYS Justice Center, OPWDD, and agency‑required trainings. Clear and maintain acceptable record under NYS Justice Center and OPWDD mandated criminal background check process. Clear and maintain acceptable record under Medicaid Fraud & Abuse clearance process.

EEO Statement

Jawonio Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will hire and promote based on qualifications, merit, and ability. Qualified persons with disabilities and members of any protected group are encouraged to apply.