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:

Abilities First is seeking a full time Employment Specialist. The Employment Specialist is responsible for the training, supervision and completion of tasks at community based work sites while the individual is in the intensive phase of ACCES-VR and OPWDD Employment training Program (ETP) sponsorship. The Employment Specialist is also responsible for submitting quality documentation as required as well as accounting for all time spent supporting, training, and providing transportation for individuals receiving funding from ACCES-VR and OPWDD Employment Training Program (ETP) in the intensive phase of employment.

Schedule: 40 hours, Day shift with flexibility needed to include evenings and weekends to meet the employer’s needs.

Salary Range:

Employment Specialist I $18.16- $20.16 per hour

Employment Specialist II $18.67- $20.67 per hour

Position Standards:

• Complete all documentation according to department, agency, federal and state regulations.
• Completely and accurately account for all hours spent supporting individuals in the intensive phase of employment and log those hours on an approved form.
• Responsible for providing and accounting for transitional coaching hours under the ACCES-VR and OPWDD Employment Training Program (ETP) contract.
• Responsible for quality control of all work performed at job sites.
• Responsible for engaging in and directing all job tasks performed by individuals at work sites and insuring they are properly trained to complete tasks.
• Provide coverage for co-workers when circumstances warrant and/or when requested.
• Responsible for training, supervision and coordination of services to insure individual goals are achieved and independence is fostered in each employee’s work setting.
• Attend all relevant case reviews, ISP meetings, required in-services and all other necessary meetings.
• As a representative of Abilities First, Inc., maintain a positive and proactive relationship with all employers, service providers, parents/guardians, co-workers, and community members.
• Advocate for each employee’s on-going success in a positive, supportive and creative manner.
• Work in cooperation with Job Developers to facilitate a team approach to the vocational experience for individuals with disabilities and support the individual until he/she stabilize in their current position.
• Work in cooperation with the Director, Job Developer, Extended Service Provider and employer to determine when an employee is ready to transition to extended services and facilitate that transition.
• When between assignments or during other periods of “down time” examples of assigned tasks include, but are not limited to, completing additional documentation, lending support to co-workers at additional work sites, lending support in other departments, transportation and attending additional trainings offered by the staff trainer or outside agencies for the purpose of professional growth and enhancement.
• Ensures all required trainings and certifications required are current, and seeks further support and training where needed.
• 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.
• Performs other appropriate job-related activities as requested by your supervisor or as circumstances warrant.
• Will incorporate CORE concepts of person-centered excellence by respecting people’s concerns and responding accordingly and will use “teachable moments” to assist people in understanding and exercising their rights.

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

• Associates Degree in Human Services or related field with on year of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities in a community based or vocational setting. A combination of education and experience that in the opinion of the Director qualifies the candidate may be deemed acceptable.
• Must have a current NYS driver’s license deemed “acceptable” by our insurance carrier.
• Possess verbal and written communication skills in English to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.
• Ability to manage a flexible schedule.
• Have the ability to stand and walk for long periods of time
• Have the ability to push and pull individuals in wheelchairs, lift, 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), with or without a reasonable accommodation.

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:

• 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).
• Have the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• 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