Community Prevocational Specialist

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 servicesincluding preschool and school programs day and residential habilitation community connections and employment servicesare designed to uplift every individuals unique strengths and dreams.

We believe in the power of peopleof every background identity and abilityto 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 youll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration celebrates individuality and is dedicated to meaningful work. If youre ready to turn your passion into purpose wed love to welcome you aboard.

Position Summary

The Community Prevocational Specialist is responsible for training supervision and ensuring production quality of assigned individuals (persons receiving services) in work readiness classes and/or community job sites in a positive and creative manner.

**This position will be required to adhere to all assigned site health and safety guidelines and requirements.**

Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am 4pm with some flexibility needed (40 Hours per week).

Salary Range: $18.12 - $20.12 per hour

Position Standards

• Be familiar with each Individuals Staff action Plan (SAP). Delivers and documents the services supports and activities daily identified by the Life plan and the Staff Action Plan. Completes the monthly note and ensure it covers the individuals response to service within the seven days of the following month for assigned individuals.
• Assumes responsibility for training and supervision of services that assist individuals to maximize the services identified in the Staff Action Plan (SAP).
• Responsible for quality control of all work performed at the work readiness job site and/or classroom.
• Develops a trusting and friendly rapport with individuals served while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ensure active engagement and appropriate communication with staff and individuals.
• Attends all relevant case reviews in-services and all other necessary meetings.
• Responsible for transportation of individuals using agency vehicles to and from work readiness job sites and/or classes.
• Provides coverage and assistance as directed in other areas of Employment Services which may include providing assistance at a job site or otherwise supporting the people we serve with skill acquisition.
• Ensures all required trainings and certifications required are current and seeks further support and training where needed.
• Serve as a liaison between Abilities First Inc. and community members including local colleges and learning institutes businesses and other organizations the agency may partner with.
• Fulfills mandated reporter role by interrupting and reporting suspected abuse to administration immediately.
• Demonstrates proficiency in all goals and skillsets outlined in the NYS DSP Core Competencies on which performance will be evaluated.
• Consistently exhibits the qualities of a committed and professional employee including but not limited to: respect toward others strive for excellence teamwork and unity.
• 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.

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.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Prefer one year experience working with individuals with disabilities in a vocational setting; experience may be required based on certain funding streams.
• Must have a current NYS drivers license free of moving violations; deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.

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 roleor another opportunity within our organization