Day Services DSP at ABILITIES FIRST, INC – Poughkeepsie, New York

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.

Abilities First is seeking a full-time Day Services Specialist to provide direct support to individuals with developmental disabilities in both Day Habilitation and Community Connections settings. This role assists individuals in maximizing their personal, social, and vocational potential through structured program activities at the center and meaningful experiences in the community. The Day Services Specialist delivers hands-on support, implements individualized service plans, and documents progress toward personal goals. Responsibilities include facilitating daily living skills, promoting independence, and encouraging participation in recreational, vocational, and community-based activities such as outings, fitness, and social engagement.

This position may function as a floater, supporting multiple program sites or individuals based on staffing and attendance needs. Flexibility and adaptability are essential, as assignments may vary between center-based services and one-on-one community support. Day Services Specialists play a key role in empowering individuals to live their best lives by providing mentorship, fostering independence, and creating engaging opportunities aligned with each person’s interests and goals. All required training is provided.

Salary Range:

Day Service Specialist $18.61-$20.61

Schedule Full Time

Monday- Friday 10am-6:30pm 40 hours per week

(Site based assignment 10 am -2 pm and Community Based assignment 2:30-6:30 pm)

Position Standards

• Deliver and document services, supports, and safeguards in accordance with each individual’s ISP, Day Habilitation Plan, and Community Habilitation Staff Action Plan; complete required monthly documentation within designated timelines.
• Provide direct personal care as needed, including assistance with toileting, hygiene, mobility, and daily health needs; accurately document observations such as skin integrity and other required health tracking.
• Support individuals in developing independence in daily living skills, including personal hygiene, self-care, meal preparation, household tasks, and maintaining an organized environment.
• Facilitate skill-building in community integration, including use of public transportation, participation in recreational activities, and appropriate social behavior in public settings.
• Promote independence in areas such as personal health management, financial skills (e.g., money use and transactions), and overall wellness.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the NYS DSP Core Competencies and apply person-centered practices in all interactions.
• Transport individuals to community activities, appointments, and program locations as needed.
• Complete and submit required documentation, including billing records, in a timely and accurate manner.
• Mobility training for maximum independence in travel to and from work or activity center, community stores, recreational sites, etc. It included training in the use of public transportation.
• Training in appropriate social behaviors which are normative in both the community and household settings such as conducting oneself appropriately in restaurants, on public transportation vehicles, in recreational facilities, and in stores and other public places.
• Meet regularly as per oversight agencies and service program requires.
• Fulfills mandated reporter role by initialing protective measures, as needed and reporting suspected abuse to administration immediately.
• 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

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, bend 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 and pull individuals in wheelchairs.
6. Possess verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• 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.
• Current SCIP R certification, Medication Administration certification, CPR certification, and SFA certification or the ability to achieve certification required.

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