Habilitation Specialist

Why Join ADAPT?

It's more than a job; it's a calling. It's where passion meets purpose. ADAPT Community Network, formerly United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of NYC provides a multitude of services to people with developmental disabilities. At ADAPT, we are 3,000 strong, and it takes every one of us to empower the lives of the people we support. With caring and great resources at hand, we know what it takes to help people live fuller, happier, healthier lives.

Our employees show their commitment to the people we support every day, and we all deliver on our promise to provide innovative and comprehensive services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

Under the general direction of the program director or designee, the Habilitation Specialist is responsible for designing, implementing, and monitoring individualized habilitation and skill-building programs that support the independence, community inclusion, and personal goals of the people we support. This role provides leadership within the program by supervising Habilitation Assistants, coordinating service delivery, and ensuring that all supports are person-centered and aligned with ADAPT Community Network policies, OPWDD regulations, and best practices in the field.

• Develop individualized Day Habilitation plans and program goals that reflect each participant’s strengths, preferences, interests, and support needs.
• Implement and monitor active treatment plans both on-site and in the community, ensuring meaningful engagement and progress toward identified outcomes.
• Provide daily supervision, coaching, direction, and performance feedback to Habilitation Assistants; participate in interviewing, onboarding, training, and progressive discipline processes.
• Serve as a primary liaison with families, residences, Service Coordinators, clinical teams, and other members of the participant’s circle of support.
• Participate fully in the person-centered planning process, including team meetings, annual reviews, and interdisciplinary discussions.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation including attendance, data collection, service notes, progress reports, and other required records.
• Utilize community resources to enhance independence, socialization, and community integration.
• Plan and coordinate group and individual activities, and assign staff appropriately to support implementation.
• Train and guide Habilitation Assistants on routines, behavior support strategies, program plans, and general best practices.
• Prepare and adapt program materials, equipment, and physical environments to meet individual needs and ensure accessibility.
• Participate in required in-service trainings and maintain up-to-date knowledge of program policies, OPWDD regulations, and developments in the field.
• Provide support to other program groups or classrooms as needed.
• Assist participants with activities outside the immediate program area, including community outings, gym, pool, and other scheduled activities; enter the pool with participants when required.
• Support individuals with transportation between buses and buildings, and drive agency vehicles for program activities, appointments, and community outings.
• Provide direct support with personal care tasks such as feeding, toileting, and hygiene based on the participant’s level of need.
• Demonstrate proactive awareness of risk, follow universal precautions, and ensure health and safety in all environments.
• Maintain confidentiality of participant records, personal information, and all agency-related materials.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an incumbent must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below…