Community Habilitation Specialist - Manhattan Part-time

Description

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 general supervision, the Community Habilitation Specialist provides individualized training and personal assistance to participants with developmental and/or physical disabilities in their homes and communities. The goal of this position is to promote meaningful independence, personal growth, and full community inclusion. Specialists work with minimal supervision to deliver skills training, role modeling, structured routines, and specialized supports as outlined in each participant’s Community Habilitation Plan.

Activities and routines are individualized and based on participant choice, emphasizing empowerment, dignity, and self-determination.

The duties and responsibilities of the Community Habilitation Specialist will include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide habilitation supports in accordance with each participant’s Community Habilitation Plan, focusing on daily living skills, socialization, recreation, vocational exploration, and community integration.
• Assist participants in identifying personal goals, preferences, strengths, and learning needs.
• Support participants in choosing and participating in meaningful activities that reflect person-centered practices.
• Promote independence through teaching, modeling, structured routines, and least-restrictive prompting strategies.
• Provide personal care as needed and appropriate to the participant’s skill level, including bathing, grooming, toileting, dressing, and laundry.
• Follow dietary guidelines, medical recommendations, and risk management strategies outlined in the habilitation plan.
• Maintain a respectful, supportive, and empathetic approach in all interactions.
• Use proactive strategies and crisis-prevention techniques to ensure participant safety and well-being.
• Utilize on-call supervisory support to report or respond to emergency situations.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and agency policies.
• Complete accurate, timely, and detailed session notes, progress summaries, and all required documentation in the Electronic Medical Record system.
• Communicate professionally with supervisors, coworkers, families, and members of each participant’s circle of support.
• Collaborate with community service providers, clinicians, and other professionals involved in supporting the participant.
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and in-services.
• Research and identify community resources to promote inclusion, independence, education, employment readiness, and social opportunities.
• Support participants in accessing community-based services such as banking, shopping, transportation training, medical appointments, and educational or religious activities.
• Encourage and facilitate the use of technology, communication systems, and assistive devices to enhance independence.
• Carry out responsibilities assigned by the Program Manager, including attending appointments, budgeting, completing session notes, and other tasks.
• Foster autonomy, self-advocacy, and personal empowerment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

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