Vocational Specialist; Job Coach

Vocational Specialist (Job Coach) – Poughkeepsie, NY

Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities for over 60 years. We offer a wide range of services—from early education to employment—to help clients live independent, vibrant lives.

We are looking for a full‑time Vocational Specialist (Job Coach) to train, supervise, and ensure quality performance of employees in community job sites. Bring your passion to support our inclusive, mission‑driven team.

Schedule: Monday – Friday, Day Shift, 40 hours per week.

Salary: $17.90 – $19.90 per hour.

Responsibilities:

• Provide quality control of all work performed at the job site.
• Augment production as needed or requested.
• Cover for other Vocational Specialists as directed.
• Coordinate training, supervision, and services to help employees reach individual goals and achieve independence.
• Stay familiar with each employee’s work goals, SE Plan, and safeguards.
• Attend all relevant case reviews, in‑services, and meetings.
• Observe employees’ activity, behavior, and progress, and document daily and monthly progress per OPWDD regulations.
• Analyze necessary skills and teach them using recommended training techniques.
• Respond positively to employer requests for additional support and retraining.
• Advocate for each employee’s success in a positive, creative, proactive manner.
• Transport employees as part of driving responsibilities.
• Complete all required documentation, provide support to other staff or departments during downtime.
• Maintain up‑to‑date trainings and certifications, seeking further support as needed.
• Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior and all policies, ensuring personal and others’ safety.
• Perform any other appropriate job‑related activities as requested.
• Incorporate CORE CQL person‑centered excellence, respect concerns, and use teachable moments.

Perks & Benefits:

• Vacation, personal, sick, and holidays aligned with the school calendar.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) with employer match and paid life insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement and online training via the College of Direct Support.
• On‑Demand Pay.
• Employee discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, and more.

Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Prefer one year experience working with individuals with disabilities in a vocational setting.
• Current NYS driver’s license, free of moving violations (acceptable by our insurance carrier).

Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, squat, pivot, assist ambulation, stand, walk, and communicate in English. Reasonable accommodations may be made for disabilities.

Equal Opportunity

Employer:

We celebrate diversity, embrace all backgrounds and identities, and welcome people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socioeconomic status, gender, and gender identities.

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.