Day Habilitation Specialist

Reports to:  Team Leader

Department:  OPWDD

Purpose of the Job:  

Provide training and support in Activities of Daily Living to individuals residing in their own homes.  Implement the Day Habilitation Plan and valued outcomes identified in the Individual Service Plan.

Essential Functions:  (All functions are essential unless noted otherwise.)

  • Provides training, in the home and in the community, according to consumer needs, wants and desires as outlined in the Day Habilitation Plan.

  • Displays mature judgment in all areas including maintaining confidentiality and handling emergencies. Acts as a professional representative of the E. John Gavras Center

  • Responsible for the provision of on-going assistance, skills training, supervision and support in the Activities of Daily Living including but not limited to the following:

  1. Health skills and monitoring of medication and medical issues.

  2. Personal Hygiene/Personal Care needs.

  3. Domestic living skills.

  4. Money management.

  5. Menu Planning, food procurement and meal preparation.

  6. Socialization and community integration.

  7. Recreation and leisure time activities.

  8. Safety education and training.

  9. Transportation skills training.

  10. Behavioral interventions.

  • Responsible for following all Agency policies and procedures as well as OPWDD Regulations..

  • Obtains and maintains all required certification within the required timeframe including First Aid, CPR, SCIP, and Exposure Control.

  • Participates as a team in frequent meetings to discuss consumer programming, training issues and methods for implementation of individualized consumer goals.

  • The employee maintains appropriate documentation according to agency policies, completing daily notes and reports in a timely fashion.

  • The employee demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively with consumers, families and co-workers.

  • Performs other duties as assigned. (may not be essential)


Knowledge, Skills and abilities:

Minimal requirements, High School Diploma or equivalent.  Valid New York State driver’s license with a clean driving record.  Clearance from the NYS Child Abuse Registry, Medicaid Exclusions List and OPWDD Fingerprinting.  Experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred.  

Supervisory Responsibilities:

N/A

Physical Demands

May require the ability to assist with some personal care/toileting, lifting over 75 pounds. 


Work environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The employee may need to respond to a behavior intervention with a consumer in the means taught to them in Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention.  The employee may be required to travel to various job sites or locations as part of working with consumers.