Overview

At The New York Foundling, we trust in the power and potential of people, and we deliberately invest in proven practices. From bold beginnings in 1869, our New York-based nonprofit has supported hundreds of thousands of our neighbors on their own paths to stability, strength, and independence. We help children and families navigate through and beyond foster care. We help families struggling with conflict and poverty grow strong. We help individuals with developmental disabilities live their best lives, and we help our neighbors access quality health and mental health services—core to building lifelong resilience and wellbeing. Together, our interrelated programs provide a whole-person, whole-family, and whole-life approach that unlocks solutions for a lifetime.

Responsibilities

Job responsibilities: The Community Habilitation Specialist (CHS) will provide social skills training to children/adult with Developmental Disabilities as classified by the OPWDD. Sessions take place in the community or in the home depending on the need of the child/adult.

Position Description: (Summarize the essential functions of the job.)The Community Habilitation Specialist (CHS) will provide social skills training to children/adults withDevelopmental Disabilities as classified by the OPWDD. Sessions take place in the community or the homedepending on the need of the child/adult.Description:a. The Community Habilitation Specialist displays a congenial, warm acceptance for all individuals.b. The Community Habilitation Specialist will primarily be responsible for the assessment andobservation of the person’s skills development.c. Is alert to the expressions of attitudes, feelings, and relationships of each individual. Develops anawareness of the individual’s needs, not only through the observation and interaction but through astudy of the individual’s case history and by appropriate consultation with other members of thestaff.d. Support the person in navigating the program and identifying incentives in learning new skills andbehaviors.e. Community Habilitation Specialist meets with the assigned children/adult 1-2 times per weekdepending on the child/adult’s needs. Community Habilitation Specialists will have 5 or more clientson their caseload.f. Community Habilitation Specialist will travel to various locations throughout New YorkCity.g. Community Habilitation Specialist attends supervision and training as required.h. It is essential that Community Habilitation Specialists know and protect individuals’ rights.i. Community Habilitation Specialists will create plans indicating goals the person would like to workon and the steps on how to achieve them.j. Community Habilitation Specialist will document each training session in the appropriate databasesand report the progress and barriers with each client.k. The Community Habilitation Specialist will receive consultation and supervision from theCoordinator of Residential and Community Services.

- Education, experience, and special needs required: High School Diploma/GED BSW or Bachelors in related field preferred. Bilingual is a plus.

The New York Foundling is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse employee population, the Foundling will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

Education Required