Community Habilitation Specialist (38714)

Position Summary
The Community Habilitation Specialist provides individualized support and skill-building services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in community-based settings. The goal of Community Habilitation services is to assist individuals in achieving greater independence, developing life skills, increasing community participation, and enhancing overall quality of life. Services are delivered in accordance with the individual's Life Plan and Community Habilitation goals while promoting choice, dignity, and self-determination.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
•    Provide direct support and instruction to individuals in accordance with their approved Community Habilitation Plan and Life Plan goals.
•    Assist individuals in developing and maintaining skills related to daily living, communication, socialization, community integration, self-advocacy, health and wellness, and personal independence.
•    Support individuals in accessing and participating in community-based activities, recreational opportunities, volunteer experiences, educational programs, and other activities of their choice.
•    Promote community inclusion by assisting individuals in building relationships and participating in meaningful community experiences.
•    Provide role modeling and guidance to support skill acquisition and independence.
•    Assist individuals with travel training, money management, shopping, meal planning, and other activities designed to increase independence.
•    Follow all dietary, medical, behavioral, and safety guidelines as outlined in the individual's service plans.
•    Provide personal care assistance, when necessary, in accordance with the individual's assessed needs and approved service plan.
•    Maintain a positive, professional, and respectful relationship with individuals, families, guardians, and members of the interdisciplinary team.
•    Ensure the health, safety, rights, and well-being of all individuals receiving services.
•    Maintain confidentiality of all participant information in accordance with HIPAA regulations and agency policies.
•    Communicate regularly with supervisors regarding participant progress, concerns, schedule changes, absences, hospitalizations, or other significant events.
•    Complete accurate and timely documentation, including daily service notes, progress notes, and other required records that reflect services provided, outcomes achieved, and participant responses.
•    Attend and successfully complete all required trainings, staff meetings, certifications, and professional development activities.
Work Environment
•    The home of the person being supported. 
•    The community, based on the preference of the person being supported. 
Physical Demands
•    Ability and willingness to obtain certification in SCIPR Competencies and advance to Promote Competencies. 
•    Regularly required to listen well and speak clearly. 
•    Regularly required to read data and documents, including spreadsheets and reports, when printed and/ or on computer screens.

The position description is a guide to the critical duties and essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands, and work environment conditions. Position descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet the changing needs of the agency at the sole discretion of management. To perform this job successfully, a person must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions unless this causes undue hardship to the company. Performance is evaluated each year based on these competencies and the NADSP code of ethics. 

EEO Statement 
Birch Family Services provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Birch Family Services complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Birch Family Services expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Birch Family Services’ employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge. 
 

Education
•    High School Diploma or GED required.
•    Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, or a related field preferred.
Experience
•    Minimum one year of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.
•    Experience providing direct support services, community-based services, or life-skills training preferred.
Skills and Abilities
•    Ability to establish positive working relationships with individuals receiving services and their support networks.
•    Strong verbal and written communication skills.
•    Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
•    Strong organizational and time-management skills.
•    Ability to maintain accurate documentation and meet compliance requirements.
•    Knowledge of person-centered planning and community inclusion principles preferred.
Certifications and Requirements
•    Valid New York State Driver's License preferred.
•    Ability to obtain and maintain CPR, First Aid, SCIP-R, and other required certifications.
•    Ability to complete all OPWDD and agency-required trainings.
•    Ability to travel within the community and assist individuals in participating in community activities.
Physical Requirements
•    Ability to walk, stand, bend, lift, and assist individuals as needed.
•    Ability to accompany individuals in community settings, including public transportation, recreational facilities, and community events.
•    Ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations.