Community Habilitation Mentor

About the role

The Community Habilitation Mentor supports individuals with developmental disabilities in achieving greater independence by working toward their personalized goals in community-based settings. This role involves direct engagement, skill-building, and advocacy to help participants live meaningful and self-directed lives.

The Community Habilitation Mentor works closely with participants, families, and interdisciplinary teams to implement individualized service plans while ensuring a safe, respectful, and empowering environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe transportation for participants, including those who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices
• Implement each participant’s Staff Action Plan in collaboration with the individual, their family, and service team
• Support participants in achieving valued outcomes (goals) through structured and community-based activities
• Encourage active participation by adapting activities to meet individual needs and abilities
• Aid participants in building life skills and increasing independence in community settings
• Mediate and resolve issues that arise during daily activities in a professional and diplomatic manner
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of participants and their families, responding appropriately
• Document services by entering progress notes in the AWARDS database in a timely and accurate manner
• Complete all required daily and monthly documentation in compliance with program regulations (OPWDD and HVDDSO)
• Participate in required trainings, including OPWDD and agency-specific training and annual refreshers
• Collaborate with the Community Habilitation Coordinator and team members to ensure services align with participant preferences and goals
• Provide input into the development and modification of participant goals and action plans

Requirements

• Valid New York State driver’s license with a clean driving record and proof of auto insurance
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of community resources
• First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Dependability, flexibility, and a positive, person-centered approach

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Bilingual (Spanish-speaking) skills
• Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities (strongly preferred)
• Experience with electronic documentation systems (e.g., AWARDS/Foothold)
• Familiarity with OPWDD services and regulations

Skills

• Ability to adapt activities to meet participant needs and preferences
• Strong collaboration with team members and supervisors
• Reliable and safe transportation and support during community activities
• Ability to foster independence and skill development in participants

Benefits

• New York State Paid Sick Leave