Day Habilitation Specialist Open House (Brooklyn): Wednesday August 12th, 2026

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 neighbors on their paths to stability, strength, and independence. We help children and families navigate foster care, support families struggling with conflict and poverty, assist individuals with developmental disabilities, and provide access to quality health and mental health services—core to building lifelong resilience and wellbeing.

About the role

A Day Habilitation Specialist displays a congenial, warm acceptance for all individuals. They interact constantly with individuals to develop a sense of security and belonging, support and supervise participants in the assigned program, and interpret agency policies to individuals, staff, and the community. Specialists are alert to expressions of attitudes, feelings, and relationships, and develop an awareness of each individual’s needs through observation, interaction, case history review, and consultation with staff.

Responsibilities

• Support and supervise individuals visiting the program.
• Interpret agency policies and programs to individuals, staff, and the community.
• Observe and document individual behaviors, attitudes, and relationships.
• Develop an awareness of individual needs through daily interaction, case history review, and staff consultation.
• Maintain records of observations and impressions about group and individual behavior.
• Form meaningful relationships with each individual to help them make the most of their day.
• Oversee matters of personal cleanliness for individuals and maintain cleanliness of the program area, furniture, supplies, and activities.
• Provide a solid program of constructive and interesting activities.
• Protect and uphold individuals’ rights.
• Maintain control of individuals in a discreet and non-threatening manner.
• Keep accurate records of day-to-day program operations, reporting any unusual or bizarre behaviors or incidents.
• Maintain all required certifications, including First Aid, CPR, and SCIP.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 5 years of experience in the I/DD field, or a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or a related field and 1 year of experience in the I/DD field.
• Familiarity with IRA regulations relative to residential habilitation.
• Proficient in computer applications.
• Clean and valid NY, NJ, CT, or PA driver’s license with 6 points or less.

Pay

Starting salary: $19.00/hour. After 6 months, the rate increases to $20.00/hour. Additional education additives apply: $0.15/hour for an Associate’s Degree, $0.80/hour for a Bachelor’s Degree or higher.