Extended Service Provider

About the role

Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities for over 60 years, offering preschool and school programs, day and residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services. The organization values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work. As a member of the Employment Services team, the Extended Service Provider provides ongoing support to individuals employed in the individual placement model, delivering proactive and preventive assistance to address employment issues before they lead to job loss.

Responsibilities

• Provide onsite re‑training and skill acquisition/maintenance as needed in the extended phase of support.
• Provide onsite training and skill acquisition in the absence of an assigned vocational specialist during the intensive phase of training.
• Maintain open, effective and ongoing communication with employer, participant, Program Developer, Director and all other relevant parties.
• Develop understanding of social security system to forestall or minimize related problems.
• Maintain regular contact with other service providers regarding participant’s status away from work.
• Provide counseling on issues directly or indirectly involved with employment.
• Gain continuous feedback and evaluations from employers regarding participant’s progress and/or needs for support.
• Complete both participant and employer satisfaction surveys at the 90‑day post stabilization milestone and annually thereafter.
• Track and/or develop allowances for individual participant career development, identifying readiness signs for job change and acting as facilitator in that process.
• Ensure all required trainings and certifications are current, and seek further support and training where needed.
• Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, performing responsibilities with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.
• Follow all agency policy and procedures and demonstrate continuous regard for personal safety and the safety of others.
• Perform other appropriate job‑related activities as requested by supervisor or as circumstances warrant.
• Incorporate concepts of person‑centered excellence by respecting people’s concerns and responding accordingly, using “teachable moments” to assist people in understanding and exercising their rights.

Requirements

• Physical demands: ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, squat, bend the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (for CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention, lifting and carrying techniques); ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Verbal and written communication skills in English to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.
• Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field; minimum of one‑year of vocational specialist service provision (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Must have a current NYS driver’s license, free of moving violations, deemed acceptable by the insurance carrier.

Benefits

• Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday time off
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Employer paid life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Increased earning potential with online training through College of Direct Support
• On Demand Payment – access your earnings as early as the next day
• And more!

Pay

$18.63 – $21.00 per hour

Schedule

Full‑time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday 8:30 am–5:00 pm, with ability and flexibility to work evenings and Saturdays as needed for individual support services.