Habilitation Specialist 1

Responsibilities

Instructs and supports individuals in developing and/or enhancing life skills necessary to live more independently in home and community settings; develops, implements, and modifies habilitation plans to help individuals achieve their valued outcomes. Collaborates with individuals, family members, advocates, care managers, and service providers to determine strategies for service delivery (e.g., skill acquisition/retention, staff supports, and/or exploration of new experiences); attends Life Plan meetings to assess the effectiveness of habilitation plans and services and establish objectives. Assesses individuals’ skill levels in relation to their valued outcomes and identifies appropriate methods to teach and assist individuals in acquiring, improving, and maintaining life skills. Communicates with treatment team members and gathers information to plan and/or modify services to meet individuals’ needs. Implements appropriate safeguards and protective oversight measures to ensure the health and welfare of individuals while participating in programs and services. Monitors, records, and measures individuals’ progress in reaching their goals, including accomplishments and challenges; modifies habilitation plans to ensure continual progress, prevent regression, and meet individuals’ needs. Schedules, transports, and assists individuals in participating in community activities.

Requirements

• Competitive: Candidates must be reachable for appointment on the current Civil Service Eligible List for this title.
• Open Competitive Qualifications: A Bachelor’s or higher‑level degree in a human services field. Qualifying disciplines include audiology, community mental health, nursing, nutrition, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, rehabilitation counseling, vocational counseling, social work, speech/language pathology, therapeutic recreation (including concentrations in art, creative art, dance, drama, music, or physical education), and related academic disciplines such as gerontology, human services, sociology, speech communication, counseling/guidance, education, human development. Non‑qualifying examples include criminal justice, political science, liberal arts, and business.
• Transfer: Candidates must have one year of permanent competitive or 55‑b/c status in the posted title and be eligible for lateral transfer; OR be eligible to transfer via Section 70.1, 70.4, or 52.6 of Civil Service Law. The transfer cannot be a second consecutive transfer resulting in an advancement of more than two salary grades. See the Career Mobility GOT‑IT website for eligibility details.
• Additional Comments: This title participates in the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS), allowing non‑competitive appointment if minimum qualifications are met. Employees hired under NY HELPS are expected to convert to permanent competitive status within one year. Starting salary includes the Mid‑Hudson adjustment. Preference given to OPWDD employees impacted by closures. All OPWDD employees must maintain eligibility for full and unconditional participation in Medicare and Medicaid. Information on Public Service Loan Forgiveness, savings programs, Health Care Spending Account, Dependent Care Advantage Account, Employee Assistance Program, life and disability insurance, deferred compensation, paid leave, health care coverage, paid parental leave, retirement system, and professional development opportunities is provided in the Benefits section.

Benefits

• Savings programs such as the U.S. Savings Bond and the College Savings Plan.
• Voluntary pre‑tax savings programs: Health Care Spending Account and Dependent Care Advantage Account for uncovered health care or dependent care expenses.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – assessment and referral service connecting employees with local service providers and support for personal needs.
• Life insurance and Disability insurance.
• The New York State Deferred Compensation Plan – voluntary retirement plan allowing tax‑deferred investment of part of salary.
• Paid Holidays and Leave:
  • Thirteen (13) paid holidays each year.
  • Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave initially.
  • Five (5) days paid personal leave each year.
  • Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave each year (PEF/CSEA), which may carry over year to year.
  • Up to three (3) days professional leave each year for professional development events.
• Health Care Coverage: Employees and eligible dependents can choose from a variety of affordable health insurance programs; family dental and vision plans provided at no extra cost.
• Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees may take up to 12 weeks of paid leave at full pay for each qualifying event (birth, adoption, or foster care placement).
• Retirement Program: Participation in the NYS Employees’ Retirement System (ERS), recognized as one of the best‑managed and best‑funded public retirement systems.
• Professional Development and Education and Training: NYS offers training programs and tuition assistance to maintain and increase professional skills and prepare for promotional opportunities. See https://oer.ny.gov/training-and-professional-development. Additionally, the Public Service Workshops Program (PSWP) offers professional training opportunities for PEF‑represented and M/C‑designated employees that may grant continuing education credits toward maintaining professional licensure. See https://oer.ny.gov/public-service-workshops-program-pswp.

Pay

The starting salary reflects the Mid‑Hudson adjustment: it includes the statutory hiring rate for Grade 14 ($56,183) plus the Mid‑Hudson Adjustment ($2,150). The Mid‑Hudson Adjustment is added to the job rate ($71,719).