Community Habilitation Specialist
Full-Time | Community-Based Position
Make a Difference Every Day. Build a Career That Matters.
At Lochland, we believe every individual deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling, independent, and meaningful life. As a Community Habilitation Specialist, you'll provide individualized support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they build skills, pursue personal goals, and become more involved in their communities.
This position is ideal for someone who is creative, dependable, and comfortable working independently in community-based settings. You'll have the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships, plan engaging activities, and help individuals increase their independence and confidence.
No prior Community Habilitation experience required – we provide paid training.
$250 Sign-On Bonus Available!
Newly hired employees in eligible Community Habilitation Specialist positions may be eligible to receive a $250 sign-on bonus after successfully completing all required onboarding requirements, required background screenings and fingerprinting, and their first 90 days of employment.
Additional terms and conditions may apply. Eligibility for and payment of the sign-on bonus is subject to Lochland, Inc. policies and applicable payroll withholdings.
Why Join Lochland?
- Meaningful work that makes a real difference
- $250 sign-on bonus for eligible new hires
- Paid training and certification opportunities
- Opportunities to work independently and creatively in the community
- Supportive team environment
- Comprehensive benefits for eligible employees
- Employee referral program
What You'll Do
As a Community Habilitation Specialist, you'll provide individualized support that helps individuals develop skills, increase independence, achieve personal goals, and actively participate in their communities.
Responsibilities include:
- Providing direct support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Supporting individuals in working toward goals identified in their individualized Community Habilitation plans
- Teaching and reinforcing daily living, self-care, communication, social, and community-based skills
- Assisting individuals in developing skills such as cooking, budgeting, shopping, personal hygiene, communication, and navigating their communities
- Encouraging independence, informed choice, self-advocacy, and personal growth
- Creating individualized daily plans that include recreational activities, volunteer opportunities, community events, and other meaningful experiences based on each individual's interests and goals
- Supporting individuals in participating in recreational, volunteer, vocational, social, and other community-based activities
- Transporting individuals safely within the community using Lochland vehicles
- Advocating for the rights, choices, preferences, and needs of the individuals supported
- Maintaining accurate and timely documentation of services provided, activities, progress toward goals, challenges, and achievements
- Completing required records and reports in accordance with OPWDD, Medicaid, program, and agency requirements
- Communicating and collaborating with individuals, families, caregivers, supervisors, and other members of the individual's support team to promote consistent and person-centered services
- Maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment
- Following individualized plans, agency policies, safety protocols, and applicable regulatory requirements
- Following established procedures for the handling, documentation, and reconciliation of petty cash and individual funds
- Attending required staff meetings, training courses, and professional development opportunities
- Obtaining and maintaining all certifications required for the position
- Performing other duties as assigned
What We're Looking For
Successful Community Habilitation Specialists are:
- Compassionate, patient, and respectful
- Creative and enthusiastic about developing meaningful community-based activities
- Reliable and dependable
- Comfortable working independently in community settings
- Organized and able to manage schedules, activities, and required documentation
- Strong communicators who can build positive and professional relationships
- Flexible and able to respond to the individualized needs, preferences, and abilities of the people they support
- Committed to promoting independence, dignity, informed choice, and community inclusion
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED Equivalent required
- Valid Driver's License required
- Ability to safely operate agency vehicles and meet applicable agency driving requirements
- Ability to pass required background screenings in accordance with OPWDD regulations
- Ability to obtain required tuberculosis testing
- Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications, including CPR, First Aid, SCIP-R, and medication administration certification, as applicable to the position
- Ability to complete required documentation accurately and within established timeframes
- Ability to work independently while following individualized plans, agency policies, and supervisory direction
- Experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities preferred, but not required
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, psychology, special education, or a related field preferred, but not required
No prior Community Habilitation experience required. We will train the right candidates who have a passion for helping others achieve greater independence and become active members of their communities.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the workday
- Ability to participate in community-based activities and outings for extended periods of time
- Ability to assist and support individuals with mobility and other physical needs, as required by the individuals served
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Ability to perform tasks requiring manual dexterity, including writing, typing, completing documentation, and handling small objects
- Ability to safely operate agency vehicles and transport individuals within the community
- Ability to work scheduled hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed based on program needs
Benefits
- 401(k)
- 401(k) Match
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Sick Time
- Paid Orientation
- Employee Referral Program
At Lochland, we don't just provide services — we build relationships, celebrate successes, and create opportunities for individuals to thrive.
If you're looking for a rewarding career where you can work creatively, build meaningful relationships, and help individuals become more independent and connected to their communities, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $16.95 - $18.00 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Experience:
- OPWDD : 1 year (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Geneva, NY 14456 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Geneva, NY 14456: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
