Minimum Qualifications A bachelor's or higher-level degree in a Human Services field*and one year of direct care or clinical experience where your primary focus is providing services to people with developmental disabilities.
OR
Have permanent service as a Habilitation Specialist 1
OR
Eligible for 70.1 transfer to a Habilitation Specialist 1 title
A degree in a human service field includes the professional disciplines of audiology, community mental health, nursing, nutrition, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, rehabilitation counseling, vocational counseling, social work, speech/language pathology, and therapeutic recreation (including concentrations in art, creative arts, dance, drama, music, or physical education.) Also included are related academic disciplines associated with the study of human behavior (e.g., gerontology, human services, sociology, speech communication); or human skills development (e.g., counseling/guidance, education, human development.) Examples of non-qualifying degrees include but are not limited to criminal justice, political science, liberal arts, and business. OPERATIONAL PREFERENCE:
A Qualified Intellectual Disorder Professional - designation requires one year's experience working with people with a developmental disability AND a bachelor's degree or higher in a human services field (including, but not limited to: sociology, special education, rehabilitation counseling or psychology).
Duties Description The Habilitation Specialist 1 (HS1) is needed to ensure continuation of day habilitation services for all individuals participating in their assigned program and is essential for providing opportunities for socialization. This HS1 will be based at Pawling Day Hab., and carry a caseload there as well as at Millbrook Day Hab.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
Write, oversee implementation, and ensure data collection for Safeguard Summary Plans and Staff Action Plans. Train all Day Hab staff in implementation of SSP's and SAP's, data collection, and continuing notes to substantiate Day Hab billing. Timely completion of Monthly Progress Notes - Rectify Day Hab billing issues with RSFO. Provide and/or ensure training of all Day Hab staff as needed in response to DQI audits, regulations, and their roles in Medicaid Compliance. Write, revise as needed, and oversee implementation of individuals' annual and semi-annual Plans. Complete HCBS Satisfaction Surveys for all individuals on the caseload on an annual basis. Follow up training and supervising direct care staff in the areas of individual care to ensure standards of care. Participate in DQI and Medicaid Compliance audits, implement and oversee implementation of corrective actions as needed under the oversight of HS2 and TTL. Maintain a valid driver license to transport individuals as needed. Committee participation may include the following: Employee Recognition Committee, Safe Patient Handling Committee or Self-Advocacy Committee. Participation in local initiatives as assigned. Other tasks as assigned by supervisor.
Additional Comments This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). HELPS Program titles may be filled via a non-competitive appointment. This means that you do not need to take an exam to qualify, but you do need to meet the minimum qualifications of the title.
If you are hired under the HELPS Program, you will be first be appointed as a temporary employee. In May 2024, if you are performing successfully in the position, your appointment will be changed from temporary to permanent non-competitive. Once you are in permanent status, your official probationary period will begin and you may take any promotion exam for which you are qualified.
At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), employees hired under NY HELPS are expected to have their permanent non-competitive employment status converted to permanent competitive status. You will not have to take an exam to gain permanent competitive status.
The assignment of PS&T employees will be made in accordance with any agreed upon Memorandum of Understanding between PEF and the local DDSO regarding the posting of job vacancies. Preference will be given to OPWDD employees impacted by closures. If you are being impacted by closure, please indicate this on your resume. All OPWDD employees must be eligible and maintain eligibility for full and unconditional participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Continued employment will depend on maintaining eligibility. If you are employed by state government you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments have been made under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. For more information on PSLF, please visit Employees on long term leave can bid on positions but must be able to report to work within fourteen (14) days and be able to perform the essential functions of their positions with or without reasonable accommodation (RA). If an employee believes that they need a reasonable accommodation, they should contact the NYS OPWDD Workforce and Talent Management Central Office at or Email at to obtain information and RA forms. NYS offers Incredible Benefits!
Savings programs such as the U.S. Savings Bond and the College Savings Plan. Voluntary pre-tax savings programs such as Health Care Spending Account and the Dependent Care Advantage Account offer employees options to pay for uncovered health care expenses or dependent care expenses. Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) an assessment and referral service that connects employees with local service providers and support services to address their personal needs. Life insurance and Disability insurance. The New York State Deferred Compensation Plan is a voluntary retirement plan that offers employees the option to invest a part of their salaries for retirement on a tax-deferred basis. 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 from year to year. Up to three (3) days professional leave each year to participate in professional development events. Health Care Coverage
Employees and their eligible dependents can choose from a variety of affordable health insurance programs. Employees are provided family dental and vision plans at no extra cost.
Retirement Program
Participate in The NYS Employees' Retirement System (ERS), which is recognized as one of the best-managed and best-funded public retirement systems in the nation.
Professional Development and Education and Training
NYS offers training programs and tuition assistance to eligible employees to maintain and increase their professional skills and prepare them for promotional opportunities. For more information, please visit
Additionally, the Public Service Workshops Program (PSWP) offers certain professional training opportunities for PEF represented and M/C designated employees that may grant continuing education credits towards maintaining professional licensure. For more information, please visit
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
