Walk-In Interviews Residential Direct Support Professionals | Dutchess County | 9/30/26

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services—including preschool and school programs, day and residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services—are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams.

We believe in the power of people—of every background, identity, and ability—to create change and build a more inclusive world. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. At Abilities First, you’ll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work. If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose, we’d love to welcome you aboard.

Position Summary

Abilities First is seeking full and part time Residential Coach (Direct Support Professionals) to work in our Residential Services Department. The Residential Coach (Direct Support Professionals) performs a variety of tasks and activities in support of the full range of habilitative services provided to developmentally disabled individuals in a residential setting. The Residential Coach (Direct Support Professionals) will be responsible for the provision of individual services as identified in the Individual Service Plan and by the treatment team for individuals who need specific assistance and supports. He/she will be responsible for maintaining current medical services and following up on the medical needs of the individuals within the program. The Residential Coach will be responsible for the supervision of the daily activities/responsibilities of the residents. The Residential Coach helps the resident achieve valued outcomes and promotes individualization (self-determination & choice), independence (self-reliance to the extent possible), integration (involvement with relatives and friends and belonging to a neighborhood community) and productivity (accomplishments that contribute to the person's own life and the lives of those around them)

Positions Standard:

• Establishes a working relationship with all residents and supervises their participation in daily activities as needed.
• Ensures the safety and well-being of the residents.
• Provides training and assistance to the residents in developing basic skills in appropriate social behaviors and communication, safety, housekeeping, personal care, health care, medication administration, money management, using public transportation, menu & meal preparation, grocery purchasing, and planning recreational activities.
• Assists the resident in achieving progress toward their individualized-based outcomes.
• Responsible for lifting, transferring and maneuvering adult residents required.
• Is an active participant in the service planning process.
• Documents attendance, daily community habilitation notes and log entries.
• Performs responsibilities that demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively and establish professional relationships with all persons involved with the resident.
• Administers medication to those individuals who are not self-medicating.
• Monitors and assists with individual and household needs, i.e. maintenance, menu & meal preparation, grocery & household purchasing, cleanliness & chores, resident's personal needs, emergency & safety procedures, etc.
• Maintains cleanliness of living spaces by assisting resident and completing task where resident cannot.
• Provides coverage in either a sleepover or pager capacity as needed. (Full time positions only)
• Prepares meals when necessary.
• Successfully completes all required training programs, including a course in certification of medication administration. (Medication administration certification will be required of relief whenever possible.)
• Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which require all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.
• Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and the safety of others.
• Performs other appropriate job related activities as requested by your supervisor or as circumstances warrant.

Perks & Benefits:

• Time to Recharge – Vacation, personal, sick, and holidays built around the school calendar
• Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you covered
• Plan For The Future – 401(k) with employer match and employer-paid life insurance
• Level Up Your Skills– Tuition reimbursement and online training through the College of Direct Support (and to boost your earning potential)
• Get Paid When You Need It – On Demand Pay gives you access to earnings as early as the next day
• Exclusive Extras – Employee discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, and more

• High School Diploma or equivalent is Required.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities (at least 1 year preferred), but willing to train the right person.
• Must have a current NYS driver’s license deemed “acceptable” by our insurance carrier. Required
• Possess verbal and written communication skills in English to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.
• Have the ability to stand and walk for long periods of time
• Have the ability to push and pull individuals in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot, and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques), with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Physical demands:

Described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job. Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, in order to perform the essential functions of this job, an individual shall be required to:

1. Have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques).
2. Lift individuals by using appropriate techniques, including but not limited to usage of tools to assist, such as the Hoyer Lift.
3. Assist individuals in ambulation by providing physical assistance, including use of a gait belt or other equipment where necessary.
4. Have the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
5. Have the ability to push, pull, and maneuver adults in wheelchairs.
6. Possess verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.

At Abilities First, we recognize that talent and potential come in many forms. If this position inspires you but your experience does not align with every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role—or another opportunity within our organization.