Are you ready to make a difference in your community? Do YOU want to work on a team that is committed to empowering individuals? At Helen Keller Services, our employees work in an environment that is more than just a workplace, it’s a community.

Since 1967, Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are DeafBlind or have a combined hearing and vision loss. HKNC is dedicated to working with each person to achieve their desired goals towards independence, employment, and quality of life, based on their talents, preferences and aspirations. We currently have an exciting full time career opportunity available to join the HKNC team as a Habilitation Specialist in our Residence facility . The Habilitation Specialist is responsible for assisting consumers who reside in the residence with their training goals, recreation, communication, and personal development goals. Additional assistance in other areas may be required in accordance with Department of Health regulations.

This is an in-person position located in Sands Point, NY. The regular schedule is Wednesday-Friday, 3pm-11pm, Saturday 8am-4pm, and Sunday 3pm-11pm for a 40 hour work week. All staff are required to sleep in 2-3 nights per week. The starting pay rate is $22.27/hour.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Providing human guide and/or accompanying consumers during community activities

• Facilitating/supporting in house activities

• Assisting with unplanned activities requested by consumers such as going to stores for needed supplies or fast food establishments.

• Assisting with the residence protocols and procedures for recreation activities as designed and implemented by the Recreation Specialist and supervisory staff.

• Participating in their assigned consumers’ EPMs when possible

• Assisting with monthly fire drill and evacuations

• Updating on regular basis consumer binder log

• Provide sleep-in coverage as assigned

• Assist consumers with their homework/projects/activities related to their training goals

• Do regular check of the building to ensure safety of all residents of the program

• Do regular check of all assigned consumers

• Accompany consumers to hospital on as needed basis

• Assist consumers with evacuations.

• Assist with daily snack time activities

• Assist with student orientation

  Responsible for other duties as may be assigned or requested by his/her immediate supervisor and/or the Director of the Department.

  REQUIRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s degree, or completion of two years of college (60 credits) preferably within the education or health related field of study required OR High school diploma and four years of paid experience as a residence/group home aide working with individuals who have intellectual disabilities required.

• One year of experience in work with blind, Deaf, DeafBlind, or severely disabled individuals.

• Knowledge of MS Office and Internet required.

  PREFERRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

  Bachelor’s degree in education or health related field of study

  At HKS we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for our employees. We offer generous paid time off and comprehensive benefit package including:

• 2 weeks paid Vacation time

• Paid Sick Time

• 2 Paid Personal Days

• Fully Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits*

• 12 Paid Holidays

• Short Term Disability/ Life Insurance

• 403b Program with Employer Match

• Tuition Assistance

• Voluntary Ancillary Benefits

• Career Advancement Opportunities

  *Candidate has the option to accept the position No-Frills. No-frills positions receive an additional 10% premium on the hourly rate of pay, but do not participate in the Union Health Insurance Plan. Individuals seeking a No-frills position must show they have alternative insurance to be eligible.

  HKS is committed to providing reasonable workplace accommodation to individuals with illness, injury, or disability to complete the essential functions of their job.