Who We Are 

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

 Who We Need   

Abilities First is seeking an Education Training Coordinator. The Training Coordinator is a key role in fostering the professional development of staff working with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) within our special education centers and ensuring compliance with various state oversight agencies. Collaborating closely with the agency’s training department, principals and the director of education this position focuses on designing and delivering specialized training programs that address the unique needs of our education staff. The Training Coordinator’s primary responsibility is to ensure that all staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to provide exceptional education and care for students with IDD, and to ensure that all regulatory training requirements are met within the programs. The Training Coordinator will develop and implement training initiatives that support new staff and facilitate ongoing professional growth for existing team members. Through effective leadership, communication, and expertise in special education, this role helps cultivate a supportive, inclusive, and dynamic learning environment where both staff and students can thrive. This position requires regular travel to programs in Dutchess and Orange counties. 

Schedule:   Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week 

Pay Range: $23.50-$27.50 per hour

Responsibilities Include:

• Design and implement tailored training programs for staff working with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in special education centers.
• Develop and update training materials, including manuals, presentations, and online resources, to meet the specific needs of education center staff.
• Participate in training staff in education programs in current behavior support programs.
• Maintain accurate training records and develop systems to ensure compliance with training requirements.
•  Collaborate with the agency’s training department to align with broader training initiatives and policies.
•  Work closely with school principals and the Director of Education to identify training needs and develop programs that support both new staff orientation and ongoing professional development.
• Facilitate open communication with principals and school leaders to assess and refine training initiatives, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of staff and students.
• Collect feedback from staff to continuously improve training programs.
• Stay informed about required training from NYSED, OCFS, and other state agencies, and develop training plans that meet regulatory requirements and add value. Ensure all training complies with accreditation standards for 853 and 4410 approved private schools.
• Ensure personal training and certifications are current and seek additional support when needed.
• Adhere to agency Standards of Conduct, 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.
• Will incorporate core concepts of person-centered excellence by respecting people’s concerns and responding accordingly and will use “teachable moments” to assist people in understanding and exercising their rights.

Perks & Benefits:  

• Time to Recharge – 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  

 Requirements 

Physical Demands

The 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 accommodation can be made, in order to perform the essential functions of this job, an individual shall be required to:

• Have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, squat, bend 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).
• Lift individuals by using appropriate techniques, including but not limited to  usage of tools to assist, such as the Hoyer Lift.
• Assist  individuals in ambulation by providing physical assistance, including use of a gait belt or other equipment where necessary.
• Have  the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Have  the ability to push, pull, and maneuver adults in wheelchairs.
• Possess  verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate  regulatory documentation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology,  Education, or related field and minimum 1 years’ experience supporting students   with developmental disabilities required. A combination of education and   experience, which, in the view of the direct supervisor qualifies the   individual, may be acceptable.
• Certification in one or more behavior management systems, or the ability to become certified (provided by agency) within 6 months as a trainer in behavior management systems is required.
• Preferred experience working in   special education, with a focus on children with intellectual and   developmental disabilities (IDD). Experience with SPED training programs   (ABA, PBIS, etc.) ideal.
• 2 years with proven experience  working with diverse teams and in a collaborative environment, developing  and delivering training programs, including in-person and virtual      sessions, workshops, and professional development initiatives.
• Excellent analytical, verbal and written communication, and computer skills.
• Valid NYS  driver's license free of moving violations deemed acceptable by our  insurance carrier