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

We are seeking a forward-thinking and collaborative professional to lead the integration of enabling technologies, person-centered innovations, and artificial intelligence (AI) across our organization. This role will champion transformative initiatives that enhance independence, inclusion, and quality of life for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Smart Solutions Specialist will work closely with internal teams, external partners, and community stakeholders to ensure all technology solutions are mission-aligned, ethically implemented, and result in meaningful, life-changing outcomes for the people we support.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week 

Pay Range: 80,000 - 85,000 commensurate with education and experience

Position Standards:

Strategic Guidance

• Develop and implement an agency-wide strategy for integrating enabling technologies, person-centered innovations, and AI to strengthen service delivery.
• Monitor emerging technologies, industry trends, and regulatory changes to improve accessibility, outcomes, and organizational performance.

Program Development & Implementation

• Lead, evaluate, and scale pilot programs introducing effective enabling technology-based solutions.
• Promote assistive and enabling technologies (e.g., smart home devices) that support independence and self-determination.
• Oversee AI-driven program initiatives—data analytics, predictive modeling, and individualized planning—ensuring ethical, secure, and responsible use.
• Establish and track KPIs to measure impact, effectiveness, and sustainability of enabling technology initiatives, reporting progress to leadership.
• Ensure all technology initiatives meet privacy, security, ethical, and regulatory standards, consulting with IT Department as warranted.
• Document, analyze, and communicate results to support data-driven decision-making.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

•  Work with program directors, clinicians, IT, operations, and other departments to integrate technology into educational and adult service models.
• Engage people served, families, staff, and community partners to ensure solutions are person-centered, culturally responsive, and accessible.
• Establish structured feedback loops with users to support continuous improvement.

Training & Development

• Develop and facilitate staff training in enabling technology and smart solutions adoption, AI literacy, and person-centered outcome measurement.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Lead cross-department workshops supporting idea generation and shared ownership of solutions.
• To support data-driven decision-making.

General

• Represent the organization at relevant conferences, forums, and advocacy groups.
• Performs appropriate job-related activities as required by the immediate supervisor or as circumstances warrant. 
• Ensures all required trainings and certifications required are current and seeks further support and training where needed.
• 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.
• Will incorporate 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

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 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 sit and stand for extended periods of time.
2. Have the ability to lift up to 25 lbs., bend, pivot and grasp with both hands in order to properly and safely handle files and office equipment.
3. Ability to work on a computer regularly and continuously throughout the workday.
4. Possess verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.

 This is a full-time position eligible for these benefits:

• Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday time off
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options
• 403(b) plan with employer match
• Employer paid life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• On Demand Payment – access your earnings as early as the next day
• Discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, etc.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study required.
• Enabling Technology certification(s) preferred; ability to achieve ETIS certification within 6 months required. 
• Additional certification(s), including ETL may be required.
• Minimum three years of experience in roles focused on technology strategy, implementation, and organizational transformation.  A combination of education and experience deemed appropriate to perform position standards may be approved by the Chief Program Officer. 
• Demonstrated success in leading technology-driven change initiatives is essential.
•  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required.
•  Experience within healthcare, social services, or a closely related field strongly preferred. 
• Must have a current NYS driver’s license, free of moving violations; deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.