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 programs and residential services , 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 Assistant Residential Program Manager for the Ermo IRA located in Poughkeepsie. The Assistant Residential Program Manager is responsible for providing and ensuring continuous, meaningful active treatment is taking place at all times in the home(s). This position acts as a positive role model for staff and residents as well as, promoting positive teamwork, training, and coaching for staff and residents. This position provides routine and emergency communications between residents, direct care staff, relevant clinicians, other service providers, and administrative department to ensure safe, effective, and comprehensive services within the program. The Assistant Residential Program Manager will possess or be willing and able to obtain, certifications in ostomy care, G-tube management, insulin administration, and medication administration, as required by program needs

Full-Time  Non-Exempt  

 Standard Schedule: Tuesday –Saturday , 3pm-11pm

Location: Ermo IRA

 Pay Range: $21.25-$23.65 per hour

Depending on the needs of the program, additional certifications (training provided) for med administration $1.00, insulin $.50, G-Tube $1.00 and ostomy care $.50! 

Responsibilities:

• Ensure that residents receive appropriate training, support, and supervision necessary for the acquisition of functional daily living needs, as specified in their residential habilitation plans. These include but are not limited to: Personal hygiene, Safety awareness, Money management, Socialization
• Ensure that all residents are supported in learning and making informed choices regarding their interests and goals in life.
• Assist residents with self-advocacy whenever possible and help communicate preferences to appropriate service providers.
• Communicate effectively with all staff to ensure consistency, efficiency, and follow-through of resident and program needs.
• Report to and take direction from the Residential Manager and the Program Coordinator.
• Assist with screening, selection, training/mentoring, and evaluation of residential staff as requested by the supervisor(s).
• Assist the Program Manager in ensuring the appropriate staffing ratios specific to each residential program are maintained at all times, including the completion of individual staff assignments and schedules.
• Act as the first line of contact for program staff, including callouts, while on shift. On-call responsibilities are retained by the Residential Manager/Program Coordinator.
• Assist with the organization of team-building activities amongst program clusters, including traveling to program sites within the designated residential clusters.
• Assist the Program Manager with maintaining grocery ledgers, documenting individual ledgers, and maintaining individual benefits.
• Participate in maintaining material inventories necessary to carry out program functions, including but not limited to food, clothing purchases, household, and program supplies. Follow approved purchasing procedures and keep accurate records to verify such purchases.
• Ensure that the residence and grounds are adequately maintained and well-kept by effectively communicating with the maintenance department and the Residential Manager.
• Assist in maintaining accurate records as necessary, including but not limited to: Medication administration, Residential billing daily documentation, Completion of Residential Habilitation Monthly Summaries, Medical service documentation, Incident reports, Vehicle logs
• Incorporate CORE concepts of person-centered excellence by respecting people’s concerns and responding accordingly. Use teachable moments to assist people in understanding and exercising their rights.
• Assure that all staff provide documentation for services of all kinds according to the Residential documentation procedure.
• Attend, participate, or conduct necessary meetings and training as requested by the Residential Manager.
• Provide for confidentiality of the program at all times.
• Provide an appropriate role model for residents and co-workers in dress and demeanor.
• Assist, at the request of the Residential Manager, with coordinating and maintaining the use of benefit time and the payroll process.
• Participate in staff scheduling to effectively meet program and resident needs, provide adequate coverage at all times, and avoid overtime where possible.
• Satisfactorily complete mandatory training requirements as directed by the Residential Manager and agency policy.
• Adhere to the agency's Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which requires 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.
• Ensure that employees follow the Code of Ethical and Legal Behavior and conform to the strictest standards of Corporate Compliance and HIPAA, as well as all federal, state, local, and municipal laws and regulations.
• Follow all agency policies and procedures and demonstrate continuous regard for personal safety and the safety of others.
• Perform other appropriate job-related activities as requested by your supervisor or as circumstances warrant.

Perks & Benefits:

• Time to Recharge - Vacation, personal, sick, and holiday time OR
• Time to Recharge – Personal and sick time with additional paid time off in accordance with school calendar
• Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you covered, and free Employee Assistance Program available 24/7
• Plan for The Future – Retirement savings plan options, employer-paid life insurance, and access to Free Will
• Level Up Your Skills– Tuition reimbursement and career development training opportunities
• Get Paid When You Need It – On Demand Pay gives you access to earnings as early as the next day
• Make a Difference and Be Recognized! – We celebrate our team through staff appreciation events, employee awards, team celebrations, and ongoing recognition of exceptional performance and service.
• And More!

*Eligibility requirements may apply

• Minimum one-year experience working with developmentally disabled individuals required; minimum one-year supervisory experience preferred.
• Current SCIP, First Aid, CPR, AMAP and any other additional certifications preferred; ability to achieve and maintain these certifications required.
• High school diploma or GED is required; college coursework related to human services or vocational training such as PCA, HHA, or CNA is preferred. A combination of education and experience that qualifies the individual, in the view of the employer, may be acceptable.
• Reliable transportation is needed. Must have a current NYS driver’s license, free of moving violations (amendable to Class E); deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.

Physical demands:
Described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job successfully 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, 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, turn in the knees, pivot, and grasp with both hands (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 the usage of tools to assist, such as the Hoyer Lift.
• Assist individuals in ambulation by providing physical assistance, including the use of a gait belt or other equipment where necessary.
• Have the ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Have the ability to push, pull, and maneuver adults in wheelchairs.
• Possess verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.

 NOTE: The salary range represents the expected range of compensation for this position exclusive of fringe benefits or other job specific stipends where applicable. The actual starting salary for the successful candidate will be based on qualifications, experience, skills, education, internal equity, and other job-related factors. Not all candidates will qualify for the maximum range.