Services Program

Overview

Begin your NEW career at Abilities First!

HIRING EVENT FOR EMPLOYMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT WALK-IN INTERVIEWS. Looking for a new change? Want to turn a new page in your professional career? Look no further! On the spot interviews for full positions!

We’re holding a walk-in interview event on Friday January 23, 2026, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Event

Location:

Abilities First Inc, 70 Overocker Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.

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. If you’re ready to turn your passion into purpose, we’d love to welcome you aboard.

We re hiring…

• Vocational Specialist (Job Coach) — Poughkeepsie. Abilities First is seeking a full time Vocational Specialist. This position is responsible for training, supervision, and ensuring quality performance of assigned employees (persons receiving services) in community job sites in a positive and creative manner.
• Schedule: Monday – Friday Day Shift 40 hours per week
• Salary range $17.90-$19.90 per hour
• School to Work Vocational Specialist — This position works with students ages 14 – 21 receiving special education services, facilitating the transition from highly supported school environment to adult work life. Our School to Work Program provides mentoring and assistance, assessing each student’s strengths, areas of interest, and areas of need. Work-study opportunities are arranged as hands-on, unpaid work experiences, similar to “internships” in an area of interest the student determines.
• Schedule: Monday - Thursday 7:45am - 4:00pm and Friday 8am - 2pm (37 hours per week)
• Salary range $18.16-$20.16
• Employment Specialist — This position is responsible for the training, supervision and completion of tasks at community based work sites while the individual is in the intensive phase of ACCES-VR and OPWDD Employment training Program (ETP) sponsorship. The Employment Specialist is also responsible for submitting quality documentation as required as well as accounting for all time spent supporting, training, and providing transportation for individuals receiving funding from ACCES-VR and OPWDD Employment Training Program (ETP) in the intensive phase of employment.
• Schedule: 40 hours, Day shift with flexibility needed to include evenings and weekends to meet the employer’s needs.
• Salary Range
  Employment Specialist I $18.16- $20.16 per hour
  Employment Specialist II $18.67- $20.67 per hour

• 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

• All positions require High School Diploma or equivalent
• Valid NYS Driver License deemed acceptable by our insurance company is required
• Related field experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities

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…