Senior Residence Program Specialist

Why Join ADAPT?

It's more than a job; it's a calling. It's where passion meets purpose. ADAPT Community Network, formerly United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of NYC provides a multitude of services to people with developmental disabilities. At ADAPT, we are 3,000 strong, and it takes every one of us to empower the lives of the people we support. With caring and great resources at hand, we know what it takes to help people live fuller, happier, healthier lives. Our employees show their commitment to the people we support every day, and we all deliver on our promise to provide innovative and comprehensive services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

For your next career move, apply with us at ADAPT Community Network! Wherever you work among our many locations around New York City, ADAPT offers paid training, competitive benefits, and we foster a team culture of learning, support, collaboration and career growth.

SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the program director or designee, the Senior Residence Program Specialist provides direct support, guidance, and advocacy to individuals living in Human First’s residential programs, promoting independence, dignity, and personal growth. This position plays a key leadership role within the residence by supporting daily operations, modeling best practices for Residence Program Specialists, and assisting with scheduling and shift assignments. The Senior Residence Program Specialist contributes to creating a safe, respectful, and homelike environment consistent with each resident’s person-centered goals, agency policies, and OPWDD regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Residence Program Specialist will include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provide direct care and individualized supports that promote independence in daily living, community participation, communication, social skills, and personal growth.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive residential environment while ensuring adherence to all safety, health, and regulatory requirements.
• Support residents with personal care as needed, including toileting, bathing, grooming, dressing, and hygiene.
• Train and coach residents in daily living skills, household routines, and community engagement activities.
• Assist with meal planning, meal preparation, and grocery shopping, following dietary guidelines as needed.
• Model appropriate interactions and best practices for Residence Program Specialists and assist with their orientation and training.
• Provide guidance to Residence Program Specialists in the absence of the Residence Manager and/or Case Manager.
• Participate fully in the development and implementation of residents’ individual plans and behavior support strategies.
• Maintain complete, timely, and accurate documentation including progress notes, incident reports, shift notes, and logs.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to medical emergencies, behavioral situations, and crisis events, using approved OPWDD crisis prevention and intervention strategies.
• Administer medications in accordance with AMAP certification, agency protocol, and nursing oversight.
• Communicate effectively with residents, families, coworkers, clinical team members, and supervisory staff.
• Transport residents using agency vehicles to medical appointments, day programs, community outings, shopping, or other activities.
• Ensure actions and supports are delivered in a manner that prevents abuse and follow all mandated reporting requirements.
• Participate in team meetings, mandatory in-service trainings, and supervision sessions.
• Assist with housekeeping, laundry, light maintenance, and household tasks to maintain a clean and comfortable environment.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding resident information, records, and agency operations.
• Assist with preparing work schedules and assigning shifts to Residence Program Specialists, as requested by management.
• Direct questions, concerns, and incidents to the appropriate supervisory personnel.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• At least two years of related experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities is preferred.
• Must be current and approved as Medication Administration Personnel (AMAP) or able to obtain certification within required time frame.
• Valid New York State Driver’s License and ability to maintain it in good standing.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Strong interpersonal skills required to interact effectively with residents, families, coworkers, and external partners.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to model professional conduct and act as a resource for other direct support staff.
• Strong judgment and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to remain calm, supportive, and effective when responding to emergencies or behavioral situations.

COMPENSATION: $21.26/hour + Industry-Leading Benefits! 

At ADAPT, we value diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. We strive to ensure that our employees are comfortable bringing their whole, authentic self to work and that the people we support can also be their authentic selves. We value diverse backgrounds, opinions, ideas, and ways of thinking. We aim to build an inclusive and diverse workforce that is empowered and supported with leaders who create diverse and inclusive teams. We continuously seek opportunities for the organization to foster a more positive, respected, united, and collaborative culture.

ADAPT Community Network is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds and status are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.