ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Ability First Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ABILITIES FIRST, INC

Employment Specialist

Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site

$18.67 - $20.67/hr

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAbility First Jobs

Ability First information

See salary details

$13

$19

$25

How much do ability first jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for ability first in the United States is $19.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Ability First?

Ability First is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities to achieve their personal best. They provide a wide range of programs and services, including employment assistance, social and recreational activities, and independent living support. Their mission is to empower people with disabilities to reach their full potential and enhance their quality of life. Ability First operates in various communities, offering resources for both children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities.

What are the typical responsibilities and team dynamics for a direct support professional at Ability First?

As a Direct Support Professional at Ability First, your daily responsibilities typically include assisting individuals with developmental disabilities in achieving greater independence and participating in community activities. You will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team—including program coordinators, therapists, and other support professionals—to design and follow individualized support plans. The work environment is supportive and team-oriented, with regular meetings to discuss progress and share best practices. A common challenge is balancing individualized attention with group activities, but ongoing training and strong team communication help you succeed and grow professionally.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Ability First support worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Ability First support worker, you need a background in disability support, knowledge of care plans, and relevant certifications such as a Certificate III or IV in Disability or Individual Support. Familiarity with assistive technologies, incident reporting systems, and first aid certification is typically required. Compassion, patience, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help build trust and effectively support clients with diverse needs. These skills and qualities are vital for promoting client independence, ensuring safety, and delivering person-centered care.

What is the difference between Ability First vs Job Coach?

AspectAbility FirstJob Coach
Primary RoleSupports individuals with disabilities to develop skills and increase independenceProvides personalized training and guidance to help clients succeed in specific jobs
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, rehabilitation facilities, or nonprofit organizationsWorksites, training centers, or client homes
Required CredentialsVaries; often a high school diploma or relevant experienceTypically a certification in career counseling or vocational rehabilitation
Industry UsageNonprofit, social services, disability supportEmployment services, vocational rehabilitation, workforce development

Ability First focuses on empowering individuals with disabilities through broad support and skill development, while a Job Coach provides targeted, hands-on assistance to help clients succeed in specific employment settings. Both roles are essential in the disability and employment sectors but serve different functions within the support system.

What cities are hiring for Ability First jobs?

Cities with the most Ability First job openings:

What states have the most Ability First jobs?

States with the most job openings for Ability First jobs include:

Ability First jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ability First job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,972 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Ability First Job Coach

Goodwill Industries of Michiana - North Central

La Porte, IN

$16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

The Ability First Job Coach provides hands-on, individualized support to people facing barriers to employment through personalized, on-the-job coaching and guidance. In this role, you’ll work closely with participants as they transition into and grow within competitive, community-based jobs, helping them build skills, confidence, and independence along the way. The focus is on creating positive, lasting employment experiences and supporting long-term success in the workplace. This position works under the guidance of the Senior Director of Mission Services, who conducts annual performance evaluations.
This position reports to the Senior Director of Mission Services and plays a key role in advancing Goodwill’s mission to empower people to achieve their most abundant life. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to the organization’s core values: Relentless Pursuit of Excellence, Customer First Mindset, Humble Confidence, Passion for Mission, and Doing the Right Thing.Compensation:

$16 hourly


Responsibilities:
  • Communicate participant needs and progress updates to the Ability First team for timely intervention and support
  • Support participants during job site orientation and assist with completion of all required documentation
  • Advocate for participants on the job and help address workplace concerns to support long-term success and job retention
  • Maintain a high level of professionalism while providing consistent, person-centered support
  • Lead and participate in discovery activities to uncover vocational interests and identify potential job opportunities
  • Get to know each participant by assessing their strengths, skills, challenges, and any barriers to employment
  • Complete and submit weekly timesheets for participants engaged in Situational Assessments and Work Experience programs
  • Track and document participant progress, performance, and workplace behaviors through clear and detailed case notes
  • Ensure compliance with funding requirements by providing accurate billing information to Case Managers

Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent, or the ability to obtain through The Excel Center
  • Must be able to pass a background check and drug screening
  • Reliable transportation required, along with a valid driver’s license and current proof of insurance for travel between job sites
  • At least one year of relevant experience as a job coach (or similar position) is required
  • Demonstrated ability to motivate and support individuals, with an understanding of the unique needs of people with disabilities
  • Highly detail-oriented, with the ability to keep accurate and organized records of participant activities and hours
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact professionally across diverse settings
  • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently, manage schedules effectively, and meet strict deadlines

About Company

At Goodwill Industries - Central-North Indiana, our mission extends beyond providing job opportunities and community support. We are driven by a passionate commitment to creating an environment where innovation, enthusiasm, and collaboration flourish.

We believe that our success stems from the vibrant, people-focused culture we cultivate. Our team is dynamic, energetic, and dedicated to making a real difference. We celebrate creativity and value those who bring a positive, engaging presence to everything they do. Here, you’ll find a place where your ideas are encouraged, your voice is heard, and your influence has the power to inspire and effect meaningful change.

Join us at Goodwill Industries, where you’ll be part of a forward-thinking team that values your unique strengths and contributions. Here, you’ll find a workplace that not only aligns with your values but also empowers you to lead, innovate, and thrive.