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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Maintenance Specialist
$20.50 - $28.25/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 ...
Maintenance Specialist
$20.50 - $28.25/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 ...
Day Hab Assistant Coordinator
Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site
$19.84 - $21.84/hr
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 ...
Day Hab Assistant Coordinator
Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site
$19.84 - $21.84/hr
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 ...
RN - Residential Services- Dutchess County
Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site
$35.70 - $39.70/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 ...
RN - Residential Services- Dutchess County
Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site
$35.70 - $39.70/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 ...
Physical Therapist - Educational Learning Center in New Windsor, NY
New Windsor, NY · On-site
$100K/yr
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 ...
Physical Therapist - Educational Learning Center in New Windsor, NY
New Windsor, NY · On-site
$100K/yr
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 ...
RN - Residential Services- Dutchess County
Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site
$35.70 - $39.70/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 ...
RN - Residential Services- Dutchess County
Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site
$35.70 - $39.70/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 ...
Employment Specialist
Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site
$18.67 - $20.67/hr
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 ...
Employment Specialist
Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site
$18.67 - $20.67/hr
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 ...
Occupational Therapist - Myers Corners Education Center
Wappingers Falls, NY · On-site
$65K - $66K/yr
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 ...
Occupational Therapist - Myers Corners Education Center
Wappingers Falls, NY · On-site
$65K - $66K/yr
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 ...
Substitute Teacher Aide - Hyde Park Education Center
Hyde Park, NY · On-site
$16.88 - $18.88/hr
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 ...
Substitute Teacher Aide - Hyde Park Education Center
Hyde Park, NY · On-site
$16.88 - $18.88/hr
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 ...
Maintenance Specialist
$20.50 - $28.25/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 ...
Maintenance Specialist
$20.50 - $28.25/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 ...
School Receptionist/Secretary
Middletown, NY · On-site
$17.20 - $18.20/hr
Abilities First, Inc., has been making a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities for almost sixty years. We offer a wide variety of services including school and preschool ...
School Receptionist/Secretary
Middletown, NY · On-site
$17.20 - $18.20/hr
Abilities First, Inc., has been making a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities for almost sixty years. We offer a wide variety of services including school and preschool ...
Day Hab Assistant Coordinator
Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site
$19.84 - $21.84/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 ...
Day Hab Assistant Coordinator
Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site
$19.84 - $21.84/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 ...
Employment Specialist
Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site
$18.67 - $20.67/hr
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 ...
Employment Specialist
Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site
$18.67 - $20.67/hr
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 ...
Walk-In Interviews - Poughkeepsie School Program
Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site
$17.82 - $19.82/hr
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 ...
Walk-In Interviews - Poughkeepsie School Program
Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site
$17.82 - $19.82/hr
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 ...
Preschool Special Education Teacher - New Windsor
New Windsor, NY · On-site
$57K - $58K/yr
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 ...
Preschool Special Education Teacher - New Windsor
New Windsor, NY · On-site
$57K - $58K/yr
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 ...
Substitute Teacher Aide / Teacher Assistant - LaGrange School Program
Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site
$16.88 - $18.88/hr
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 ...
Substitute Teacher Aide / Teacher Assistant - LaGrange School Program
Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site
$16.88 - $18.88/hr
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 ...
Preschool Special Education Teacher - Hyde Park Education Center, UPK Program
Hyde Park, NY · On-site
$52K - $53K/yr
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 ...
Preschool Special Education Teacher - Hyde Park Education Center, UPK Program
Hyde Park, NY · On-site
$52K - $53K/yr
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 ...
Temporary Teacher Aide - Middletown
$16.88 - $18.88/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 ...
Temporary Teacher Aide - Middletown
$16.88 - $18.88/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 ...
Part-Time Job Coach School to Work, Monday- Thursday
Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site
$16.25 - $21.25/hr
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 ...
Part-Time Job Coach School to Work, Monday- Thursday
Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site
$16.25 - $21.25/hr
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 ...
Ability First information
See salary details
$13.46 - $14.53
6% of jobs
$14.53 - $15.60
14% of jobs
$16.11 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$15.60 - $16.67
11% of jobs
$16.67 - $17.74
15% of jobs
$17.74 - $18.82
4% of jobs
The median wage is $18.95 / hr.
$18.82 - $19.89
4% of jobs
$19.89 - $20.96
5% of jobs
$20.96 - $22.03
6% of jobs
$22.03 - $23.10
8% of jobs
$23.20 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$23.10 - $24.17
14% of jobs
$24.17 - $25.24
13% of jobs
$13
$19
$25
How much do ability first jobs pay per hour?
What is Ability First?
What are the typical responsibilities and team dynamics for a direct support professional at Ability First?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Ability First support worker, and why are they important?
What is the difference between Ability First vs Job Coach?
| Aspect | Ability First | Job Coach |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Supports individuals with disabilities to develop skills and increase independence | Provides personalized training and guidance to help clients succeed in specific jobs |
| Work Environment | Community centers, rehabilitation facilities, or nonprofit organizations | Worksites, training centers, or client homes |
| Required Credentials | Varies; often a high school diploma or relevant experience | Typically a certification in career counseling or vocational rehabilitation |
| Industry Usage | Nonprofit, social services, disability support | Employment 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:

Physical Therapist - Educational Learning Center in New Windsor, NY
New Windsor, NY
$100K/yr
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement
Re-posted 13 days ago
Job description
Description
Who We AreÂ
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.Â
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.Â
Who We NeedÂ
Abilities First is seeking a Physical Therapist for our Educational Learning Experience Program located in New Windsor NY. Positions are 48 weeks per year on a School Calendar which includes a 6 week summer program. Benefits include On-demand payment: get Paid for hours worked next day, paid holidays, school vacations, sick, personal and snow days. We offer continuing education, health, dental and vision. Â
Schedule: This position follows the school calendar, Monday-Friday, 8:30am to 4:00 pm; 35 hours per week with a 6 week summer program. Â
Pay Range: Â
$84,000 with a Master's degreeÂ
$100,800 with a DPT Â
Credit given for experience including ATP, NDT & SI Certification. Â
Responsibilities:Â
- Evaluates those students on assigned caseload and determines appropriate program goals (both long and short term).Â
- Evaluates new referrals to determine need for service/appropriate level of service.Â
- Provides direct treatment to students on assigned caseload.Â
- Schedules assigned caseload in conjunction with classroom staff and other related services.Â
- Submits all written documentation in accordance with School and Preschool policies. Must adhere to paperwork deadlines, agency forms, and content.Â
- Periodically reassesses student's progress toward goals and adjusts goals as necessary.Â
- Assesses student's need for equipment (in collaboration with clinical and educational staff).Â
- Responsible for recommending, fabricating, and adapting equipment for assigned caseload, according to Abilities First, Inc. policies and with assistance from equipment technician as indicated.Â
- Communicates regularly with parents, classroom staff and related service personnel regarding individual student's program and progress.Â
- Instructs parents, classroom staff and related service personnel in proper positioning, lifting and carrying techniques, ambulation and transfer techniques, and activities to otherwise implement carryover of treatment goals.Â
- Informs appropriate staff and parents/primary caregivers of need for periodic reassessment by the child's physician.Â
- Participates in staff meetings, team meetings, and parent/teacher conferences as indicated.Â
- Supervises Physical Therapy Assistants, as assigned by administrative staff through weekly meetings.Â
- Trains and supervises affiliating student physical therapists, as assigned by administrative staff regarding department policy, professional conduct, evaluation and treatment.Â
- Attends CSE annual reviews as requested to provide input relating to child's therapy needs in educational setting.Â
- Assists in maintenance of treatment sites.Â
- Provides department in-service when indicated.Â
- Adheres to APTA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.Â
- Demonstrates proficiency in all goals and skillsets outlined in the NYS DSP Core Competencies, on which performance will be evaluated.Â
- Ensures all required trainings and certifications required are current, and seeks further support and training where needed.Â
- 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.Â
- Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and the safety of others.Â
- Performs other appropriate job-related activities as requested by your supervisor or as circumstances warrant.Â
- Will incorporate CORE concepts of CQL's 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.Â
Perks & Benefits:Â Â
- Time to Recharge - Personal, sick, and holidays built around the school calendarÂ
- Health & Wellness - Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you coveredÂ
- Plan for The Future - 401(k) with employer match and employer-paid life insuranceÂ
- Level Up Your Skills- Tuition reimbursement and online training through the College of Direct Support (and to boost your earning potential)Â
- Get Paid When You Need It - On Demand Pay gives you access to earnings as early as the next dayÂ
- Exclusive Extras - Employee discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, and more Â
Requirements
- Masters Degree or PhD in Physical Therapy from an accredited school.
- Licensed with N.Y.S. Department of Education.
- Clean driver's license that is deemed "acceptable" by our insurance carrier.
- Handle with Care, CPR, SFA, and Med Certification a plus. Ability to obtain these certifications required.
- Background check by NYS OPWDD required.
- Lifting and maneuvering of individuals is required.