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Day Habilitation Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY

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Day Habilitation Assistant information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$12

$17

$22

How much do day habilitation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for day habilitation assistant in Rochester, NY is $17.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a day habilitation assistant?

Day Habilitation Assistants are professionals who work with individuals with developmental disabilities to help them improve daily living skills, socialization, and independence. They typically work in day habilitation centers or community settings, supporting clients with activities like personal care, recreational activities, and skill-building exercises. Their goal is to enhance the quality of life for participants by promoting inclusion, self-sufficiency, and personal growth. Day Habilitation Assistants often collaborate with other care staff and families to create individualized plans that meet each person's unique needs.

What does a day habilitation assistant do?

Day Habilitation Assistants typically help adults with developmental disabilities engage in meaningful activities that promote independence and social skills. Daily tasks often include assisting clients with personal care, leading group activities such as arts, crafts, or exercise, and supporting community outings. The role also involves documenting progress and collaborating closely with supervisors, therapists, and family members to ensure each client's individual program plan is followed. This hands-on work requires patience, creativity, and strong communication skills, making it rewarding for those who value building positive relationships and fostering growth in others.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a day habilitation assistant?

To thrive as a Day Habilitation Assistant, you need a high school diploma or equivalent and a solid understanding of supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Familiarity with individual service plans (ISPs), basic first aid, and sometimes CPR certification are typically required. Patience, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to encourage independence make someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for fostering a safe, supportive environment that promotes participants' personal growth and well-being.

What is the difference between Day Habilitation Assistant vs Direct Support Professional?

AspectDay Habilitation AssistantDirect Support Professional
CertificationsTypically requires a high school diploma and may need CPR/First AidSimilar certifications, often including CPR/First Aid
Work EnvironmentDay programs for individuals with developmental disabilitiesResidential, community, or day programs supporting individuals with disabilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, or private providers in disability servicesSame as Day Habilitation Assistant, often overlapping roles

Both roles support individuals with disabilities, often in similar settings, and share comparable certification requirements. The main difference lies in the specific program focus: Day Habilitation Assistants work primarily in day programs, while Direct Support Professionals may work in various settings including residential homes. Understanding these distinctions can help job seekers find the right fit for their skills and career goals.

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Day Habilitation Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Day Habilitation Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Day Habilitation Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,328 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Day Habilitation and Respite Manager

Rochester, NY

The Fedcap Group
Non-Profits • 1 - 5K employees

$27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

What You'll Do

As the Day Habilitation (DayHab) and Respite Manager at Easterseals New York (ESNY), in collaboration with the Recreation Coordinator, you will oversee the daily operations of the OPWDD Home and Community-Based Services Respite and Day Habilitation programs. Your primary responsibilities include ensuring the safety and well-being of all program participants and monitoring the implementation and documentation of Staff Action Plans. You will lead a team of respite providers and the DayHab Assistant Manager, ensuring that all activities align with ESNY policies, OPWDD regulations, and applicable State and Federal laws.

Your responsibilities will include:

Plan Oversight

  • Implement and monitor IPOP's, Life Plans, Staff Action Plans, and program goals to ensure alignment with participant needs and organizational standards.

Staffing Leadership

  • Recruit, mentor, and supervise team members; delegate tasks, assess performance, and provide constructive feedback to support operational excellence.

Program Support

  • Assist with treatment planning, coordinate community-based services, and design recreational activities that reflect participant interests and preferences.

Documentation & Compliance

  • Maintain accurate paper and digital records; ensure adherence to HIPAA and other applicable regulations; input and manage data within electronic systems.

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Cultivate strong relationships with families and community organizations to enhance support services and promote collaborative care.

Behavioral Support

  • Provide compassionate and professional services to individuals with complect behavioral challenges, fostering a safe and supportive environment.

Operational Coordination

  • Oversee program budgets and materials; manage logistics and resources to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

Residential Support

  • Facilitate and coordinate residential intakes, transitions, and discharges; Maintain and obtain social services benefits for all residents (SSI, Medicaid, etc.); Communicate with OPWDD for residential needs.

You're a great fit for this role if you have:

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Services and a minimum of three (3) years' experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities (strongly preferred); OR Associate's degree with at least three (3) years' experience in the same field.
  • At least three (3) years' professional experience in a public or private organization in a leadership, coordination, or program management role.
  • Proven ability to oversee and support service delivery in compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
  • Strong understanding of operational procedures, documentation practices, and service coordination.
  • A minimum of two (2) years' experience in direct support is a plus.
  • A valid driver's license (required).

Compensation & Benefits

  • Compensation: $27 Per hour
  • Benefits
    • Health insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
    • Paid time off (Vacation, Sick, Floating)
    • Retirement plan 403(b)
    • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
    • Commuter Benefits
    • Life/Accident insurance
    • Short-term Disability Insurance
    • Long-term Disability Insurance
    • Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

Who We Are

The mission of Easterseals New York is to spread help, hope, and answers. We operate programs that enable people with special needs to achieve equality, dignity, and independence in their own communities. We provide exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. We change the way the world defines and views disability by making profound, positive differences in people's lives every day. In Rochester, NY, we operate The Kessler Center, an approved private special education (853) school offering both residential (CRP) and day placements for students with developmental disabilities. The Kessler Center is an available option for school districts seeking an out-of-district placement for students who need an alternative educational path due to their developmental disabilities. The Kessler Center has broad expertise working with students across the entire range of developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, as well as with children who struggle with behavioral challenges. In addition to The Kessler Center, we operate a DayHab program and provide respite care.
Easterseals New York joined The Fedcap Group in 2015.    
Website: www.Easterseals.com/newyork

The Fedcap Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We are an EEO employer committed to diversity.