Paid Student Internship Jobs in Poughkeepsie, NY

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. 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.

Position Summary: Abilities First is seeking a full time 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

Position Standards:

• Complete all assessment documentation for review by School to Work Services Coordinator, school personnel and parents.
• Establish specific individual goals for each student based on interests, strengths, and demonstrated needs for support.
• Assume responsibility for training, supervision, and support to insure reaching individual goals for each student.
• Attend all relevant meetings both at IES and School.
• Observe each students activity, behavior, and progress and report to Coordinator on a daily basis. Share information pre-actively with school personnel and parents as directed.
• Analyze all skills to be taught and/or observed and teach through recommended training techniques.
• Respond in a positive manner to requests for additional supports and/or training.
• Advocate for each students ongoing success in a positive, creative, and pro-active manner.
• Assume driving responsibilities when requested and transport students and/or adults as necessary.
• When between assignments or during other periods of time away for sites, perform the following as assigned: meet with school personnel to apprise them of student progress at annual reviews, issues, etc., lend support to other staff members of this department which may mean assisting at a job site.
• Assist, as directed, with student screening for program readiness, site development and coordination.
• Adhere to the agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior.
• Follow all agency policy and procedures.
• Performs other appropriate job related activities as requested by the supervisor or as circumstances warrant.
• Supports the agency vision and mission.
• Consistently exhibit the qualities of a committed and professional employee including but not limited to: respect towards others, strive for excellence, teamwork, and unity.

Perks & Benefits:

• 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

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in education, human services, or related field a plus; alternate combination of education & experience considered.
• Experience with special education preferred with practical, working knowledge of the special education system.
• A reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license deemed “acceptable” by our insurance carrier.
• Possess verbal and written communication skills in English to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.
• Have the ability to stand and walk for long periods of time.
• Have the ability to push and pull individuals in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot, and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques), with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Valid NYS driver's license deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier

Physical demands:

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 to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job. Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, in order to perform the essential functions of this job, an individual shall be required to:

1. Have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques).
2. Lift individuals by using appropriate techniques, including but not limited to usage of tools to assist, such as the Hoyer Lift.
3. Assist individuals in ambulation by providing physical assistance, including use of a gait belt or other equipment where necessary.
4. Have the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
5. Have the ability to push, pull, and maneuver adults in wheelchairs.
6. Possess verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.

At Abilities First, we recognize that talent and potential come in many forms. If this position inspires you but your experience does not align with every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role—or another opportunity within our organization