Employment

1:1 Aide/Teacher’s Aide (Golisano Autism Center)

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The Golisano Autism Center is transforming the delivery of autism services in the region. A comprehensive, enriched and innovative new model co-locates resources offered by multiple providers, experts in ASD knowledge, and in their specific services areas. Multiple autism service providers work collaboratively under one roof at the Golisano Autism Center. Happiness House offers preschool and daycare programs on site.

 

Full Time, Part Time, Substitute/School Year positions at the Golisano Autism Center in Rochester, NY.  School Year Positions follows the school calendar and includes the 6-week summer session. The Teacher’s Aide is a key component in the classroom in ensuring the day’s activities are prepared. The Teacher’s Aide provides overall support to the teacher(s) and children in the classroom.

 

Required Education and Experience:

1. High School Diploma or equivalent.

2. Experience with young children preferred.

3. Knowledge of classroom management preferred.

4. Must have demonstrated commitment to performing job duties and tasks at a high level of performance.

 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Performs non-instructional duties under the supervision of the classroom teacher.

2. Assists the classroom teacher in all children’s activities throughout the day.

3. Supervises children at all times, including during busing and transitional activities.

4. Assists in physical care tasks and health related activities as appropriate.

5. Assists children with behavioral/management needs.

6. Functions as a positive, contributing member of the classroom team.

7. Attends appropriate meetings as determined by the classroom teacher and Program Director.

8. Demonstrates consistent, nurturing manner toward all children.

9. Assists with classroom preparation/set-up and the management of classroom materials and equipment.

10. Assists in the preparation of children’s meals and snacks.  Assists with classroom cleanup as needed before/after meals and during the day as needed.

11. Shares all relevant information related to classroom children obtained from various sources with the classroom teacher.

12. Performs classroom duties as assigned by the classroom teacher or teaching assistant.

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Community Habilitation Specialist​

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Part time (20-25 hours) vacancy available in the Canandaigua area.

 

Duties include but are not limited to:

1. Provides assistance and training to program participants to help them acquire daily living skills which will enable these individuals to better function in their living community or in a more independent living situation.

2. Provides functional assessment of a wide variety of life skills and provides appropriate feedback to program participants with regard to strengths, areas to develop and barriers to overcome.

3. Develops appropriate service plan goals and activities to help consumers reach their goals.

4. Accompanies program participants to locations in the community to help them learn how to access and utilize community resources, including health and safety resources.

5. Assist program participants in accessing recreational and social activities, thus enabling them to utilize their leisure time appropriately.

 

Qualified Candidates Require:

1. High School Diploma or equivalent.

2. Knowledge of community resources and means of accessing these resources.

3. Valid NYS driver’s license.

4. Demonstrates basic reasoning and writing skills.

5. 6 months experience working with individuals with disabilities providing habilitation or rehabilitation and independent living skills training.​

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Early Childhood Education Teacher **$3,000 Signing Bonus**

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Full Time/10 Month position (37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday during program hours) at our Geneva site. This position follows the school calendar with vacations coinciding with school breaks. This position offers a competitive salary with a comprehensive benefits package including 10 Paid Holidays, Sick and Personal Time, Matching 403b, Health, Dental, Vision, and more!

 

Early Childhood Education Teacher teaches young children in an integrated preschool classroom with the Special Education Teacher.  Creates and maintains a structured and effective program and safe environment that provides for the individual development needs of the children.

 

Qualifications:          

 1.Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education with NYS certification in Childhood Education.  Early Childhood Certification (Birth-Grade 2) preferred.

 2.Experience working with young children.

 3.Knowledge of child development and student learning.

 4.Knowledge of content and instructional planning and implementation.

 5.Proficient computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.

 6.Must have demonstrated commitment to performing job duties and tasks at a high level of performance.

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Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Ensure a meaningful and individualized educational experience for all students.

2. Administers developmental assessments to all students to gather data to determine how to meet the individual development needs of the children.

3. Works with the Special Education Teacher to coordinate a structured program and safe environment that provides for the individual development needs of the children.

4. Coordinates daily and weekly lesson plans with the Special Education Teacher that are available for review by the Program Director or the Education Coordinator.

5. Maintains all necessary paperwork in portfolios for each child.

6. Participates in all parent-teacher conferences for children in the New Friends program.

7. Attends all team, discipline, and staff meetings as designated.

8. Creates lesson plans using NYS Learning Standards and agency-selected curriculum.

9. Supervises classroom paraprofessionals, aides and assistants, students, volunteers, and others involved in helping capacities with input from the Special Education Teacher.

10. Completes annual performance appraisals for paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, and teacher aides with input from the Special Education Teacher.

11. Schedules parent and family classroom visits in conjunction with the Special Education Teacher.

12. Develops an annual inventory of all classroom equipment and supplies together with the Special Education Teacher

 

 

 

Personal Advocate

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The Personal Advocate works directly with the individual(s) assigned to his/her care as well as with the individual’s family to develop a meaningful relationship based on trust and shared experiences. This stable relationship developed over time will provide the individual with an advocate who understands the individual’s strengths and needs and his/her likes, dislikes and preferences.

This is a Part Time position (10 hours per week) – days and hours of work are determined by the individuals’ needs and schedule. May include evening and weekend hours.

 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Maintains confidentiality of information relating to individuals and their families in accordance with agency policies and applicable laws and regulations;

2. Assists the individual in obtaining high quality programs, services, choices and opportunities that embrace his/her own interest, goals and family traditions;

3. Assists the individual in his/her short-term planning with an eye on long-term life plan goals being met;

4. Routinely spends time with the individual engaged in: recreation, socialization, faith-based activities, special cares (eg.; haircuts, etc.) and special events/holidays such as graduations, performances, birthday celebrations and holidays;

5. Obtains routine updates on how the individual is doing across all programs/services in which the individual is involved;

6. Assists the individual in obtaining stable access and appropriate supports for basic needs (e.g., housing, personal care, food, health care, etc.);

7. Assists in the effort to make sure that the individual’s rights (those afforded to all individuals as well as those guaranteed by service delivery systems and insurance providers) are honored/protected;

8. Attends medical appointments and/or obtains and reviews information from providers regarding medical care and scheduled follow up;

9. Attends planning meetings to participate in the process of making sure that the individual’s interests, desires, abilities and needs are reflected in plans;

10. Acts as the individual’s primary advocate regarding service systems provided by the Office of Persons with Developmental Disabilities and the New York State Department of Education, when appropriate and approved in advance by the agency;

11. Assists the individual in making sure that the individual's fiscal plan includes sufficient money for day-to-day activities as well as saving for special items/events such as larger purchases, vacations and the like;

12. Assists the individual in obtaining appropriate representation regarding legal matters.

 

Required Education and Experience:

1. High school diploma or equivalent;

2. Knowledge of community resources and means of accessing these resources;

3. A minimum of one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities providing habilitation or independent living skills training;

4. Outstanding leadership and communication skills, demonstrated skills and abilities in program planning/evaluation, fiscal and project management, quality assurance and continuous quality improvement programs;

5. Ability to effectively develop teams and work within interdisciplinary teams to enhance customer service and service delivery is necessary; and

6. Valid NYS driver’s license with clean driving record.

7. Must have reliable transportation.

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Personal Care Aide (PCA/HHA)

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Numerous positions available working at our Canandaigua site, as well as occasionally in the community. Shifts vary – must be available evening and weekends. Agency vehicle provided for transportation. Includes paid sick leave. Pay Rate: $16.20 per hour.

 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Provides care in accordance with the Plan of Care and physician’s orders; after supervising RN has approved the individual to provide said care.  The following cares may be provided by a Personal Care Aide (PCA):

          a.  Assistance and training for daily living skills; dressing, bathing, feeding and grooming.

          b. Light cleaning, dusting, vacuuming and dishes.

          c.​ Shopping and running errands.

          d. Preparation of meals for regular and simple modified diets.

          e. Placement of and/or removal of elastic stockings, braces, splints, slings,      prostheses.

          f. Obtain a weight.

         g. Assist with self-administration of oral medications (remind individual, read label, bring medication to the individual, open container, and/or provide a drink).

         h. Clean a stable wound with soap and water and apply a clean dry dressing.

  2. Acts as a role model for program participants by interacting with people in a manner, which will assist these individuals in developing appropriate social behaviors necessary for successful community living.

  3. Assists with implementation of behavior modification plans as needed.

  4. Participates in case conferences upon request.

  5. Provides any personal care tasks as directed by the supervising RN under the plan of care.

  6. Maintains necessary records and case notes as requested and within required format and deadlines.

  7. Communicates regularly with agency personnel to provide opportunities for exchange of information and discussion of concerns.

 

Required Education and Experience

1. High School Diploma or equivalent

2. Certification as a Personal Care Aide (PCA), Home Health Aide (HHA) in New York State, or eligible to challenge the PCA via having 6 months of hands on care experience as listed in “1 a-h” under responsibilities of position.

3. Knowledge of community resources and means of accessing these services

4. Valid NYS driver’s license/dependable vehicle

5. Demonstrates basic reasoning and writing skills

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Residential Direct Support Professional (DSP)

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*Benefits included with full time positions: Paid Vacation, Personal Time, Sick Time, 10 Paid Holidays, 403b, Health & Dental Insurance + more!!*

 

Full time, part time and relief positions located in Stanley, NY (between Geneva and Canandaigua) in a residential setting for teens and young adults with disabilities. The DSP provides safety and supervision of all individuals focusing on fulfilling the Agency’s Mission, Vision and Values, and providing services which meet or exceed the goals of the individual, department and the agency. Evening and overnight shifts may be required.

 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Provides oversight to ensure safety and supervision of residents.  May be required to stay on-shift after hours should there be an emergency, weather hazard, or other unforeseen occurrence.

2. Provides assistance, training and supervision with various activities of daily living, helping each individual to improve their ability to live more independently, while addressing specific individualized outcomes as outlined on service plan.

3. Implements health-related and medication regimens for all consumers in accordance with policies and procedures.  Implements behavior treatment plans as written, following documentation protocol as required.

4. Accompanies residents to off-site locations/activities, helping them to access and utilize community resources (i.e. grocery shopping, recreation, entertainment, medical appointments, banking, etc).

5. Assists residents with planning and accessing recreational and social activities.

6. Maintains necessary documentation as required and per agency policies.

7. Assists residents in working toward achievement of their goals, while ensuring adherence to applicable Behavioral Support Plans.

8. Manages crisis situations per agency policies and procedures, contacting Administrator on-call as necessary.

9. Ensures individual care meets or exceeds established standards in areas including personal hygiene, grooming, feeding, care and respect for individual’s belongings, room cleaning, and other daily living skills.

10. Provides emergency and first aid treatment, within their scope of training, as needed until relieved by other staff, a professional medical person, or other designated person.

Required Education and Experience:

  1. High School Diploma or GED.

  2. Experience working with special needs population preferred.

  3. Valid and clean NYS driver’s license.

  4. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

  5. Must obtain and maintain Medical Certification.

  6. Ability to complete required training classes.

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Respite Aides

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Part-time vacancies available in the Finger Lakes area.  Respite Aides provide in-home respite care to individuals as outlined by their service plan and complete and submit monthly documentation representative of the service delivered.  Respite Aides set their own schedules and work with families to set up visits at a mutually agreeable time.  Rate is $14.50 per hour.

 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Follows policies and procedures as per OPWDD guidelines.

2. Provides in-home respite care (i.e. sitter service) to individuals as outlined by the Medicaid Service Coordination service plan.

3. Reports any issues or concerns to the supervisor in a timely manner.

4. Follows agency incident procedure.

5. Completes and submits monthly documentation, representative of the service delivered.

6. Participates in conferences, workshops, and in-service training to enhance job skills and personal growth and development as determined by the Supervisor.

7. Adheres to the agency’s policies and procedures as well as department guidelines.

8. Performs other duties at the discretion of the Program Director or his/her designee.

 

 Qualified Candidates Require:

1. High School Diploma

2. Knowledge of community resources and means of accessing these services.

3. Valid NYS driver’s license/dependable vehicle.

4. Experience with special needs population.

5. Demonstrates basic reasoning and writing skills.

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Self Directed Staff – Community Habilitation and/or Respite

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Self Direction gives individuals the opportunity to choose their own services as well as the providers of services. Individuals/family chooses the staff they work with as well as a schedule that works for them. These positions can be either Part Time or Full time depending on the amount of scheduled hours per week decided on by the individual/family. These positions operate in the individual/family’s home as well as out in the community, and travel will be based on their needs.

 

Required Education and Experience:

1. High School Diploma or equivalent (required for Community Habilitation, preferred for Respite)

2. Knowledge of community resources and means of accessing these services.

3. Valid NYS driver’s license/dependable vehicle.

4. Experience with special needs population preferred.

5. Demonstrates basic reasoning and writing skills.

6. Six months experience working with individuals with disabilities providing habilitation or rehabilitation and independent living skills training preferred (for Community Habilitation).​

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Essential Functions for Respite:

1. Provides in-home respite care to individuals as outlines by the service plan.

2. Reports any issues or concerns to supervisor in a timely manner.

3. Completes and submits monthly documentation representative of the service delivered.

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Essential Functions for Community Habilitation:

1. Provides training to program participants to help them acquire daily living skills which will enable these individuals to function in more independent living situations.

2. Uses creative problem solving to help participants overcome barriers to independence.

3. Advocates for person centered planning for program participants.

4. Accompanies program participants to locations in the community to help them learn how to access and utilize community resources, including health and safety resources.

5. Assists program participants in accessing recreational and social activities, thus enabling them to utilize their leisure time appropriately.

6. Assists with implementation of behavior modification plans as needed.

7. Participates in case conferences upon request.

8. Maintains necessary records and case notes as requested.

9. Communicates individual consumer concerns relative to treatment plan, medical or safety issues to the service coordinator.

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Special Education Teacher

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***$3,000 Signing Bonus***

Full Time/School Year Position available at our Geneva site (37.5 hours per week – Monday through Friday). School Year position includes our 6-week summer program. This position follows the school calendar with vacations coinciding with school breaks. All school breaks are paid. This position offers a competitive salary with a comprehensive benefits package including 10 Paid Holidays, Sick and Personal Time, Matching 403b, Health, Dental, Vision, and more!

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Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Administers standardized assessment tools to obtain data necessary for the development of the identified special needs student’s Individual Education Program (IEP) following all NYS learning standards set forth for the Preschool student.

2. Develops Individual Education Program (IEP) goals for each child identified.  Documents progress through quarterly goal updates and amends goals as needed. 

3. Demonstrates knowledge of technology and literacy devices which enhance the instructional opportunities for individual children.

4. Organizes a structured instructional program providing for the individual developmental needs of special needs children in collaboration Teacher’s Assistant.

5. Maintains all required paperwork, including daily/monthly attendance records.

6. Adapts and modifies the early childhood curriculum/lesson plans to meet the needs of the children with special needs.

7. Participates in all parent-teacher conferences for special needs children.

8. Coordinates classroom team and planning meetings to facilitate appropriate programming for each child.

9. Participates in school district Committee on Preschool Special Education and Committee on Special Education meetings.

10. Develops 1:1 Aide plans defining roles and responsibilities of 1:1 Aides assigned to any student in the classroom.

11. Utilizes techniques/methods specific for children who require additional learning support or learning style (discrete trials, visual strategies, etc).

12. Defines programs/lessons in conjunction with the paraprofessional and Coordinator.

13. Provides feedback to classroom staff on techniques to improve student success and will train or re-train if needed to ensure the success of staff and students.

 

Qualified candidates require:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Education with NYS Certification for Students with Disabilities (Birth-Grade 2).

2. Experience with young children with developmental delays.

3. Knowledge of child development, developmental disabilities, and student learning.

4. Knowledge of content and instructional planning and implementation.

5. Proficient computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.

6. Ability to modify classroom activities to accommodate the individual needs of the children.

7. Must have demonstrated commitment to performing job duties and tasks at a high level of performance.

 

 

 

Speech Language Pathologist - Itinerant

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We are currently seeking a Speech Language Pathologist to join our team in our Children’s Services (Early Intervention and Related Services) program. This is an itinerant position and is primarily community-based and is paid on a fee-for-service basis. The schedule and hours for this position are flexible.

 

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults.

 

Therapist duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Upholds NYS Education Law/Practice Act as relating to the practice of speech therapy.

2. Performs appropriate evaluations to individuals to determine the need for speech therapy services.

3. Ensures valid prescriptions are written for all individuals on caseload.

4. Carries out treatment plans developed after evaluation, in clinic setting for the Article 16 and Article 28 outpatient clinics as well as the Preschool or School Programs, as necessary. 

5. Available to consult with other professionals such as teachers, habilitation staff, as well as other members of the interdisciplinary team as appropriate, to facilitate delivery of coordinated quality services to individuals.

6. Works with legal guardians, house staff or parents as integral members of the interdisciplinary team in the clinic, day hab or school setting, as needed.

7. Communicates with physicians, orthopedists and other medical personnel in order to facilitate evaluation and treatment of individuals.

8. Completes all paperwork in accordance with agency, program and department policies/guidelines.

9. Ensures knowledge of paperwork, Electronic Health Record and applicable Medicare and Medicaid regulations in order to provide appropriate documentation. 

10. Meets with interdisciplinary team and Program Supervisor as needed to review status and need of program modifications for individuals on caseload.

 

Required Education and Experience:

1. Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

2. New York State License in Speech Pathology.

3. Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Pathology awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association preferred.

4. Current knowledge of the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders, including consideration of anatomical/physiological, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates.

5. Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.

6. Valid NYS Driver’s License.

7. Proficient computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.

8. Must have demonstrated commitment to performing job duties and tasks at a high level of performance.

 

 

Speech Language Pathologist

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Full Time/School Year position available at our Geneva Site (37.5 hours a week – Monday through Friday). School Year includes our 6-week summer session. This position follows the school calendar with vacations coinciding with school breaks. All School Breaks are paid. This position offers a competitive salary with a comprehensive benefit package.

 

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults.

 

Therapist duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Upholds NYS Education Law/Practice Act as relating to the practice of speech therapy.

2. Performs appropriate evaluations to individuals to determine the need for speech therapy services.

3. Ensures valid prescriptions are written for all individuals on caseload.

4. Carries out treatment plans developed after evaluation, in clinic setting for the Article 16 and Article 28 outpatient clinics as well as the Preschool or School Programs, as necessary. 

5. Available to consult with other professionals such as teachers, habilitation staff, as well as other members of the interdisciplinary team as appropriate, to facilitate delivery of coordinated quality services to individuals.

6. Works with legal guardians, house staff or parents as integral members of the interdisciplinary team in the clinic, day hab or school setting, as needed.

7. Communicates with physicians, orthopedists and other medical personnel in order to facilitate evaluation and treatment of individuals.

8. Completes all paperwork in accordance with agency, program and department policies/guidelines.

9. Ensures knowledge of paperwork, Electronic Health Record and applicable Medicare and Medicaid regulations in order to provide appropriate documentation. 

10. Meets with interdisciplinary team and Program Supervisor as needed to review status and need of program modifications for individuals on caseload.

 

Required Education and Experience:

1. Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

2. New York State License in Speech Pathology.

3. Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Pathology awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association preferred.

4. Current knowledge of the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders, including consideration of anatomical/physiological, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates.

5. Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.

6. Valid NYS Driver’s License.

7. Proficient computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.

8. Must have demonstrated commitment to performing job duties and tasks at a high level of performance.

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Teacher Aides​

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Full Day (30 Hours per week) positions available at our Geneva and Canandaigua sites working the School Year calendar along with the 6 week summer program.  Part time and substitute positions also available.

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​Teacher Aide duties include but are not limited to:

​ 1. Performs non-instructional duties under the supervision of the classroom teacher.

 2. Assists the classroom teacher in all children’s activities throughout the day.

 3. Supervises children at all times, including during busing and transitional activities.

 4. Assists in physical care tasks and health related activities as appropriate.

 5. Assists children with behavioral/management needs.

 6. Attends appropriate meetings as determined by the classroom teacher and Program  Director.

7. Demonstrates consistent, nurturing manner toward all children.

8. Assists with classroom preparation/set-up and the management of classroom materials and equipment.

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Qualified candidates require:​

1. High School Diploma or equivalent.

2. Experience with young children preferred.