Full-Time

Community Habilitation Specialist

Updated on 9/3/2026

Yai

Yai

51-200 employees

Special education school with integrated therapies

Compensation Overview

$19.05/hr

Suffolk County, NY, USA + 1 more

More locations: Nassau County, NY, USA

In Person

Category
Social & Community Services (1)
Required Skills
CPR
First Aid

Get referred to Yai

See people who can refer or advise you

Requirements
  • Ability to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Basic written and verbal communication skills.
  • Basic computer knowledge.
  • A valid driver's license may be required depending upon the position.
  • A tuberculosis test is mandatory for most positions.
  • Interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
  • Willingness to take initiative.
Responsibilities
  • Adhere to policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Use effective communication and time-management skills.
  • Provide regular one-to-one support in community and in-home settings.
  • Complete mandatory training based on the program and position, including AMAP, CPR/First Aid, SCIP-R, and Defensive Driving, and apply the skills learned.
  • Meet and demonstrate OPWDD Core Competencies.
  • Ensure the health, wellness, and safety of the people supported by managing crisis situations and providing appropriate supervision.
  • Assist people with activities of daily living.
  • Transport and escort people supported to recreational activities, medical appointments, and home visits.
  • Build positive relationships.
  • Maintain a therapeutic environment through Personal Outcome Measures, Person-Centered Thinking, and Informed Decision Making.
  • Ensure person-centered plans are implemented.
  • Complete documentation to ensure compliance and billing.
  • Use foundational teaching skills, including EMOE, task analysis, essential skills, supports, and modifications.
Desired Qualifications
  • A high school diploma or GED is preferred.
  • Work or life experience within the intellectual and developmental disabilities field is a plus.

Yai's Manhattan Star Academy (MSA) is a private, non-profit day school within the YAI Network that serves students aged 3 to 21 with developmental disabilities. It combines academics with therapies (occupational, physical, speech, counseling) in a Montessori-inspired, developmentally based curriculum, using small classes and sensory-friendly facilities with technology to track progress. The school includes a transition and vocational program to prepare students for life after graduation. Its differentiators are the integrated therapeutic model, a specialized environment for neuro-developmental needs, and a continuous education path from early years through post-secondary readiness.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

Seed

Total Funding

$330K

Headquarters

New York City, New York

Founded

2023

Get referred to Yai

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • STAR supported six students in its first year, showing demand for transition services.
  • YAI expanded MSA’s Upper School, signaling ongoing enrollment and program investment.
  • Community internships and podcasts strengthen employability, communication, and family appeal.

What critics are saying

  • YAI warned 2026 Medicaid cuts and flat state budgets squeeze provider wages.
  • Ninety percent of disability providers reported staffing shortages in 2025, pressuring MSA staffing.
  • If Medicaid rates stay inadequate, YAI’s school and adult-services model strains financially.

What makes Yai unique

  • MSA serves ages 3-21 with integrated academics, therapies, and transition programming.
  • STAR launched in July 2025, adding person-centered vocational and community learning.
  • YAI’s Upper School at 150 Amsterdam Avenue expands capacity for older students.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Company News

YAI Digital
Oct 1st, 2025
From Idea to Launch: Celebrating ContentLift's Product Hunt Debut

On September 17th, YAi introduced ContentLift to the world on Product Hunt, and the response blew YAi away.

YAI Digital
May 27th, 2025
YAi makes BusinessCloud's MediaTech 50 ranking for 2025

YAi is proud to announce that YAi has been named one of the UK's most innovative media technology companies in the MediaTech 50 ranking for 2025, published today by BusinessCloud.

Tech.eu
Mar 12th, 2025
UK's YAi raises £250,000 for AI-driven content creation

UK AI content creation company YAi has raised £250,000 in Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) funding from Jenson Ventures.

Tech.eu
Mar 12th, 2025
YAi secures £250K for AI content

UK-based YAi has secured £250k in SEIS funding from Jenson Ventures to enhance its AI-driven content creation platform. Founded in 2023 by Yana Lapitskaya, Jessy Conflon, and Vyacheslav Lukin, YAi integrates AI content creation with real-time quality evaluation and automated improvement tools. The funding will aid in product development, team expansion, and market growth, with plans to add audio and video content capabilities in Q3.