Director of Workforce Development

Abilities First, Inc. has been making a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities for sixty years. We offer a wide variety of services, including school and preschool programs, day habilitation, residential habilitation, community habilitation, and employment services.

Abilities First recognizes the value of diverse experiences, identities, and backgrounds to and does not discriminate in hiring. We are inclusive, welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Position Summary

The Director of Workforce Development provides strategic leadership for agency-wide learning initiatives, ensuring regulatory compliance while driving a forward-thinking, technology-enabled training culture that strengthens workforce capability, engagement, and service quality.

This role oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive training programs across program services, aligning workforce development strategy with organizational goals, regulatory mandates, and long-term talent sustainability. The Director directly supervises training staff, providing leadership, coaching, and accountability to ensure high-quality, consistent delivery of learning initiatives across the organization.

Position Standards

• Develop and execute a workforce development strategy aligned with organizational priorities, regularly evaluating and adjusting to meet agency needs.
• Maintains expert knowledge of required training per OPWDD, NYSED, OCFS and other state oversight agencies, developing a training plan/curriculum that meets programs needs to fulfill both regulatory requirements and additional training that adds value.
• Evaluate emerging learning technologies, learning platforms, AI-enabled training tools, and blended learning models to enhance access and effectiveness.
• Establish leadership development tracks for supervisors, managers, and emerging leaders through FLS Training, developing additional training opportunities.
• Supervise and mentor training staff, providing coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Build internal training capacity by identifying and developing subject matter experts across departments.
• Foster collaboration between HR, Quality Assurance, Nursing, and Program Leadership to ensure training initiatives address real-time operational needs.
• Lead strategic utilization of the agency’s Learning Management System (LMS) to expand asynchronous learning opportunities, collaborating with the Information Systems Specialist.
• Participate in teaching designated curriculum topics to new and/or existing employees, either during orientation or during required refreshers, school conference days, etc.
• Identify and implement employee development initiatives that strengthen engagement, career growth, and workforce sustainability.
• Recommend innovative learning opportunities that enhance quality of care and enrich the lives of individuals supported.
• Ensure training availability accommodates varied shifts and program locations, including non-traditional hours.
• Responds to auditor training documentation requests.
• Participate in other agency committees as requested.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of sensitive data and information obtained.
• Adhere to the agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which requires 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.
• Ensures all required trainings and certifications are current, and seeks further support and training where needed.
• Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard for personal safety and the safety of others.
• Will incorporate concepts of 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.
• Performs other appropriate job-related activities as requested by his / her supervisor or as circumstances warrant. 

This is a full-time position eligible with a salary range from $85,000 - $95,000 annually, depending on experience, as well as these benefits:

• Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday time off
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options
• 403(b) plan with employer contribution
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• On-Demand Payment – access your earnings as early as the next day
• Discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, etc.
• And More!

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, education, or related field required. Minimum 3 years’ experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities or special education required. A combination of education and experience, which in the view of the direct supervisor qualifies the individual, may be acceptable.  
• Extensive knowledge of applicable regulations required (OPWDD, SED and/or OCFS)
• Current CPR, SFA and SCIP-R trainer certifications required, or required to obtain at soonest eligibility
• Must have a current NYS driver’s license, free of moving violations; deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier
• Strong business acumen and leadership abilities, supervising and developing staff
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Valid NYS driver's license deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and visit various offices and agency locations. The employee must have the ability to lift up to 40 lbs., bend, squat, bend at the knees, pivot, and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform and train the required techniques in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques).