About the role
Pay: $21.14 to $21.14 per hour
Description
At
Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities
, we believe every person deserves opportunities to learn, grow, and build meaningful connections within their community. As a
Life Skills Instructor
, you'll play a key leadership role by creating engaging learning experiences, supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving their goals, and supervising a team of Direct Support Professionals who make a difference every day.
If you're creative, organized, passionate about teaching life skills, and enjoy leading others, we'd love to meet you.
What You'll Do
Develop Meaningful Learning Experiences
Design and facilitate engaging activities that promote independence, skill development, and personal growth.
Create programming in seven core areas:
Language Arts & Communication
Health & Fitness
Personal Enrichment
Leisure & Recreation
Creative Arts
Community Life Experiences
Economic Growth
Adapt activities to meet individual learning styles and support needs.
Develop daily activity schedules and ensure meaningful participation.
Collect and maintain required program data.
Build Community Connections
Develop partnerships with community organizations that create opportunities for:
Employment exploration
Volunteer experiences
Recreation
Education
Community participation
Help People supported build natural supports and meaningful relationships throughout their communities.
Lead and Support Your Team
Supervise and coach 3–6 Direct Support Professionals.
Participate in interviewing and hiring new staff.
Provide orientation, ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and annual evaluations.
Conduct team meetings and ensure staff receive required training.
Address performance concerns in accordance with agency policies and applicable union agreements.
Lead by example while promoting Ray Graham Association's mission and values.
Support Individual Goals
Implement Individual Support Plans (ISPs), Life Plans, IS4R documentation, and Positive Behavior Support Plans.
Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.
Track individual progress and ensure accurate documentation of goals and attendance.
Help People supported achieve greater independence and quality of life.
Why Join Ray Graham Association?
At Ray Graham Association, you'll join a mission-driven organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to reach, grow, and achieve. You'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact while working alongside compassionate professionals who value innovation, collaboration, and respect.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including:
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
403(b) Retirement Plan with Company Match
Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
Paid Holidays
Life and Disability Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Professional Development and Training Opportunities
Opportunities for Career Growth and Advancement
Requirements
Qualifications
Required
High School Diploma -Required; Bachelor's degree-Preferred
Valid Illinois driver's license
Reliable personal vehicle available for daily work travel
1–2 years of experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or in a related human services field
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving abilities
Ability to work independently while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team
Preferred
Supervisory experience
Experience with DHS regulations and person-centered planning
Experience developing community partnerships
Knowledge of Positive Behavior Supports and data collection
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit and stand for extended periods
Ability to lead community outings and program activities
Computer proficiency and accurate documentation skills
Ability to safely transport and accompany People supported into the community
What Makes You Successful
We're looking for someone who is:
Creative and energetic
Passionate about helping others succeed
Comfortable leading teams and mentoring staff
An effective communicator
Organized and detail-oriented
Flexible and able to solve problems in a fast-paced environment
Committed to person-centered supports and community inclusion
Additional Requirements
Must successfully pass all pre-employment background checks.
Must successfully complete all required pre-employment and ongoing training.
Must maintain a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
Ability to travel throughout DuPage County as needed.
Ray Graham Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required background checks, drug screening, and compliance with all applicable state and agency requirements.