About the role
Pay: $21.14 to $21.14 per hour
Description
Make a meaningful difference every day
Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities is seeking a creative, energetic, and dependable Life Skills Instructor to provide daily supports and meaningful learning experiences for young adults with disabilities, including people with Autism or on the Autism Spectrum.
In this role, you will create and facilitate structured, skill-based activities that promote personal growth, independence, community participation, relationships, recreation, education, and vocational development. The ideal candidate is positive, respectful, self-directed, and prepared to provide both group instruction and hands-on community support.
What you will do
Research, develop, and facilitate engaging, skill-based curriculum in a highly structured learning environment.
Create activities across seven program areas: Language Arts/Communication, Health and Fitness, Personal Enrichment, Leisure/Recreation, Creative Arts, Community Life Experiences, and Economic Growth.
Lead daily group activities that encourage participation, learning, personal growth, and achievement.
Adapt activities using visuals, sensory integration, adaptive equipment, and other individualized approaches.
Develop daily schedules and activity plans in collaboration with the Monarch Services Coordinator.
Build relationships with community organizations to create volunteer, recreation, education, vocational, and paid-work opportunities.
Provide hands-on support while modeling respectful, professional, and person-centered practices.
Provide daily door-to-door and community transportation.
Additional responsibilities:
Implement individual Life Plans, Individual Support Plans, IS4R requirements, and Positive Behavior Support plans when applicable.
Collect data on individual goals and complete required documentation, including weekly data sheets, attendance, PACE reports, trackers, and database entries.
Participate in team meetings and provide thoughtful summaries of individual achievements.
Maintain regular family communication through weekly communication sheets and a weekly newsletter.
Collaborate with QIDP staff and other team members to support individual goals and accurate documentation.
Maintain petty cash according to finance guidelines and the direction of the Monarch Services Administrator.
Uphold agency policies, professional standards, mission, values, and Person-Centered Excellence.
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
Salary:
$21.14 per hour
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.