Disability Programs Instructor

• Do you want to empower others to live better lives?
• Do you bring empathy, patience, and flexibility to your work?
• Are you looking to grow with a supportive team and make a real impact?

If you answered yes, this could be an opportunity for you!

Our Place of New Trier is seeking a compassionate, team-oriented, and highly motivated Disability Programs Instructor to join our dedicated staff. In this full-time role, you'll lead small groups of teens and young adults with disabilities - both at our welcoming Wilmette location and out in the community. You'll play a key role in supporting participants as they develop greater independence, build social skills, and grow in confidence through engaging, person-centered programs. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is passionate about inclusion, relationship-building, and empowering young people to thrive both personally and socially.

Our Place of New Trier is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the north suburbs of Chicago. Since 2008, this inclusive and impactful organization has served its 120+ participants by providing a wide array of engaging in-person and online programs and activities with a goal of building the skills and relationships needed for participants to become fully contributing members of their community. We are a cutting-edge alternative to the traditional day programming for individuals with disabilities. To learn more about our organization and the way we serve our community, please visit us at https://www.ourplaceofnewtrier.org/.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Full-time position with a starting salary of $43,000 per year based on experience and qualifications
• Generous time off including 18 PTO Days
• Nine Paid Holidays
• Blue Cross Blue Shield medical & dental insurance (Effective upon start date)
• Vision, LTD, STD & Life insurance (company paid)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match
• Excellent training ground for individuals interested in social services, education, recreation and art-oriented therapeutic activities
• Paid training in CPR/first aid, CPI, behavioral safety training, and professional development support
• A stable organization (founded in 2008)

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Program Director, the Disability Programs Instructor is responsible for leading small groups in doing both educational, community and recreational activities. More specifically they will be doing the following:

• Mentor and create impactful relationships with participants and their families.
• Collaborate with like-minded program leaders to plan and lead events and community outings.
• Create and plan a meaningful, participant-focused curriculum of group activities and community outings.
• Lead a variety of programs focused on social skills development, creative/artistic expression, recreation, healthy living, cooking, gardening, literacy, STEM, music, vocational service and community exploration.
• Serve as an advisor for assigned participants by developing personal goals and plans and communicating with other members of the team on your participant's behalf.
• Build supportive and respectful relationships with participants with an emphasis on serving as a role model.
• Communicate with families as necessary to report on progress and set new goals for mentored participants.
• Track progress towards goals and complete administrative tasks pertaining to programs.
• Assist in maintaining program content and descriptions.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior (1+ year) experience working with individuals who have developmental disabilities such as autism or Down Syndrome
• Strong sense of teamwork and patience
• Creativity and flexibility in working with groups
• A valid driver's license and comfortable with operating a passenger van to transport participants to events in the community
• Ability to lift 25 pounds and work outside in various weather conditions
• Ability to walk or stand for extended periods of time

Job Location & Hours:

The position's schedule is 9 am-5 pm M-F and is onsite in Wilmette, IL with the ability to travel to other locations within the community using a company van. One Saturday evening per month is also required for a social event (5:45-9:15 p.m.) - additional stipend paid for time ($140.00).

HOW TO APPLY

Our organization serves as an integral part of the community and plays an important role in the lives of the individuals we support. If you are interested in joining a service-oriented team that continually strives for excellence, please submit your resume by cliking the apply button.

Our Place of New Trier is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Key Words: Social Services, Disability Support, Disability Program Leader, Disability Services Program, Trainer, Disability Support Coordinator, Job Coach, Transition Program Specialist, Community Integration Instructor, Independent Living Skills Trainer, Youth Support & Inclusion Coordinator, Youth Support Specialist - Disability Services, Inclusion Support Mentor, Transition Support Coach, Community Living Support Specialist