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
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Design and facilitate engaging activities that promote independence, skill development, and personal growth.
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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.
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Develop daily activity schedules and ensure meaningful participation.
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Collect and maintain required program data.
Build Community Connections
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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
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Supervise and coach 3–6 Direct Support Professionals.
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Participate in interviewing and hiring new staff.
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Provide orientation, ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and annual evaluations.
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Conduct team meetings and ensure staff receive required training.
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Address performance concerns in accordance with agency policies and applicable union agreements.
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Lead by example while promoting Ray Graham Association's mission and values.
Support Individual Goals
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Implement Individual Support Plans (ISPs), Life Plans, IS4R documentation, and Positive Behavior Support Plans.
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Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.
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Track individual progress and ensure accurate documentation of goals and attendance.
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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:
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Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
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403(b) Retirement Plan with Company Match
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Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
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Paid Holidays
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Life and Disability Insurance
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Professional Development and Training Opportunities
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Opportunities for Career Growth and Advancement
Requirements:
Qualifications
Required
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High School Diploma -Required; Bachelor's degree-Preferred
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Valid Illinois driver's license
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Reliable personal vehicle available for daily work travel
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1–2 years of experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or in a related human services field
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills
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Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving abilities
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Ability to work independently while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team
Preferred
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Supervisory experience
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Experience with DHS regulations and person-centered planning
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Experience developing community partnerships
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Knowledge of Positive Behavior Supports and data collection
Physical Requirements
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Ability to sit and stand for extended periods
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Ability to lead community outings and program activities
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Computer proficiency and accurate documentation skills
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Ability to safely transport and accompany People supported into the community
What Makes You Successful
We're looking for someone who is:
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Creative and energetic
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Passionate about helping others succeed
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Comfortable leading teams and mentoring staff
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An effective communicator
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Organized and detail-oriented
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Flexible and able to solve problems in a fast-paced environment
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Committed to person-centered supports and community inclusion
Additional Requirements
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Must successfully pass all pre-employment background checks.
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Must successfully complete all required pre-employment and ongoing training.
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Must maintain a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
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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.
