Program Instructor (Lake) (Waukegan)

Company: Aspire Chicago
Location: Waukegan
Posted on: February 11, 2026

Job Description:

Description: Join Our Team as a Program Instructor! Are you ready to make a meaningful impact while having fun along the way? At Aspire's Day Programs, we're seeking passionate individuals to join us in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a Program Instructor, you'll design engaging curricula, provide hands-on support, and foster connections that enrich lives. If you're looking for a fulfilling role where every day is an opportunity to make a difference, apply today and be part of a team that's changing lives with compassion and creativity. We offer: Referral bonuses Paid training Retirement plan with matching contributions Health and insurance benefits Paid time off benefits And more! (see benefits list below) Program Instructor Summary: Develop and implement curricula designed to promote skill development for individuals with Intellectual Disabilities to enhance daily life. Create customized curricula based on the Individual's strengths and needs. Provide coaching and guidance to direct support team members in the delivery of activities. This full-time position supports people with disabilities in Aspire's Day Programs. Position Responsibilities of a Program Instructor: The following represents the primary position responsibilities, but other related duties necessary to meet the needs of the organization may be assigned. Instruction: - Facilitate the training for specific norms of the program area and develop/create task analysis of norms. - Develop curricula in the program area to meet specific standards/norms. - Prepare lesson plans and training schedules. - Train DSPs and Individual's served on standards/norms. - Evaluate/assess Individuals for interests, dreams, goals, skill strengths, and areas of needed skill development. - Assess each Individual bi-annually on hard and soft skills. Track areas of growth and areas of need. - Create and score outcome measurement tools. Support: - Develop plans and recommendations for Individual PCP that meet individual interests, dreams, skill strengths, and areas of needed skill development. - Maintain familiarity with individualized clinical programs and implement them accordingly - Monitor Individual's health, behavior, clothing, and hygiene and take corrective action when necessary. - Transport Individuals as needed according to the schedule - Perform and assist with personal care, including by not limited to, toileting, transferring, feeding, and showering, as needed Communication and Collaboration: - Ensure proper record documentation by Completing and monitoring Individual's goal tracking. - Takes an active role as member of the Facilitator Team, working with Manager of Academies, Director, Lead Facilitator, PAs/DSPs, PCP, Team Managers, Life Consultants & Clinical Team. - Develop and maintain relationships in assigned program area. - Communicate concerns to appropriate interdisciplinary team members to support individual needs, goals, and growth. - Attend professional development sessions. - Monitor and/or create incident reports as needed - Complete all required paperwork and assignments accurately and in a timely manner. Requirements: Required Education & Experience for a Program Instructor: - Bachelors degree in related field Additional Licensing/Certifications: - Valid Illinois Drivers License with good driving record. Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities for a Program Instructor: - Ability to maintain pleasant working relationships with all stakeholders. - Ability to interact positively with individuals who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. - Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize work. - Effective oral and written communication skills; ability to write reports. - Ability to maintain confidential information. - Ability to deal tactfully, engaging, and courteously with Individuals, employees at all levels, families, and the general public. Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Abilities of a Program Instructor: - Experience working with adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities preferred. - 2-3 years experience in related field Physiological Factors: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. - While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; bend or stoop; walk and climb stairs; reach with hands and arms, push, pull; talk, hear, and observe. - Able to assist people in moving from one position to another including transferring from sitting to standing, repositioning, transferring from one surface to another, or climbing stairs. - Work requires heavy physical exertion and may include lifting up to 75 pounds. - Duties are performed primarily in the Day Service Center, residential home, agency office, and the community. Work areas are restricted to non-smoking. Full-Time Benefits (regularly schedule to work more than 37 1/2 hours per week) - Health Insurance - Benefit Time (Vacation, Sick, Personal) - 13 Holidays - 403(B) Retirement Savings Plan with matching contribution - Disability Insurance - Life Insurance - Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Voluntary Insurances available Aspires priority is keeping our team members and participants healthy and safe. PPE is provided and regular cleaning and disinfecting regiments are followed to maintain a safe work and living environment. Hand sanitizer is available throughout our facilities. Aspire is an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Aspire is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities so that an applicant may complete the essential functions of a position. The essential functions of positions are outlined in a positions job description. To request an accommodation or if you have a question regarding what the essential functions of a position are please contact the People Team at 708.455.7224. Compensation details: 24-24 Hourly Wage PI24943a965cf5-38003-38363168

Keywords: Aspire Chicago, South Bend , Program Instructor (Lake) (Waukegan), Healthcare , Waukegan, Indiana