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  

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.