Program Leader, IDD Adult Day Services

Empower Independence. Build Community. Enrich Lives.

About Aspire:

Since 1960, Aspire has been creating boundless opportunities for people with disabilities. We believe in working together to pursue greater possibilities, foster meaningful connections, and build communities where everyone belongs. Every member of our team plays a role in advancing this mission!

The Role:

The Program Leader is a full-time position supporting adults with disabilities in Aspire’s Day Programs. In this role, you will create engaging programs and activities, provide hands-on support, and foster meaningful connections that enrich the lives of the people we support.

Working closely with program, clinical, and support team members, the Program Leader helps ensure that individuals have opportunities to develop skills, pursue their interests and goals, participate in their communities, and experience meaningful daily activities.

What You’ll Do:

Develop & Lead Programs

• Create educational and engaging programs based on established weekly themes.
• Present (in-person and virtual) programs to groups of people.
• Lead people supported through activities and interactive experiences.
• Plan, lead, and participate in community experiences and outings.

Provide Person-Centered Support

• Develop plans and make recommendations for Person-Centered Plans (PCP) that meet people’s interests, dreams, skill strengths, and areas of needed skill development.
• Maintain familiarity with individualized clinical programs and implement them accordingly.
• Monitor people's health, behavior, clothing, and hygiene and take coaching when necessary.
• Transport people as needed according to the schedule.
• Perform and assist with personal care, including but not limited to, toileting, transferring, feeding, and showering, as needed.

Communicate & Collaborate

• Ensure proper record documentation by completing and monitoring people's goal tracking.
• Actively collaborate with interdisciplinary team, working with Academy Managers, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Life Consultants and Clinical Team members.
• Communicate concerns to appropriate team members to support individual needs, goals, and growth.

•  Bachelor’s degree in related field required.
• Two (2) years of experience working with adults with intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities preferred.
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License with good driving record required.

Who You Are:

• Able to positively engage and interact with people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• Organized and able to multi-task and prioritize work in an environment with frequent interruptions.
• An effective communicator, both orally and in writing.
• Able to write detailed and accurate reports.
• Skilled at building tactful, engaging, and courteous relationships with people supported, employees at all levels, families, and the general public.

Preferred Skills & Competencies

• Ability to positively engage and interact with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to write detailed and accurate reports and maintain timely documentation.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build tactful, engaging, and courteous relationships with people supported, employees at all levels, families, and the general public.
• Creativity and enthusiasm for developing meaningful activities and community experiences.
• Patience, empathy, flexibility, and emotional resilience.
• Commitment to person-centered planning, dignity, choice, independence, and inclusion.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Regularly use hands and arms and perform activities requiring bending, stooping, walking, climbing stairs, reaching, pushing, and pulling. 
• Assist people with moving from one position to another, including transferring from sitting to standing, repositioning, transferring between surfaces, and navigating stairs. 
• Perform physical tasks that may include lifting and/or moving up to 75 pounds. 
• Work may be performed in the Community Day Service Center, residential homes, agency offices, and throughout the community.

Why Aspire?

• Make a meaningful impact by helping people build skills, explore interests, and experience greater independence.
• Create engaging, inclusive, and meaningful experiences that support personal growth and connection.
• Build genuine relationships with the people we support while celebrating their strengths, interests, and individuality.
• Be part of a mission-driven organization committed to inclusion, community, and creating opportunities for people with disabilities.
• Help individuals discover new possibilities, build confidence, develop skills, and participate fully in their communities.

Full-Time Benefits (for employees regularly scheduled to work 37.5+ hours per week)

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Options
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time) 
• 13 Paid Holidays 
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Match 
• Disability Insurance 
• Life Insurance 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Pet Insurance

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're passionate about creating meaningful experiences, building connections, and supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we'd love to hear from you. Join a mission-driven team where your compassion, creativity, and commitment can help enrich the lives of the people we support every day!

Apply today and make a meaningful difference by helping people build skills, discover opportunities, and live more connected lives!