Adult Day Program Instructor - Skill Development

The Arc of Ocean County; Lakehurst (NJ); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision and dental insurance

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

401(k) with agency match

Paid time off & holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Employee referral bonus

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Job summary

The Arc of Ocean County in Lakewood, NJ is seeking an Adult Day Program Instructor to lead engaging daily programming for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You’ll combine instruction with hands-on activities to help individuals strengthen skills and pursue personal goals.

This full-time role emphasizes inclusion, transportation safety, and ongoing documentation, with opportunities for professional development and career growth within The Arc’s Day Program team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Valid NJ driver’s license with up to five points.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead educational, recreational, vocational, and life-skills activities.
• Adapt activities to individual abilities and learning styles.
• Encourage participation and build confidence through personal achievements.
• Coordinate community-based activities and safe transportation for participants.
• Complete daily documentation and follow health, safety, and confidentiality procedures.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team to deliver individualized services.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Independent work

Mobility assistance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Bring Structure, Creativity & Purpose to Every Program Day

A great day program gives people opportunities to learn, make choices, connect with others, and experience their community.

The Arc of Ocean County is seeking an Adult Day Program Instructor to lead engaging daily programming for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at our Lakewood location. You’ll combine instruction with hands‑on activities and community experiences to help individuals strengthen skills, pursue personal goals, and become more independent.

This is an opportunity to bring your own energy and creativity to the day while providing the consistency and encouragement each individual needs to succeed.

Your Workday

Location: Lakewood, New Jersey
Employment Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Starting Pay: $20.70 per hour

Paid On-the-Job Training Provided

How You’ll Shape the Day

Teach Skills Through Hands-On Experiences

• Develop and facilitate educational, recreational, vocational, and life-skills activities that encourage learning and social interaction.
• Adapt activities and teaching methods based on individual abilities, strengths, and learning styles.
• Encourage individuals to participate, try new experiences, and build confidence through personal accomplishments.
• Foster an inclusive atmosphere where each individual is respected and encouraged to be an active participant in the program.
  Make the Community Part of the Classroom

Learning doesn’t have to stay inside the program.

• Coordinate and participate in recreational, educational, volunteer, and other community-based activities.
• Help individuals practice social skills and develop connections through experiences in their communities.
• Transport participants safely in agency vehicles for scheduled outings, appointments, and activities.
• Create opportunities that encourage greater community participation and inclusion.
  Turn Personal Goals Into Daily Progress
• Provide support toward goals and objectives established within Individual Service Plans (ISPs).
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to deliver individualized, person-centered services.
• Encourage healthy decision-making while strengthening independence and everyday living skills.
• Apply positive behavioral support strategies that promote dignity, participation, and individual success.
  Document the Progress You Help Create
• Complete daily documentation, progress notes, attendance records, medication administration records, and incident reports accurately and within required timelines.
• Follow agency procedures involving participant health, safety, confidentiality, and care.
• Monitor individual well-being and communicate concerns promptly to appropriate supervisors.
• Help maintain a program environment that is clean, organized, and safe for everyone.

See the Impact of Your Work

Progress can look different for every individual.

It could mean successfully completing a new task, participating in an activity for the first time, making a decision independently, becoming more comfortable in the community, or developing a skill that creates greater independence.

As an Adult Day Program Instructor, you’ll be there to provide the instruction, encouragement, and opportunities that help those moments happen.

Grow Your Experience at The Arc

• Paid On-the-Job Training
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• Career advancement throughout Adult Day, Residential, and Vocational Services
• Supportive leadership and collaborative team environment
• Employee Referral Bonus Program

What You’ll Need

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid New Jersey driver’s license with no more than five (5) motor vehicle points.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Flexibility to participate in community-based programming and transportation responsibilities.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including assisting individuals with mobility and lifting when necessary.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities preferred.

Full-Time Benefits

The Arc of Ocean County offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your career and well‑being:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Low Deductible Health Plans with $0 Copay Options
• Comprehensive Prescription Coverage
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Agency Matching
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance

Make the Day Matter

Bring your patience, creativity, and ability to connect with others to a position where you can see the impact of your work every day.

Join The Arc of Ocean County’s Adult Day Program in Lakewood and help individuals learn, participate, explore their communities, and build skills that support greater independence.