Community Day Services Instructor

Misericordia Heart of Mercy; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with company matching

Tuition reimbursement

Referral bonus

Attendance bonus

Growth opportunities

Professional trainings

Job summary

Misericordia Heart of Mercy is seeking a CDS Instructor/Trainer to support community integration for participants with developmental disabilities. You will develop lesson-focused programming, partner with community organizations, and help participants build skills and independence.

The role offers a Monday–Friday daytime schedule, on-site work in Chicago, base pay of $21–$23 per hour, and opportunities for professional growth and tuition assistance.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience working with persons with intellectual disabilities.
• Valid Illinois driver's license, good driving record.
• Ability to work without direct supervision the entire shift.
• Ability to interact with community members with ease and confidence.
• Demonstrated reliability, flexibility, and adaptability.
• Basic computer and writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and facilitate lesson-focused programming centered on integration into Chicagoland communities.
• Find, develop, and access community partners with participants on a daily basis.
• Engage with community organizations and represent Misericordia positively.
• Assist with employment-centered training (job coaching) off site as needed.
• Handle emergency situations and daily routine changes calmly and effectively.
• Work without direct supervision for the entire shift.

Skills

Community engagement

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Driver's license

Education

Job description

Make a Difference Every DayWhat if your career could give you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone's life every day?

Make a Difference Every DayWhat if your career could give you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone's life every day? At Misericordia, Instructor/Trainers in Community Day Services (CDS) do much more than run activities. You develop and facilitate lesson-focused programming centered on integration into Chicagoland communities, helping participants build skills, confidence, and connections that support greater independence.

As a CDS Instructor/Trainer, you will find, develop, and access community partners with participants on a daily basis. You will engage with community organizations, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and may also assist with employment-centered training (job coaching) off site.

Previous experience working with people with intellectual disabilities is required.

Why Join Misericordia?

• Meaningful work: Build meaningful relationships with participants and help them integrate into and engage with the Chicagoland community.
• Make an impact: Develop and facilitate lesson plans, goals, and community-based programming that support participants' growth and independence.
• Dynamic environment: Enjoy a fast-paced role that combines community engagement, hands-on training, and on-the-spot problem solving.
• Career growth: Take advantage of professional training and opportunities to grow throughout the organization.
• Education support: Take advantage of tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.

As a CDS Instructor/Trainer, You Will

• Develop and facilitate lesson-focused programming centered on integration into Chicagoland communities
• Find, develop, and access community partners with participants on a daily basis
• Engage with community organizations and represent Misericordia positively
• Assist with employment-centered training (job coaching) off site as needed
• Handle emergency situations and daily routine changes calmly and effectively
• Work without direct supervision for the entire shift
• Develop lesson plans, goals, and objectives for participants
• Develop quality services with an emphasis on quality community-based programming
• Ensure compliance with Misericordia\'s high environmental, personal care, and active treatment standards
• Organize, manage resources, meet deadlines, and work independently
• Advocate for the rights, choices, dignity, and well-being of residents

Training and Professional Development

Misericordia is committed to helping employees continue to learn and grow. CDS Instructor/Trainers have access to professional training and development opportunities designed to strengthen their skills and support career growth throughout the organization. You will work with experienced professionals across Misericordia while gaining hands-on experience supporting people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

What We\'re Looking For

• Minimum of one year of experience working with persons with intellectual disabilities
• Valid Illinois driver\'s license, good driving record, and comfort driving vehicles of all sizes
• Ability to work without direct supervision the entire shift, and positively represent Misericordia
• Ability to interact with community members with ease and confidence
• Demonstrated reliability, flexibility, and adaptability
• A high degree of professionalism
• Commitment to ensuring the rights of residents
• Ability to develop lesson plans, goals, and objectives
• Ability to develop quality services with an emphasis on quality community-based programming
• Basic computer and writing skills
• Commitment to meeting Misericordia\'s high environmental, personal care, and active treatment standards
• Ability to organize, manage resources, meet deadlines, and work independently
• Ability to meet CDST/CDSI essential functions

Pay

Base Pay

• Instructor/Trainer, CDS: $21.00-$23.00 per hour

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM, with ability to flex based on program needs.

Benefits

• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k) with company matching
• Roth 401(k) with 2% match and tax-free withdrawals after retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Referral bonus
• Attendance bonus
• Many opportunities for growth throughout the company
• Various professional trainings offered
• Referrals to state-funded resources that provide childcare support

About Misericordia

Misericordia Heart of Mercy is home to more than 600 children and adults with mild to profound developmental disabilities. Our community provides a supportive environment designed to maximize each resident\'s potential while meeting their individual needs. Many of the people we serve also have physical disabilities and require specialized care.

At Misericordia, every member of our team plays an important role in creating a community where residents can thrive.

Misericordia is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) according to Title 44, Ill. Administrative Code, and Subpart C Section 750.150.