Day Program Instructor - Lakewood, NJ

The Arc of Ocean County; Lakewood Township (NJ); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

FSA

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Job summary

The Arc of Ocean County is seeking an energetic and compassionate Program Instructor for our Adult Day Program in Lakewood, NJ. You will lead structured activities to strengthen life skills, social interaction, and independence, while ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Responsibilities include planning activities, supporting ISPs, transporting participants, and maintaining records, with on-the-job training provided.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Valid New Jersey driver’s license with <=5 points.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team.
• Flexibility for community-based programming and transportation responsibilities.
• Ability to meet physical requirements, including assisting mobility and lifting.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead structured educational, recreational, vocational, and life-skills activities.
• Adjust activities to individual strengths and learning styles.
• Motivate participants to participate, develop confidence, and achieve personal goals.
• Create an inclusive program environment where participants feel respected and valued.
• Organize and participate in community-based experiences and outings.
• Safely transport participants in agency vehicles for outings and appointments.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal

Organizational

Independence

Flexibility

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Turn Everyday Activities Into Meaningful Opportunities

The Arc of Ocean County is seeking an energetic and compassionate Program Instructor to join our Adult Day Program in Lakewood. This role is centered on creating purposeful daily experiences that help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities strengthen life skills, explore interests, build relationships, and participate more fully in their communities.

You'll have the opportunity to combine instruction, encouragement, and hands-on experiences to help individuals work toward their personal goals. Whether you're leading a structured activity, supporting a community outing, or helping someone master a new skill, your work can make each day an opportunity for growth and greater independence.

Position Information

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

What You’ll Bring to the Program

Lead Meaningful Activities

• Plan and lead structured educational, recreational, vocational, and life-skills activities that encourage development and social interaction.
• Adjust activities and instructional approaches to reflect individual strengths, abilities, and learning styles.
• Motivate individuals to participate, develop confidence, and work toward personal accomplishments.
• Create an inclusive program environment where individuals feel respected, valued, and encouraged to participate.

Take Learning Into the Community

• Organize and participate in recreational, educational, volunteer, and other community-based experiences.
• Help individuals strengthen social skills and develop meaningful connections within their communities.
• Safely transport participants in agency vehicles for outings, appointments, and scheduled activities.
• Encourage community inclusion by creating opportunities for individuals to experience and participate in their communities.

Help Individuals Reach Their Goals

• Support individuals in pursuing objectives identified in their Individual Service Plans (ISPs).
• Work with interdisciplinary team members to provide individualized, person-centered supports.
• Reinforce healthy decision-making, independence, and daily living skills.
• Use positive behavioral support strategies that encourage dignity, participation, and success.

Keep Services Safe & Consistent

• Maintain accurate and timely daily records, progress notes, attendance records, medication administration records, and incident reports.
• Follow agency requirements related to health, safety, confidentiality, and participant care.
• Observe participant well-being and promptly communicate concerns to supervisors.
• Contribute to a clean, organized, and safe program environment.

A Role Where Your Effort Is Visible

The work of a Program Instructor is about more than filling a daily schedule. You'll help individuals discover interests, practice new skills, make choices, and experience success. Your patience, creativity, and encouragement can turn an ordinary program day into an opportunity for someone to accomplish something meaningful.

Build Your Skills With Us

• 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

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.

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

Bring Your Energy to a Purposeful Career