Educational Specialist - Aurora IL

Association for Individual Development; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Insurance (medical/dental/vision)

Job summary

The Association for Individual Development is seeking an Educational Specialist to develop, train, and implement engaging programming for our Community Day Service settings. The role focuses on skill acquisition, daily living activities, communication, and community integration, with autism-specific consults for client needs.

Responsibilities include creating structured activities, individual schedules, staff training, and collaboration with the BCBA and Program Manager to ensure services meet

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education required.
• Professional Educators License (Type 03, 09, or 10) required.
• 2 years working with individuals with developmental disabilities including autism and 2 years of teaching experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop framework and expectations for structured day program activities.
• Develop and maintain individualized schedules, documentation, training, and programming as needed.
• Training and supporting staff on programming/curriculum implementation.
• Training, modeling, and supporting staff to facilitate 1 on 1, small group and large group learning activities.
• Autism consultation regarding program and client needs.
• Provide Autism training/orientation for staff.
• Collaborate with Program Manager to ensure client programming and schedules are implemented as established.
• Collaborate with BCBA regarding client’s behavioral needs, plan revisions, accommodations, modifications for client’s programming needs.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Education

Professional Educators License (Type 03, 09, or 10)

Job description

The Association for Individual Development (AID) is a non‑profit organization whose mission is to empower people with physical, developmental, intellectual, mental health challenges, those who have suffered a trauma, and those at risk to enjoy lives of dignity and purpose.

We are looking for a Educational Specialist who exemplifies that mission and wants to work for an organization that makes a difference.

What will you be doing?

The Educational Specialist is responsible for the development, training, and implementation of meaningful and purposeful programming delivered in AID’s Community Day Service (CDS) settings. The programming will encompass a variety of interests, accommodate multiple levels of intellectual functioning, encourage client engagement, promote independence, and focus on skill acquisition. The CDS programming will incorporate, but is not limited to, activities that address the following areas: fine and gross motor skills, attention span development, safety, activities of daily living, communication, social interaction, reduction of maladaptive behaviors, capacity for independent living, health and wellness, leisure/recreation, and community integration. The Educational Specialist is responsible for consulting with staff regarding strategies, interventions, and supports to assist clients with autism, including program development tailored to meet the client’s specific needs.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Agency programming development – including ongoing revisions and additions
• Develop framework and expectations for structured day program activities such as cooking, educational classes, gym/physical activity, outings, vocational skills, Fun Fridays, skill acquisition, Smartboard, crafts, etc.
• Develop and maintain individualized schedules, documentation, training, and programming as needed
• Training and supporting staff on programming/curriculum implementation
• Training, modeling, and supporting staff to facilitate 1 on 1, small group and large group learning activities
• Incorporate individualized client outcomes into CDS programming
• Consultation, training, and support to clients Inter‑Disciplinary Team
• Observation and consultation of potential new clients or current clients for intake, placement, supports, and programming needs
• Autism consultation regarding program and client needs
• Provide Autism training/orientation for staff
• Provide training for staff on CDS programming related topics such as activity facilitation, differentiation, levels of participation, modes of communication, etc.
• Maintain and expand community engagement (outings, volunteer sites, on‑site guests, etc.)
• Autism support for clients residing in AID CILA programs – recommendations for outcomes, accommodations, and modifications for success in the CILA environment
• Collaborate with Program Manager to ensure client programming and schedules are implemented as established
• Collaborate with BCBA regarding client’s behavioral needs, plan revisions, accommodations, modifications for client’s programming needs, etc.
• Conduct observations and provide feedback to staff on best practices and programming expectations
• Train and consult with staff to ensure they are providing clients with opportunities to engage in a variety of outings and activities
• Develop and maintain partnerships, coordinate schedules, and train on skills utilized at volunteer sites, AID Warehouse, food deliveries, etc.

Benefits for Full‑Time Employees

• 21 days of paid time off plus 10 paid holidays
• Paid training
• Tuition reimbursement
• Medical, dental, vision, life, STD, LTD, critical illness, and accident insurance
• 401(k) with a 3.5% company contribution after one year

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Education
License/Certifications: Professional Educators License (Type 03, 09, or 10)
Experience: 2 years working with individuals with developmental disabilities including autism and 2 years of teaching experience
Preferred (not required): Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, Illinois State Board of Education LBS1/Type 10, DSP Training, QIDP Training, CPI Training, Curriculum Development Experience

Physical Requirements

• No lifting restrictions
• Able to lift 50 pounds
• Standing, walking, and/or sitting for significant periods of time
• Able to run for brief periods of time
• Able to climb a ladder

Equipment

• Computer, email, Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Board Maker, Interactive White Board, CX360, Relias, Paycom, etc.
• Audio visual equipment
• Assistive technologyAdaptive equipment (lifting device, gait belt, walker, wheelchair, etc.)
• Tablets including iPads
• Copier/printer
• Laminator
• Walkie‑talkies
• Telephone/cell phone

Additional Requirements

• Must meet Illinois QIDP certification requirements
• Must pass all modules of DHS sanctioned DSP training if not on registry
• Must complete required CEUs and CPDUs for QIDP and teacher certification
• Must have a valid Illinois driver’s license, good driving record, and have minimal liability auto insurance
• Must acquire and maintain CPR, First‑Aid, and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Prevention (CPI 1 & 2)
• Must maintain teaching certification