Life Skills Instructor-Monarch Services-Burr Ridge, IL

Ray-Graham-Association-For-People-With-Disabilities; Burr Ridge (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan with Company ‑-

Paid Vacation/Sick/Personal Time

Paid Holidays

Life and Disability Insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Professional Development & Training

Career Growth & Advancement

Job summary

Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities is seeking a Life Skills Instructor to provide daily supports and meaningful learning experiences for young adults with disabilities, including Autism. You will lead structured, skill-based activities across seven program areas and collaborate with a coordinator to promote personal growth and independence.

The role requires hands-on community support, data collection, family communication, and a commitment to person-centered, community-based

Qualifications

• Requires Valid Illinois driver's license.
• 1–2 years experience with people with intellectual/developmental disabilities or related human services field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Research, develop, and facilitate engaging, skill-based curriculum in a structured learning environment.
• Lead daily group activities across seven program areas to promote growth and participation.
• Adapt activities using visuals, sensory integration, and adaptive equipment.
• Develop daily schedules and activity plans with Monarch Services Coordinator.
• Build relationships with community organizations for volunteer, recreation, education, and paid-work opportunities.
• Provide hands-on support while modeling person-centered practices.
• Provide daily door-to-door and community transportation.
• Maintain regular family communication through weekly updates and documentation.

Skills

Driver's license

Experience with disabilities

Verbal and written communication

Organizational skills

Independent with team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities is seeking a creative, energetic, and dependable Life Skills Instructor to provide daily supports and meaningful learning experiences for young adults with disabilities, including people with Autism or on the Autism Spectrum.

Make a meaningful difference every day

In this role, you will create and facilitate structured, skill-based activities that promote personal growth, independence, community participation, relationships, recreation, education, and vocational development. The ideal candidate is positive, respectful, self-directed, and prepared to provide both group instruction and hands-on community support.

What you will do

• Research, develop, and facilitate engaging, skill-based curriculum in a highly structured learning environment.
• Create activities across seven program areas: Language Arts/Communication, Health and Fitness, Personal Enrichment, Leisure/Recreation, Creative Arts, Community Life Experiences, and Economic Growth.
• Lead daily group activities that encourage participation, learning, personal growth, and achievement.
• Adapt activities using visuals, sensory integration, adaptive equipment, and other individualized approaches.
• Develop daily schedules and activity plans in collaboration with the Monarch Services Coordinator.
• Build relationships with community organizations to create volunteer, recreation, education, vocational, and paid-work opportunities.
• Provide hands‑on support while modeling respectful, professional, and person-centered practices.
• Provide daily door‑to‑door and community transportation.

Additional responsibilities:

• Implement individual Life Plans, Individual Support Plans, IS4R requirements, and Positive Behavior Support plans when applicable.
• Collect data on individual goals and complete required documentation, including weekly data sheets, attendance, PACE reports, trackers, and database entries.
• Participate in team meetings and provide thoughtful summaries of individual achievements.
• Maintain regular family communication through weekly communication sheets and a weekly newsletter.
• Collaborate with QIDP staff and other team members to support individual goals and accurate documentation.
• Maintain petty cash according to finance guidelines and the direction of the Monarch Services Administrator.
• Uphold agency policies, professional standards, mission, values, and Person-Centered Excellence.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
• Paid Holidays
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional Development and Training Opportunities
• Opportunities for Career Growth and Advancement

Salary: $21.14 per hour

Requirements

Qualifications Required

• High School Diploma -Required; bachelor's degree-Preferred
• Valid Illinois driver's license
• Reliable personal vehicleavailable for daily work travel
• 1-2 years of experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or in a related human services field
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational,leadership, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team

Preferred

• Supervisory experience
• Experience with DHS regulations and person-centered planning
• Experience developing community partnerships
• Knowledge of Positive Behavior Supports and data collection

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods
• Ability to lead community outings and program activities
• Computer proficiency and accurate documentation skills
• Ability to safely transport and accompany People supported into the community

What Makes You Successful

We're looking for someone who is:

• Creative and energetic
• Passionate about helping others succeed
• Comfortable leading teams and mentoring staff
• An effective communicator
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Flexible and able to solve problems in a fast-paced environment
• Committed to person-centered supports and community inclusion

Additional Requirements

• Must successfully pass all pre-employment background checks.
• Must successfully complete all required pre-employment and ongoing training.
• Must maintain a valid driver'slicense and acceptable driving record.
• Ability to travel throughout DuPage County as needed.

Ray Graham Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required background checks, drug screening, and compliance with all applicable state and agency requirements.