Program Leader

Opportunity Knocks; River Forest (IL); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Opportunity Knocks is seeking a dedicated Program Leader to plan and lead activities for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences. You will ensure accessibility, engagement, and a safe, inclusive environment through direct service and teamwork with staff and volunteers.

This full-time role emphasizes hands-on activity coordination, collaboration with the program team, and commitment to the organization's mission, with some remote administrative duties.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Ability to work independently on projects and assignments.
• Ability to work effectively on a team with staff, volunteers, and partners.
• Proficient in providing support to Warriors of all abilities.
• Demonstrates good problem-solving, judgment and ethical standards.
• A valid driver's license with comfort to transport Warriors during programs.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead activities for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences.
• Provide direct service to participants and coordinate volunteer involvement.
• Collaborate with the program team to achieve organizational goals.
• Foster a safe, supportive, positive and inclusive environment for participants.

Skills

Independence

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Ethical judgment

Driving

Job description

Opportunity Knocks exists to support people with different abilities as they live, work, learn, grow and connect within their community. We believe in a dynamic, person-centered, and community-based approach to programming that engages the voice of all Warriors.

We also believe in a dynamic, person-centered workforce that includes the voices of all varieties of humans. We strive to build our team with that ideal in mind. Everyone has something to offer this mission. Come bring what you have.

ABOUT OK PROGRAMS

Our dynamic, person-centered and community-based day program engages the voice of all Warriors, thrives on interdependent connections, encourages exploration, centers on holistic wellness and fosters healthy relationships. Activity offerings vary and evolve with Warrior input.

POSITION TITLE

PROGRAM LEADER

JOB PURPOSE

The Program Leader at Opportunity Knocks is responsible for planning and leading activities for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences, ensuring accessibility and engagement for all participants. This role primarily involves direct service, coordinating volunteer involvement, and collaborating with the program team to achieve organizational goals, while fostering a safe, supportive, positive, and inclusive environment for participants.

EXPECTATIONS

• Operate within the guidelines of this job description
• At all times, communicate and interact with Warriors in a manner that is respectful and age-appropriate
• Commitment, understanding, and passion for the organization’s mission, goals, and philosophies
• Adhere to the standards and expectations set forth in the employee handbook
• Ability to commit to full-time work schedule - mostly in-person, some remote flexibility for administrative duties
• Complete Direct Support Professional Training and maintain Continuing Education

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Ability to work independently on projects and assignments
• Ability to work effectively on a team - may include other staff members, board members, volunteers, and representatives from other partner agencies
• Proficient or comfort in becoming proficient in providing all variety of support to Warriors of all abilities
• Demonstrates good problem-solving skills,judgment, and ethical standards
• A valid driver's license with the comfort to serve in transport role, using OK vehicles to transport Warriors during programs