Program Leader - Full Time

Opportunity Knocks Inc.; River Forest (IL); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement plan with 3% match

AFLAC supplemental insurance

Generous PTO and vacation

Hybrid work options

Job summary

Opportunity Knocks Inc. seeks a PROGRAM LEADER to plan and lead activities for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences, ensuring accessibility and engagement in community programs.

The role emphasizes direct service, coordination with a program team, volunteer involvement, and collaboration with colleagues to meet organizational goals while maintaining a safe, supportive environment for Warrior participants. Full-time, mostly in-person with some 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, board, volunteers, and partner agencies.
• Proficiency or willingness to become proficient in supporting Warriors of all abilities.
• 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.
• Coordinate volunteers and collaborate with the program team to achieve organizational goals.
• Create a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for participants.
• Provide direct service and support across program activities.
• Assist with transportation and related logistics as needed.

Skills

21 years old

Independent work

Team collaboration

Support for Warriors

Problem solving

Driver's license

Job description

OUR MISSION & OUR TEAM

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

DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Program Coordinator

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

PREFERRED

• First Aid and CPR certification – if not held upon hire, complete training within 90 days
• Seizure first aid certification – if not held upon hire, complete training within 90 days
• CPI or behavior management training certification – if not held upon hire, complete training within 90 days
• Background or experience working in programs for young people with mixed abilities in an educational or recreational setting
• Past experience either working or volunteering with individuals with intellectual and developmental differences in a school or recreational program setting
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office platform and Google applications

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Planning/Coordination

• Work cooperatively with the program coordinator and other program leaders in program planning and implementation to achieve the goals and objectives of the program as set forth by Opportunity Knocks
• Collaborate with the program coordinator to implement pre and post‑assessments as part of the lesson plans
• Adhere to specific planning requirements, criteria, and deadlines developed during program planning meetings
• Create and implement appropriate daily activity plans
• Develop and oversee assigned program initiatives (i.e., Wellness, Social & Recreation, Life Skills, Community Connections) through year‑round calendar planning, project execution, and timely completion of established deliverables
• Work to develop daily activities that are accessible to all Warriors
• Coordinate opportunities to utilize volunteers within OK programs
• Assist Program coordinator in day to day planning

Direct Service

• Coordinate and facilitate designated OK initiatives (i.e. peer lead planning)
• Lead activities during Opportunity Knocks programs, and when not leading an activity work to engage Warriors in OK programs
• Engage with Warriors during programs
• Bridge interactions between Warriors and other community members that may connect to programs – may include volunteers, partners, interns, etc.
• Assist Warriors in making transitions during OK programs
• Be open to working with Warriors of all abilities
• Be available to assist Warriors in fulfilling their specific toileting and/or feeding needs during OK programs
• Foster a safe and supportive learning environment for all Warriors during OK programs
• Recognize that this role requires the ability to seamlessly transition between leading programs, supporting team members, and providing individualized 1:1 support as participant and program needs evolve

Team Collaboration/Work Ethic

• Participate in the group program planning in OK programs
• Attend staff meetings, planning meetings that may include but are not limited to staff planning meetings, parent meetings, vocation, and volunteer meetings, and community networking meetings
• Attend and assist in facilitating in‑service training
• Understands the rights to privacy, demonstrates confidentiality, and respect for differences among all persons interacting with individuals with disabilities
• Special projects may be assigned, expectations will be set forth at the onset of each project

Documentation/Administration

• Assist PC and PD in maintaining and updating Warrior profiles on specified platforms
• Record daily notes of Warriors as assigned via specified platforms
• Record timely updates of incident reports, observation reports, or other forms as needed
• Produce, develop, and record pre‑ and post‑surveys
• Maintain organized, current, and comprehensive program planning documentation by developing, updating, and properly storing all program plans and related materials in designated locations
• Collaborate with the PC and PD to ensure effective planning and communication for program operations, including calendar updates, transportation needs, community partnerships, and logistical coordination

Perform other general duties as needed

Administrative Emphasis

This position is structured around an approximate 80% program operations / 20% administrative workload. While percentages may fluctuate based on organizational needs, employees are expected to fulfill responsibilities in both areas.

• Program Responsibilities (Approximately 80%) – The majority of work time is dedicated to the direct operation of Opportunity Knocks programs. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, leading and facilitating programs, providing 1:1 and group participant support, assisting fellow staff, supervising community outings, providing transportation, maintaining program spaces and facilities, preparing and cleaning program materials, and completing other miscellaneous duties necessary for the successful operation of daily programming.
• Administrative Responsibilities (Approximately 20%) – The remaining work time is dedicated to administrative responsibilities that support the quality and effectiveness of programs. These responsibilities include program planning and development, maintaining assigned program initiatives, completing daily notes and other required documentation, participating in virtual and in‑person meetings, organizing program materials and records, and completing other administrative projects and duties as assigned by organizational leadership.

OK WORK CULTURE COMMITMENTS

The people who work for our organization are our most important alliance. We are committed to attracting, retaining and developing a diverse group of passionate, high‑character individuals who will contribute their best efforts and skills. We are committed to supporting those individuals in a workplace that prioritizes well‑being, and recognizes their value with meaningful compensation.

COMPENSATION

At Opportunity Knocks we are committed to a salary band structure that establishes a level of expectation for performance and compensation at each position on the organizational chart. Roles and responsibilities within each department may vary. Bands align by grouping a comparable level of responsibility across departments. Salaries align at band levels so that we can establish a clear, transparent, and equitable compensation structure for the whole organization.

BENEFITS

• Health Insurance – access to OK Group Health Plan – $370/mo
• Retirement – access to retirement plan with $1 for $1 match up to 3% of salary
• Supplemental Benefits – access to suite of AFLAC supplemental insurance
• Time Off – generous allotment of PTO and vacation time
• Work‑Life Balance – flex time policy, hybrid work options
• Wellness – access to RFCC Fitness Center and 50% membership reimbursement to Loyola Center for Fitness

OK WORKFORCE COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION

We will take a mindful and active role to ensure that we achieve diversity in all aspects of our organization and our work. Such diversity will reflect the culturally rich and vibrant community that we represent. We will openly welcome people of all backgrounds and seek to foster a culture of respect, openness, learning, integrity, and honesty.