Program Leader, IDD Adult Day Services (Sign-On Bonus Eligible)

Aspire of Illinois

Waukegan (IL)

On-site

USD 42,000 - 54,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

13 Paid Holidays

403(b) Retirement Savings Plan

Job summary

Aspire of Illinois is seeking a Program Leader, IDD Adult Day Services, to create meaningful experiences for adults with disabilities in our on-site Day Programs in Waukegan, IL. You will lead activities, support skill-building, and promote independence while partnering with an interdisciplinary team.

The role emphasizes person-centered planning, engagement, and community outings to enhance daily living and connection.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience with adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities preferred.
Valid Illinois driver’s license with good driving record is required.

Responsibilities

Create and facilitate educational and engaging programs based on weekly themes.
Present programs in person and virtually to groups.
Lead individuals through activities and opportunities for skill development.
Plan, lead, and participate in community experiences and outings that support independence.
Foster an environment that encourages participation, creativity, connection, and growth.

Skills

Compassionate

Creative

Effective communicator

Organizational skills

Multitask and prioritize

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Description

THIS IS AN ON-SITE ROLE LOCATED IN WAUKEGAN, ILLINOIS

Empower Independence. Build Community. Enrich Lives.

About Aspire

Since 1960, Aspire has been creating boundless opportunities for people with disabilities. We believe in working together to pursue greater possibilities, foster meaningful connections, and build communities where everyone belongs. Every member of our team plays a role in advancing this mission!

The Role

As a Program Leader, IDD Adult Day Services, you will create meaningful, engaging experiences for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through Aspire’s Day Programs. You will lead educational and recreational activities, support individuals in building skills and pursuing their interests, and help create opportunities for connection, independence, and personal growth.

This is a hands-on role where you’ll bring creativity, compassion, and energy to each day while providing individualized support and creating opportunities for connection, skill‑building, and personal growth.

SIGN-ON BONUS

New hires in this full‑time Program Leader, IDD Adult Day Services position are eligible for a $1,500 sign‑on bonus!

$400 upon hire
$500 after successfully completing 90 days of employment
$600 after successfully completing six months of employment

**Additional eligibility requirements and terms apply.

What You’ll Do

Create Meaningful Programs & Experiences

Create and facilitate educational and engaging programs based on established weekly themes.
Present programs both in person and virtually to groups of people supported.
Lead individuals through activities, interactive experiences, and opportunities for skill development.
Plan, lead, and participate in community experiences and outings that support individual interests, goals, and independence.
Foster an environment that encourages participation, creativity, connection, and personal growth.

Provide Individualized Support

Develop plans and make recommendations for Person-Centered Plans (PCPs) that reflect each person’s interests, dreams, strengths, and areas of needed skill development.
Maintain familiarity with individualized clinical programs and implement interventions and strategies as directed.
Monitor individuals’ health, behavior, clothing, and hygiene and provide appropriate coaching when needed.
Provide transportation to and from community activities and other scheduled experiences as needed.
Provide and assist with personal care, including toileting, transferring, feeding, showering, and other activities of daily living, as needed.
Promote dignity, independence, choice, and respect in all interactions with people supported.

Document & Collaborate

Complete and monitor goal tracking and other required documentation to ensure accurate and timely records.
Communicate concerns and relevant updates to appropriate team members to support individual needs, goals, health, and growth.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members, including Academy Managers, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Life Consultants, and Clinical Team members.
Maintain effective communication and teamwork to ensure consistent, high-quality support.
Participate in team meetings, trainings, and other activities that support program quality and individual outcomes.

Who You Are

Compassionate, patient, and committed to supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Creative and enthusiastic, with the ability to develop engaging activities and experiences.
Able to build positive, respectful, and trusting relationships with people supported, families, coworkers, and community members.
An effective communicator with strong oral and written communication skills.
Organized and able to manage multiple priorities in an environment with frequent interruptions.
Detail-oriented with the ability to complete accurate documentation and reports.
Adaptable and comfortable providing hands‑on support and responding to changing individual needs.
Able to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Professional, courteous, and able to maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, required.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with adults with intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities, preferred.
Valid Illinois driver’s license with a good driving record, required.

Preferred Skills & Competencies

Ability to positively engage and interact with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to write detailed and accurate reports and maintain timely documentation.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask and prioritize work in a fast‑paced environment.
Ability to build tactful, engaging, and courteous relationships with people supported, employees at all levels, families, and the general public.
Creativity and enthusiasm for developing meaningful activities and community experiences.
Patience, empathy, flexibility, and emotional resilience.
Commitment to person-centered planning, dignity, choice, independence, and inclusion.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Regularly use hands and arms and perform activities requiring bending, stooping, walking, climbing stairs, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
Assist people with moving from one position to another, including transferring from sitting to standing, repositioning, transferring between surfaces, and navigating stairs.
Perform physical tasks that may include lifting and/or moving up to 75 pounds.
Work may be performed in the Community Day Service Center, residential homes, agency offices, and throughout the community.

Why Aspire?

Make a meaningful impact by helping people build skills, explore interests, and experience greater independence.
Create engaging, inclusive, and meaningful experiences that support personal growth and connection.
Build genuine relationships with the people we support while celebrating their strengths, interests, and individuality.
Be part of a mission‑driven organization committed to inclusion, community, and creating opportunities for people with disabilities.
Help individuals discover new possibilities, build confidence, develop skills, and participate fully in their communities.