Program Leader - Part Time

Opportunity Knocks Inc.; River Forest (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Opportunity Knocks Inc. is seeking a Program Leader to plan and lead activities for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences. The role focuses on direct service, coordinating volunteers, and collaborating with the program team to create a safe, inclusive environment.

The position requires commitment to a minimum of 12 hours weekly, with mostly in-person work and some remote flexibility for administrative duties. Ability to transport Warriors using OK vehicles is expected.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work independently on projects and assignments.
• Ability to work effectively on a team with staff, volunteers, and partner agencies.
• Familiarity or willingness to learn providing support to Warriors of all abilities.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate program activities with the program coordinator and leaders.
• Assist in implementing pre- and post-assessments as part of lesson plans.
• Create daily activity plans accessible to all Warriors.
• Develop and oversee program initiatives throughout the year.
• Coordinate volunteers within OK programs.
• Assist in day-to-day planning and execution.

Skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Driver's license

Transport duties

Communication

Ethical standards

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google applications

Job description

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 a minimum of 12 hours assigned weekly 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 partner agencies
• Proficiency 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 a 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 (e.g., 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 (e.g., 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
• Understand the rights to privacy, demonstrate 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