Skills Instructor - Day Supports

Advocates; Plainville (MA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocates in Plainville, MA is seeking a compassionate Skills Instructor to support adults with developmental disabilities in day habilitation programs. You’ll implement individualized plans, lead structured activities, and help participants build life skills, independence, and community connections.

This is a hands-on, daytime role Monday–Friday, with starting pay $18.50 per hour. We value energy, creativity, and a person-centered approach, and provide a supportive team environment and ongoing

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle.
• Experience with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Excellent communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals in achieving their personal goals by implementing individualized Day Habilitation Service Plans
• Provide hands-on developmental skills training through structured activities, recreation, and therapeutic supports
• Foster a positive, inclusive learning environment through encouragement, guidance, and role modeling
• Collaborate with team members and individuals to develop meaningful, creative goals and activities
• Assist with planning and leading daily schedules, routines, and group programming
• Facilitate community integration through outings and local activities
• Promote self-advocacy, empowerment, and independence
• Provide personal care and support with activities of daily living (ADLs) as needed
• Complete daily documentation in accordance with agency standards
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing trainings
• Ensure all individuals are treated with dignity and respect in alignment with Advocates’ Human Rights Policy

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Initiative

Person-centered care

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Starting Rate

$18.50/hour

Schedule

Monday through Friday 8:30am-3:30pm

Overview

Starting Rate $18.50/hour

Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:30am-3:30pm

As a skills instructor in our day habilitation programs, you’ll make a meaningful impact every day helping adults with developmental disabilities and brain injuries build independence, confidence, and stronger connections within their communities. You’ll support individuals in reaching personal goals, developing life skills, exploring interests, and participating in enriching recreational, therapeutic, and community-based activities.

This is a dynamic, hands-on role for someone who brings energy, creativity, and compassion to their work and thrives on building positive relationships and encouraging growth.

Who We Are

At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges.

We’re a nonprofit, mission-driven organization with a person-centered approach, empowering the individuals we support to make choices, build independence, and live full, meaningful lives. Our work is rooted in respect, compassion, and inclusion, and we envision a world where individual differences are appreciated and celebrated.

At Advocates, we value the ideas, experiences, and contributions of employees and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where everyone can grow and thrive.

Minimum Education Required

High School Diploma/GED

Shift

First Shift

Responsibilities

• Support individuals in achieving their personal goals by implementing individualized Day Habilitation Service Plans
• Provide hands-on developmental skills training through structured activities, recreation, and therapeutic supports
• Foster a positive, inclusive learning environment through encouragement, guidance, and role modeling
• Collaborate with team members and individuals to develop meaningful, creative goals and activities
• Assist with planning and leading daily schedules, routines, and group programming
• Facilitate community integration through outings and local activities
• Promote self-advocacy, empowerment, and independence
• Provide personal care and support with activities of daily living (ADLs) as needed
• Complete daily documentation in accordance with agency standards
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing trainings
• Ensure all individuals are treated with dignity and respect in alignment with Advocates’ Human Rights Policy

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and willingness to transport individuals
• At least one year of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities or in a related training program preferred
• A genuine passion for supporting others and building meaningful relationships
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in a dynamic environment
• Commitment to person-centered care and supporting diverse communities

Physical Demands:

• Full upper extremity range of motion
• Full lower extremity range of motion
• Must be able to lift furniture and/or objects/persons weighing over 50 lbs.

Physical Activity:

• Continuous: Communication
• Frequent: Standing, sitting, walking, and lifting
• Occasional: Reaching with hands and arms, stooping and crouching

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application, interview or hiring process, please contact Human Resources.