Opportunityknocksnow
Program Leader - Part Time
River Forest, Illinois
Get past the screening software and onto a recruiter's desk
hirly rewrites your resume for this job — matching the keywords and skills in the posting, moving your most relevant experience to the top, and writing a cover letter to fit. About 30 seconds.
- Keywords matched to this posting
- Fit score before you apply
- Cover letter included
Matched against 2.6M live jobs from 210,000+ employers in 200+ countries.
Tailor my resume for this job →Apply from your AI assistant
Connect hirly to Claude or ChatGPT and ask it to apply to this job. hirly tailors your resume, fills the employer’s form and asks before sending.
Some employer sites stop an application at a CAPTCHA or sign-in and hand it back with a link. Applying needs a paid plan. Works with any assistant that supports MCP.
hirly's read of this role
- Seniority
- Mid level
- Country
- US
- Work mode
- On-site / unstated
- First seen by hirly
- 2 Sept 2026
Derived automatically from the posting. Upload your resume above to see how the role scores against it.
the posting
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 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 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 - it 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.
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.
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.
Listed on hirly, a job board. hirly is not the employer: Opportunityknocksnow is hiring for this role.
Similar jobs
- Environmental Program Leader – Hazardous Waste and Dangerous Goods ComplianceGeaerospace · RemoteFirst seen todayremote
- Program Leader - Military Controls EngineeringGeaerospace · 3 LocationsFirst seen today
- Program Leader - BASEDcsd · Coyote Creek ElementaryFirst seen yesterday
- Child & Youth Program LeaderCommander, Navy Installations Command · Oak Harbor, Washington, United StatesFirst seen yesterday
- Philadelphia Program LeaderBooster · Philadelphia, PAFirst seen 2d ago
Want this one?
Upload your resume and hirly rewrites it for this job and writes the cover letter — in about thirty seconds, before you sign up.
Tailor my resume for this job