{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"dfe9cb51a1e8573b4ba3da57","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/dfe9cb51a1e8573b4ba3da57","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/dfe9cb51a1e8573b4ba3da57","title":"Program Leader - Full Time","description":"OUR MISSION & OUR TEAM\n\nOpportunity 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.\n\nWe 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.\n\nABOUT OK PROGRAMS\n\nOur 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.\n\n_____________________________________________________________________\n\nPOSITION TITLE\nPROGRAM LEADER\nDIRECT SUPERVISOR: Program Coordinator\n\nJOB PURPOSE\nThe 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.\n\nEXPECTATIONS\nOperate within the guidelines of this job description\nAt all times, communicate and interact with Warriors in a manner that is respectful and age-appropriate.\nCommitment, understanding, and passion for the organization’s mission, goals, and philosophies\nAdhere to the standards and expectations set forth in the employee handbook\nAbility to commit to a full-time work schedule - mostly in-person, some remote flexibility for administrative duties\n\nQUALIFICATIONS\nREQUIRED\nMust be at least 21 years of age\nAbility to work independently on projects and assignments\nAbility to work effectively on a team - may include other staff members, board members, volunteers, and representatives from other partner agencies\nProficient or comfort in becoming proficient in providing all variety of support to Warriors of all abilities\nDemonstrates good problem-solving skills, judgment, and ethical standards\n\nPREFERRED\nFirst Aid and CPR certification - if not held upon hire, complete training within 90 days\nSeizure first aid certification - if not held upon hire, complete training within 90 days\nBackground or experience working in programs for young people with mixed abilities in an educational or recreational setting\nA valid driver's license with the comfort to serve in transport role, using OK vehicles to transport Warriors during programs\nPast experience either working or volunteering with individuals with intellectual and developmental differences in a school or recreational program setting\nComputer skills in Microsoft Office platform and Google applications\n\nDUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES\nProgram Planning/Coordination\nWork 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\nCollaborate with the program coordinator to implement pre and post-assessments as part of the lesson plans\nAdhere to specific planning requirements, criteria, and deadlines developed during program planning meetings\nCreate and implement appropriate daily activity plans\nWork to develop daily activities that are accessible to all Warriors\nCoordinate opportunities to utilize volunteers within OK programs\nAssist Program coordinator in day to day planning\n\nDirect Service\nCoordinate and facilitate designated OK initiatives (i.e. peer lead planning)\nLead activities during Opportunity Knocks programs, and when not leading an activity work to engage Warriors in OK programs\nEngage with Warriors during programs\nBridge interactions between Warriors and other community members that may connect to programs - may include volunteers, partners, interns, etc.\nAssist Warriors in making transitions during OK programs\nBe open to working with Warriors of all abilities\nBe available to assist Warriors in fulfilling their specific toileting and/or feeding needs during OK programs\nFoster a safe and supportive learning environment for all Warriors during OK programs\n\nTeam Collaboration/Work Ethic\nParticipate in the group program planning in OK programs\nAttend 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\nAttend and assist in facilitating in-service training\nUnderstands the rights to privacy, demonstrates confidentiality, and respect for differences among all persons interacting with individuals with disabilities.\nSpecial projects may be assigned, expectations will be set forth at the onset of each project.\n\n**Perform other general duties as needed**\n\nAdministrative Emphasis\nProgram leaders are primarily dedicated to providing direct service to the participants in OK Programs while programs are in operation. It should be expected that approximately three quarters of work time will be spent on those duties.\n\nThe remaining balance of time will be dedicated to administrative activities and projects that will be assigned by program and organizational leadership. Assignments will be aligned with the organizational strategic plan and assigned with consideration to the employee’s skills and interests.\n\n_______________________________________________________________________\n\nOK WORK CULTURE COMMITMENTS\nThe 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.\n\nCOMPENSATION\nAt 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.\nProgram Leader Base Salary: $42,000\n\nBENEFITS\nHealth Insurance - access to OK Group Health Plan. Opt in or out =$370/mo\nRetirement - access to retirement plan with $1 for $1 match up to 3% of salary\nTime Off - generous allotment of PTO and vacation time\nWork-Life Balance - flex time policy, hybrid work options\nTechnology Stipend - $1500 stipend to support tech needs in support of duties\nWellness - access to RFCC Fitness Center and 50% membership reimbursement to Loyola Center for Fitness\n\nOK WORKFORCE COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION\nWe 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.\n\nOK Contact: Mike Carmody, Executive Director/Chief Operations Officer\nLast updated: 8.14.24","company":"Opportunity Knocks","rawCompany":"opportunity knocks","city":"River Forest","state":"IL","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-04-12T21:09:22.229Z","occupations":[{"code":"11-9151.00","title":"Social and Community Service Managers","slug":"social-and-community-service-managers"},{"code":"21-1099.00","title":"Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other","slug":"community-and-social-service-specialists-all-other"},{"code":"13-1082.00","title":"Project Management Specialists","slug":"project-management-specialists"}],"industries":[{"code":"813410","title":"Civic and Social Organizations","slug":"civic-and-social-organizations"},{"code":"624190","title":"Other Individual and Family Services","slug":"other-individual-and-family-services"},{"code":"624110","title":"Child and Youth Services","slug":"child-and-youth-services"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Program Leader - Full Time","description":"OUR MISSION & OUR TEAM\n\nOpportunity 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.\n\nWe 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.\n\nABOUT OK PROGRAMS\n\nOur 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.\n\n_____________________________________________________________________\n\nPOSITION TITLE\nPROGRAM LEADER\nDIRECT SUPERVISOR: Program Coordinator\n\nJOB PURPOSE\nThe 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.\n\nEXPECTATIONS\nOperate within the guidelines of this job description\nAt all times, communicate and interact with Warriors in a manner that is respectful and age-appropriate.\nCommitment, understanding, and passion for the organization’s mission, goals, and philosophies\nAdhere to the standards and expectations set forth in the employee handbook\nAbility to commit to a full-time work schedule - mostly in-person, some remote flexibility for administrative duties\n\nQUALIFICATIONS\nREQUIRED\nMust be at least 21 years of age\nAbility to work independently on projects and assignments\nAbility to work effectively on a team - may include other staff members, board members, volunteers, and representatives from other partner agencies\nProficient or comfort in becoming proficient in providing all variety of support to Warriors of all abilities\nDemonstrates good problem-solving skills, judgment, and ethical standards\n\nPREFERRED\nFirst Aid and CPR certification - if not held upon hire, complete training within 90 days\nSeizure first aid certification - if not held upon hire, complete training within 90 days\nBackground or experience working in programs for young people with mixed abilities in an educational or recreational setting\nA valid driver's license with the comfort to serve in transport role, using OK vehicles to transport Warriors during programs\nPast experience either working or volunteering with individuals with intellectual and developmental differences in a school or recreational program setting\nComputer skills in Microsoft Office platform and Google applications\n\nDUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES\nProgram Planning/Coordination\nWork 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\nCollaborate with the program coordinator to implement pre and post-assessments as part of the lesson plans\nAdhere to specific planning requirements, criteria, and deadlines developed during program planning meetings\nCreate and implement appropriate daily activity plans\nWork to develop daily activities that are accessible to all Warriors\nCoordinate opportunities to utilize volunteers within OK programs\nAssist Program coordinator in day to day planning\n\nDirect Service\nCoordinate and facilitate designated OK initiatives (i.e. peer lead planning)\nLead activities during Opportunity Knocks programs, and when not leading an activity work to engage Warriors in OK programs\nEngage with Warriors during programs\nBridge interactions between Warriors and other community members that may connect to programs - may include volunteers, partners, interns, etc.\nAssist Warriors in making transitions during OK programs\nBe open to working with Warriors of all abilities\nBe available to assist Warriors in fulfilling their specific toileting and/or feeding needs during OK programs\nFoster a safe and supportive learning environment for all Warriors during OK programs\n\nTeam Collaboration/Work Ethic\nParticipate in the group program planning in OK programs\nAttend 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\nAttend and assist in facilitating in-service training\nUnderstands the rights to privacy, demonstrates confidentiality, and respect for differences among all persons interacting with individuals with disabilities.\nSpecial projects may be assigned, expectations will be set forth at the onset of each project.\n\n**Perform other general duties as needed**\n\nAdministrative Emphasis\nProgram leaders are primarily dedicated to providing direct service to the participants in OK Programs while programs are in operation. It should be expected that approximately three quarters of work time will be spent on those duties.\n\nThe remaining balance of time will be dedicated to administrative activities and projects that will be assigned by program and organizational leadership. Assignments will be aligned with the organizational strategic plan and assigned with consideration to the employee’s skills and interests.\n\n_______________________________________________________________________\n\nOK WORK CULTURE COMMITMENTS\nThe 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.\n\nCOMPENSATION\nAt 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.\nProgram Leader Base Salary: $42,000\n\nBENEFITS\nHealth Insurance - access to OK Group Health Plan. Opt in or out =$370/mo\nRetirement - access to retirement plan with $1 for $1 match up to 3% of salary\nTime Off - generous allotment of PTO and vacation time\nWork-Life Balance - flex time policy, hybrid work options\nTechnology Stipend - $1500 stipend to support tech needs in support of duties\nWellness - access to RFCC Fitness Center and 50% membership reimbursement to Loyola Center for Fitness\n\nOK WORKFORCE COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION\nWe 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.\n\nOK Contact: Mike Carmody, Executive Director/Chief Operations Officer\nLast updated: 8.14.24","datePosted":"2026-04-12T21:09:22.229Z","dateModified":"2026-04-12T21:09:22.229Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Opportunity Knocks","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"River Forest","addressRegion":"IL","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"dfe9cb51a1e8573b4ba3da57"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/dfe9cb51a1e8573b4ba3da57"}}