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Day Program Adults With Disability Jobs in Chicago, IL

... adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in areas of vocational skills training, developmental rehabilitation, social skills training, and community integration in our day program ...

... adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in areas of vocational skills training, developmental rehabilitation, social skills training, and community integration in our day program ...

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Day Program Adults With Disability information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$19

$27

How much do day program adults with disability jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for day program adults with disability in Chicago, IL is $19.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Day Program Coordinator for Adults with Disabilities, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Day Program Coordinator for Adults with Disabilities, you need experience in disability services, a relevant qualification (such as a certificate in disability support or social services), and knowledge of care standards. Familiarity with individualized service plans, assistive technology, and documentation or scheduling systems is common. Compassion, patience, and strong interpersonal communication are essential soft skills for fostering supportive relationships and addressing participant needs. These skills are critical for ensuring the safety, engagement, and well-being of program participants in a respectful, empowering environment.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working in a day program for adults with disabilities, and how can they be effectively addressed?

Staff in day programs for adults with disabilities often encounter challenges such as managing diverse support needs, fostering engagement among participants with varying abilities, and adapting activities to suit individual preferences. Effective communication, patience, and ongoing training in person-centered approaches are key to overcoming these challenges. Team collaboration and regular debriefings also help staff share strategies, stay motivated, and ensure the best possible experience for participants.

What is a Day Program for Adults with Disabilities?

A Day Program for adults with disabilities is a structured service that provides social, recreational, educational, and vocational activities during the day. These programs are designed to support adults with physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities by promoting independence, skill development, and community involvement. Participants benefit from a safe environment, opportunities for personal growth, and social interaction with peers. Day programs may also offer support with daily living skills and access to therapies as needed.

What is the difference between Day Program Adults With Disability vs Supported Employment Specialist?

AspectDay Program Adults With DisabilitySupported Employment Specialist
CredentialsTypically no formal certification requiredOften requires certifications like CPR, First Aid, or supported employment credentials
Work EnvironmentGroup settings focused on social and daily living activitiesOne-on-one or small group settings assisting clients in employment
Employer & Industry UsageNon-profit organizations, community centers, government programsEmployment agencies, vocational rehabilitation services, nonprofits
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding day programs for adults with disabilitiesAssisting clients in finding supported employment opportunities

Day Program Adults With Disability primarily focus on social, recreational, and daily living activities within group settings, often without formal certifications. Supported Employment Specialists work directly with individuals to secure and maintain employment, often requiring specific certifications and working in employment-focused environments. Both roles serve adults with disabilities but differ in their primary objectives and work settings.

What are popular job titles related to Day Program Adults With Disability jobs in Chicago, IL? For Day Program Adults With Disability jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Day Program Adults With Disability jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Day Program Adults With Disability jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Day Program Adults With Disability jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Day Program Adults With Disability job openings:
Infographic showing various Day Program Adults With Disability job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,774 per year, or $19.6 per hour.
Director of Adult Day Program

Director of Adult Day Program

KESHET

Highland Park, IL

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

LOCATION:          Highland Park - GADOL Day Program 

SUPERVISOR:     Chief Program Officer

STATUS:               Full-time / Exempt / Salary 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Adult Services is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and operational success of Keshet’s Adult Day Program, GADOL!. This role oversees program operations, staff management and development, service delivery, and quality assurance to ensure high-quality programming and support for participants and families.

The Director supervises program managers, DSP's and vocational coordinators, while overseeing the planning, organization, staffing, and evaluation of all adult services programming. They also serve as a key representative of Keshet in the community, building and maintaining relationships with families, partners, and external stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Plan the program:

  • Plan the delivery of the overall program and its activities in accordance with the mission and the goals of KESHET

  • Develop new initiatives to support the strategic direction of the organization

  • Develop and implement long-term goals and objectives to achieve the successful outcome of the program

  • Work with CFO to develop an annual budget and operating plan to support the program

  • Develop a program evaluation framework to assess the strengths of the program and to identify areas for improvement

Organize the program:

  • Ensure that program activities operate within the policies and procedures of the organization

  • Ensure that program activities comply with all relevant legislation and professional standards

  • Develop goals and metrics to determine programs success and sustainability

  • Oversee the collection and maintenance of records on the team members of the program for statistical purposes according to the confidentiality/privacy policy of the organization

Staff the program:

  • Oversee the process to recruit, interview and select well-qualified program staff

  • Ensure that all program staff receive an appropriate orientation to the organization and the programs

  • Perform mid-year and end of year performance reviews for all direct staff

  • Work with HR to create program specific bonus structures and help implement organizational culture

Lead the program

  • Ensure all staff members receive orientation and appropriate training in accordance with organizational standards

  • Supervise program staff by providing direction, input and feedback

  • Communicate with team members and other pertinent members to gain community support for the program and to solicit input to improve the program

  • Liaise with other Program Directors to ensure the effective and efficient program delivery

  • Coordinate the delivery of services among different program activities to increase effectiveness and efficiency

  • Meet monthly or as needed with Program Managers and Directors

Control the program:

  • Write reports on the program for management

  • Ensure that the program operate within the approved budget, including payroll

  • Monitor and approve all budgeted program expenditures

  • Meet monthly with Controller to go over budget on a regular basis (monthly/bimonthly)

  • Manage all project funds according to established accounting policies and procedures

  • Work with CFO and finance team to ensure that all financial records for the program are up to date

  • Identify and evaluate the risks associated with program activities and take appropriate action to control the risks working with CFO, CEO, HR, and any other relevant directors as needed

  • Monitor the program activities on a regular basis and conduct an annual evaluation according to the program evaluation framework

  • Report evaluation findings to the Executive Director and recommend changes to enhance the program, as appropriate

OTHER REQUIRED DUTIES

  • Standards of Behavior/Conduct

  • Respond to all requests for information or communication in a timely manner.

  • Competencies and Certifications

  • Maintain skills with computers, take advantage of new technology, learn new tools quickly, use technology to enhance job performance and increase productivity. Maintain current understanding of technical processes/equipment.

  • Adherence to policies and procedures

  • Adhere to Keshet policies and procedures outlined in the policy manual, Employee Handbook, and other employee policies.

  • Complete other duties and responsibilities as assigned to ensure effective functioning of Keshet programming.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Respect diverse cultures and provides culturally appropriate, competent and individualized support according to each individual’s age, race, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs and culture.
  • Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
  • Leadership and analytical skills
  • Embrace a culture of collaboration and teamwork
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
  • Bachelor’s Degree Required
  • Master's Degree preferred in Social Work, Education, Human Services, Sociology or closely related field
  • Supervisory experience preferred
  • Minimum of five years professional experience in working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Ability to use computers fluently, i.e. Internet, Microsoft Office including Excel and Outlook.
  • A valid Driver’s license.
  • A criminal and Motor Vehicle record which meets company standards.
  • CPR Certified Required
  • DSP Training Required
  • QIDP Training
  • New hires need to be fully vaccinated and up to date on their COVID-19 vaccination or provide documentation for an ADA or religious exemption and participate in weekly COVID testing.
  • Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times

ABOUT KESHET

Keshet is a one-of-a-kind organization that brings classroom experiences, camps, sports, residential, social, and vocational activities for 600 people with disabilities each year. From the very start, Keshet has grown alongside our participants, creating a community of belonging where people of all abilities learn, play, work, live, and grow together. 

Today, Keshet continues to flourish, with over 75 programs in the Chicago and Wisconsin area, four residential homes, 200 dedicated staff and lay leaders, dozens of community and corporate partners, and thousands of engaged donors around the world. Nurtured by respect, creativity, tenacity and unconditional love, Keshet makes a powerful difference in the lives of each child and adult with disabilities, their families, the community and beyond.