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Day Program Instructor Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

... Day Services location in Ashland, including other Skills Instructors, Case Managers, Employment ... You will assist program participants with activities of daily living, provide developmental skills ...

... Day Services location in Ashland, including other Skills Instructors, Case Managers, Employment ... You will assist program participants with activities of daily living, provide developmental skills ...

... Day Services location in Ashland, including other Skills Instructors, Case Managers, Employment ... You will assist program participants with activities of daily living, provide developmental skills ...

... Day Services location in Ashland, including other Skills Instructors, Case Managers, Employment ... You will assist program participants with activities of daily living, provide developmental skills ...

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Day Program Instructor information

See Boston, MA salary details

$5

$23

$46

How much do day program instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for day program instructor in Boston, MA is $23.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $28.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Day Program Instructors?

Day Program Instructors are professionals who work with individuals, often those with developmental disabilities or special needs, in structured daytime programs. They plan and facilitate activities that promote skill development, socialization, and independence. Their responsibilities may include teaching daily living skills, supporting community integration, and ensuring participants' safety and well-being. Day Program Instructors also collaborate with other staff and families to create individualized plans and track progress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Day Program Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Day Program Instructor, you need experience in education or human services, knowledge of developmental disabilities, and usually a high school diploma or higher. Familiarity with individualized service plans (ISPs), documentation software, and basic assistive technology is often required. Patience, creativity, and strong interpersonal skills help instructors effectively engage participants and build positive relationships. These abilities ensure safe, supportive, and enriching environments that promote participant growth and well-being.

What are some common challenges faced by Day Program Instructors, and how can they be managed?

Day Program Instructors often work with individuals who have varying needs and abilities, which can present challenges in adapting activities and communication styles. Managing group dynamics, ensuring participant engagement, and handling unexpected behavioral issues are typical aspects of the role. Successful instructors rely on patience, strong interpersonal skills, and collaboration with colleagues and support staff to create a positive and inclusive environment. Ongoing training and support from the organization can also help instructors effectively address these challenges and foster participant growth.
What are the most commonly searched types of Program Instructor jobs in Boston, MA? The most popular types of Program Instructor jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Day Program Instructor jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Day Program Instructor job openings:
Developmental Specialist (Day Habilitation)

Developmental Specialist (Day Habilitation)

Vinfen

Watertown, MA • On-site

$24.09/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Vinfen rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
Provides case management, treatment planning, and direct support for persons served including advocacy, family contact, and all related documentation. Provides supervision, training, leadership, and assistance to Program Instructors, interns, relief staff, and volunteers. Assists in the daily implementation of Day Habilitation Support Plans (DHSPs) recommended schedules and plans. Follows Policies & Procedures as outlined by Vinfen in supporting MassHealth regulations, CARF standards, and where applicable DDS regulations.
Responsibilities
The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed below:
• Supervises the activities of the Program Instructors, interns, volunteers, and relief staff. Provides training, coaching, mentoring, and staff development activities, as needed. Directs observation and clinical interaction with Instructors during program hours.
• Participates in the development of persons served DHSPs, Safety Assessment, and other assessments. Includes recommendations from Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, and other professional/para-professional staff. Manages a caseload of individuals served.
• Implements, monitors, and evaluates the effectiveness of prescribed clinical, adaptive skills, communication, and other programs. Provides recommendations or implements changes to ensure continuous improvement of skills.
• Advocates for needs of persons served in all areas. Promotes self expression, self-reliance, and creativity for all persons served. Assures the preservation of human rights for persons served. Acts as positive role model to Program Instructors and persons served.
• Prepares for and attends consultation meetings with clinical staff, including Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, Physical Therapist, Assistant Clinical Director, and other paraprofessionals.
• Works directly with persons served individually and in groups. Assists with personal care and activities of daily living. Works to promote independence in everyday life.
• Assesses functional skills of persons served and identifies appropriate therapeutic interventions with assistance from professional and paraprofessional staff.
• With approval from the person served, maintains contact with family members and residential staff members.
• Provides training and development of age appropriate activities and groups. Recommends and participates in the development of activities with a greater range of choices.
• Responsible for documenting specific data, transfers to daily chart, and performs monthly
progress reviews of data. Collects and provides data as determined by individual DHSP objectives and as otherwise specified by management.
• Maintains physical upkeep of the program area. Has knowledge of supplies and equipment and recommends ordering when needed. Ensures equipment used is cleaned, stored appropriately, and is in good repair and safe condition. Ensures individuals served are trained in equipment before use at the service location and other work locations.
• Acts as advocate for individuals in all areas.
• Completes continuous training in applied behavioral analysis and teaching techniques. Completes successful in-service training on Positive Behavior Support modules.
• Responsible for the completion of 6-month review progress summaries and annual assessments according to specified due dates.
• Supervises and organizes individual and group activities.
• Communicates consistently with management regarding treatment and skill development programs for individuals. Participates and is actively involved with DHSP team.
• Ensures individuals are actively engaged in meaningful age appropriate activities and groups throughout the day with a focus on skill building, communication, and self-reliance.
• Trains, mentors, and supports the activities of the staff. Provides information for feedback tools and provides feedback for annual performance evaluations.
• Notifies Management staff of any emergencies.
• If assigned, functions as the Human Rights Officer and Fire Safety Officer.
• Maintains updated resume on file at Day Hab location.
• Performs other related duties, as required.
Knowledge and Skills:
• Knowledge of human, civil, and legal rights
• Knowledge of empowerment and use of self-advocacy techniques
• Knowledge of applied behavioral analysis with developmental disabilities population
• Knowledge and use of different communication styles
• Knowledge of advocacy techniques
• Knowledge of formal and informal assessment practices
• Knowledge of participatory planning techniques
• Knowledge of required independent living management skills
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques
• Knowledge of available community resources, job, and training opportunities
• Knowledge of documentation requirements
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues
• Persuasive, collaborative, and participative skills
• Presentation skills
• Ability to create strategies for persons served
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to provide a positive role model
• Ability to balance competing priorities
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity
About Vinfen
Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers.
My Job. My Community. My Vinfen.
Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Qualifications
Typical Requirements:
One to two years experience in a related function preferred.
Preferred /Required Education:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Driving Requirements:
Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.
Physical Effort:
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift.
Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways. Ability to assist persons served with activities of daily living. Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed. Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with persons served, staff, and external representatives. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
For positions in day programs or group residences, the ability to assist in routine living activities including cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping.
Required Certifications:
CPR required within two weeks of hire
First Aid required within two weeks of hire
Safety Care required within 90 days of hire
NET required
Pay Range
USD $24.09 - USD $24.09 /Hr.

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