Weekend Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Join Our Mission at Lambs Farm

At Lambs Farm, we are passionately committed to enriching the lives of adults with developmental disabilities by providing them with meaningful work opportunities in a vibrant and intentional community. For over six decades, our farmyard, restaurants, stores, residential programs, and community services have helped individuals lead productive, fulfilling lives while building confidence, independence, and meaningful connections.

As we continue to grow, we are expanding our recreation programming to provide more opportunities for participants to engage in sports, fitness, wellness, and community activities. Through adaptive recreation and inclusive programming, we help individuals develop social skills, build self-confidence, and enjoy active, meaningful experiences within the community.

Lambs Farm is a place where encouragement, inclusion, and personal growth guide every interaction. Here, recreation is more than activity-it is a pathway to confidence, connection, and independence.

Do you have a passion for recreation, coaching, and helping others thrive through active engagement? Lambs Farm may be the place for you.

Summary

We are seeking an energetic and compassionate Recreation Specialist to lead engaging recreation programming for adults with developmental disabilities on the weekends. In this hands-on role, you will facilitate athletics, Special Olympics training, fitness activities, and community outings while creating inclusive experiences that support participant growth, wellness, and social connection.

Reporting to Programs leadership, you will work collaboratively with the recreation team while independently leading activities both on our Libertyville campus and throughout the community. We are hiring for both a part-time weekend position, offering opportunities to support participants across a variety of schedules and recreational programs.

The Role

• Design and facilitate recreational programs that promote skill development, confidence, independence, and social engagement
• Lead adaptive sports, fitness, wellness, and leisure activities for adults with developmental disabilities
• Coordinate and lead Special Olympics practices, events, and competitions
• Facilitate community outings and recreational experiences that encourage inclusion and community participation
• Adapt recreational activities to meet varying physical, emotional, and cognitive ability levels
• Provide coaching, encouragement, and positive behavioral support during recreational programming
• Support participants in achieving personal recreation, wellness, and fitness goals
• Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations to expand inclusive recreational opportunities
• Ensure recreational spaces, equipment, and activities remain safe, organized, and welcoming
• Transport participants to community outings, recreation sites, and Special Olympics events as needed
• Maintain documentation related to participation, programming, and participant progress
• Collaborate with residential, vocational, and interdisciplinary teams to support participant-centered programming
• Travel locally (approximately 50%) to community recreation sites, events, and activities
• Support flexible scheduling, including weekday, evening, or weekend programming depending on role assignment

Qualifications

• High school diploma required
• 2-3 years of experience in recreation, fitness, coaching, adaptive programming, or working with adults with developmental disabilities preferred
• Experience leading group activities, sports programs, or community recreation initiatives preferred
• Valid driver's license from Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin with a clean driving record
• Ability to safely demonstrate and lead active recreational programming
• Strong communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to adapt activities and communication styles to support individuals with varying abilities and needs
• Basic computer skills for documentation, communication, and scheduling
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment
• Enthusiastic, patient, and encouraging approach to participant engagement
• Availability for flexible scheduling, including weekday, evening, or weekend hours depending on assigned role
• Commitment to inclusion, participant empowerment, and person-centered programming

The hourly rate for this role is $17.00 per hour

Disclaimer: As part of the pre-employment process, all employees at Lambs Farm are required to successfully complete background and registry checks and medical screenings. These measures are in place to ensure a safe and compliant environment for everyone involved. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.