Educational Specialist - Aurora IL

The Association for Individual Development (AID) is a non‑profit organization whose mission is to empower people with physical, developmental, intellectual, mental health challenges, those who have suffered a trauma, and those at risk to enjoy lives of dignity and purpose.

We are looking for a Educational Specialist who exemplifies that mission and wants to work for an organization that makes a difference.

The Educational Specialist is responsible for the development, training, and implementation of meaningful and purposeful programming delivered in AID’s Community Day Service (CDS) settings. The programming will encompass a variety of interests, accommodate multiple levels of intellectual functioning, encourage client engagement, promote independence, and focus on skill acquisition. The CDS programming will incorporate, but is not limited to, activities that address the following areas: fine and gross motor skills, attention span development, safety, activities of daily living, communication, social interaction, reduction of maladaptive behaviors, capacity for independent living, health and wellness, leisure/recreation, and community integration.

The Educational Specialist is responsible for consulting with staff regarding strategies, interventions, and supports to assist clients with autism, including program development tailored to meet the client’s specific needs.

• Agency programming development – including ongoing revisions and additions
• Develop framework and expectations for structured day program activities such as cooking, educational classes, gym/physical activity, outings, vocational skills, Fun Fridays, skill acquisition, Smart board, crafts, etc.
• Develop and maintain individualized schedules, documentation, training, and programming as needed
• Training and supporting staff on programming/curriculum implementation
• Training, modeling, and supporting staff to facilitate 1 on 1, small group and large group learning activities
• Incorporate individualized client outcomes into CDS programming
• Consultation, training, and support to clients Inter‑Disciplinary Team
• Observation and consultation of potential new clients or current clients for intake, placement, supports, and programming needs
• Autism consultation regarding program and client needs
• Provide Autism training/orientation for staff
• Provide training for staff on CDS programming related topics such as activity facilitation, differentiation, levels of participation, modes of communication, etc.
• Maintain and expand community engagement (outings, volunteer sites, on‑site guests, etc.)
• Autism support for clients residing in AID CILA programs – recommendations for outcomes, accommodations, and modifications for success in the CILA environment
• Collaborate with Program Manager to ensure client programming and schedules are implemented as established
• Collaborate with BCBA regarding client’s behavioral needs, plan revisions, accommodations, modifications for client’s programming needs, etc.
• Conduct observations and provide feedback to staff on best practices and programming expectations
• Train and consult with staff to ensure they are providing clients with opportunities to engage in a variety of outings and activities
• Develop and maintain partnerships, coordinate schedules, and train on skills utilized at volunteer sites, AID Warehouse, food deliveries, etc.

• 21 days of paid time off plus 10 paid holidays
• Paid training
• Tuition reimbursement
• Medical, dental, vision, life, STD, LTD, critical illness, and accident insurance
• 401(k) with a 3.5% company contribution after one year

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Education
License/

Certifications:

Professional Educators License (Type 03, 09, or 10)
Experience: 2 years working with individuals with developmental disabilities including autism and 2 years of teaching experience
Preferred (not required): Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, Illinois State Board of Education LBS1/Type 10, DSP Training, QIDP Training, CPI Training, Curriculum Development Experience

• No lifting restrictions
• Able to lift 50 pounds
• Standi…