Help Create Meaningful Learning Experiences

Helping Hand is seeking a creative, collaborative, and highly organized Program Curriculum Coordinator to develop meaningful learning opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In this role, you will assess learning needs and develop, implement, and evaluate engaging curriculum for our Day Program, Self-Reliance, Kitchen and Home Economics, and other identified programming. You will create practical learning experiences that help individuals strengthen their independence, develop new skills, build social connections, prepare for employment, participate in their communities, and pursue meaningful adult experiences.

You will also play an important role in bringing curriculum to life by training, coaching, and supporting the team members who facilitate groups and learning activities. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who combines curriculum-development expertise with a passion for person-centered services and hands-on collaboration.

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION:

• On-site position, Monday-Friday.
• 40 hours per week.
• Salary range: $60,000–$63,000/year (salaried/exempt).
• Salary based on skills and experience.
• Up to 6% annual bonus potential.
• 403b retirement plan with up to a 4% company match.

HELPING HAND PERKS:

• Purpose-driven work that changes lives.
• Tuition reimbursement and clear career growth opportunities.
• Traditional medical (BCBS of IL), dental, and vision insurance.
• Employer-paid Group Life/AD&D, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability.
• Team member appreciation events and year-round recognition.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness support.
• Generous PTO including paid holidays, vacation, accrued sick time, and personal days.
• PSLF-qualifying employer under the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Curriculum Development and Program Design

• Assess curriculum and learning needs through direct observation and input from clients, families, Direct Support Professionals, Case Managers, Clinical Services, program leadership, and other stakeholders.
• Develop, organize, implement, and maintain engaging curriculum, lesson plans, instructional materials, and learning activities.
• Create learning opportunities that promote independence, continued skill development, social connection, community participation, career readiness, and meaningful adult experiences.
• Design learning experiences based on each client's interests, abilities, goals, communication style, and support needs.
• Establish clear learning objectives and measurable outcomes to evaluate participation, skill development, program effectiveness, and opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure curriculum is practical, accessible, person-centered, appropriate for adult learners, and adaptable to varying abilities and levels of support.

Implementation, Training, and Coaching

• Lead the rollout of new and revised curriculum by developing implementation tools and providing training, modeling, coaching, and ongoing support to team members.
• Maintain a regular presence within program environments to observe curriculum implementation, provide feedback, identify barriers, and support consistent delivery.
• Work directly within programs as needed to model instructional strategies, support implementation, and maintain a strong understanding of client and team member needs.

Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

• Partner with program leadership, Case Management, Clinical Services, DSPs, families, and subject-matter experts to ensure curriculum reflects individual needs, professional recommendations, best practices, and organizational priorities.
• Collaborate with School and Adult Program curriculum partners to share resources, identify learning gaps, and strengthen continuity as individuals transition into adult services.
• Evaluate and update curriculum using observations, client outcomes, stakeholder feedback, research, emerging best practices, and changing program needs.
• Identify successful curriculum, groups, and instructional practices that could be expanded across Helping Hand programs, locations, or populations.

Documentation and Project Coordination

• Maintain organized and accessible curriculum, lesson plans, instructional resources, implementation tools, and related documentation.
• Collect and maintain data and documentation related to participation, outcomes, grants, accreditation, program evaluation, and other reporting requirements.
• Communicate regularly with the Director of Community Programs regarding priorities, project timelines, progress, barriers, resource needs, and opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in meetings, workgroups, planning sessions, professional development, and cross-departmental initiatives related to curriculum, training, and program development.
• Provide program and client support as needed while remaining attentive to safety, individual needs, and effective service delivery.
• Other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU BRING:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Psychology, Special Education, Occupational Therapy, Curriculum and Instruction, or a related field required.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with adults or children with autism, intellectual/developmental disabilities, or other support needs.
• Experience developing curriculum, lesson plans, instructional materials, learning activities, or program resources required or strongly preferred.
• Experience teaching, training, coaching, or supporting team members in implementing curriculum or instructional practices preferred.
• Experience developing or supporting programming focused on independent living skills, life skills, community participation, vocational development, adult learning, or similar areas preferred.
• Experience collaborating across disciplines and incorporating input from multiple stakeholders into program or curriculum development preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong curriculum development, lesson planning, instructional design, and program-development skills.
• Ability to translate broad goals and identified needs into practical, engaging, and measurable learning experiences.
• Strong teaching, presentation, facilitation, coaching, and modeling skills.
• Ability to develop clear, accessible, practical, and engaging instructional materials for clients and team members.
• Ability to adapt curriculum and instructional approaches to varying learning styles, abilities, communication needs, and levels of support.
• Strong observation, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project management, organization, prioritization, and follow-through skills, with the ability to manage multiple curriculum-development projects simultaneously.
• Ability to gather and use feedback and data to evaluate effectiveness and improve programming.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments, disciplines, and levels of the organization and build positive working relationships with clients, families, team members, and leadership.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Teams, and other applicable learning, presentation, and instructional technology platforms.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Ability to fulfill all required agency training, including crisis management and DSP training within 90 days of hire, if applicable.

Additional Requirements:

• Flexibility to work at any assigned Helping Hand site.
• Safely drive individuals for programming purposes as assigned.
• Maintain a valid driver's license, an acceptable driving record, and proof of personal vehicle insurance.
• Maintain client confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Participate in required meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities and demonstrate flexibility to meet program needs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This position performs a combination of office-based and program-based work and regularly uses a computer, telephone, and standard office equipment.
• Must be able to move throughout program environments, observe programming and client needs, communicate effectively with clients and team members, and review detailed curriculum and program information.
• This position may involve working with individuals who display challenging or physically aggressive behaviors and requires the ability to participate in required crisis-management training, including de-escalation and physical-management techniques.
• This role requires flexibility to adapt to changing program needs and occasional travel between Helping Hand locations.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Helping Hand is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that embracing our differences strengthens our community and enhances the quality of care we provide.