Aspire Chicago

Manager, Life Enrichment Support (IDD - Adult Day Services)

Aspire Chicago  •  $55k - $62k/yr  •  Waukegan, IL (Onsite)  •  2 hours ago
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Job Description

Empower People. Develop Teams. Create Meaningful Life Experiences.

Are you a passionate leader who believes everyone deserves opportunities to learn, grow, and belong? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment where your leadership directly impacts the lives of others?

We are seeking a dynamic Manager, Life Enrichment Support to lead and develop a team of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) while ensuring exceptional day program experiences for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This leadership role combines team development, operational excellence, and person-centered support to create engaging learning environments that foster independence, community engagement, and meaningful life experiences.

If you are energized by developing people, driving quality outcomes, and making a difference every day, we encourage you to apply.

What You'll Do

Lead and Develop High-Performing Teams

As a people leader, you will supervise a team of Direct Support Professionals, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence. You will oversee:

  • Recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training
  • Staff scheduling and payroll administration
  • Performance management and employee development
  • Ongoing coaching, recognition, and team engagement
  • Building a positive, mission-driven workplace culture

Ensure Exceptional Participant Experiences

You will champion person-centered services that empower people to pursue their interests, build relationships, and participate fully in their communities.

Responsibilities include:

  • Promoting dignity, respect, choice, and self-determination
  • Ensuring participant rights, health, and safety standards are maintained
  • Supporting meaningful engagement in activities and learning opportunities
  • Collaborating with individuals, families, and support teams to implement effective support plans

Drive Program Quality and Outcomes

You will ensure services are delivered with consistency, quality, and accountability by:

  • Monitoring participant goals and progress
  • Ensuring accurate and timely documentation
  • Evaluating team performance and service effectiveness
  • Supporting continuous improvement efforts
  • Maintaining compliance with organizational and regulatory standards

Oversee Daily Operations

Working closely with your co-manager and leadership team, you will help ensure smooth daily operations by:

  • Coordinating staffing and team assignments
  • Assessing program needs and adjusting resources accordingly
  • Providing direct support and facilitating activities when needed
  • Assisting with participant transportation
  • Communicating operational updates, concerns, and recommendations to leadership

Collaborate Across the Organization

Success in this role requires strong partnership and teamwork. You will:

  • Partner with participants, families, and interdisciplinary teams
  • Serve on organizational committees and initiatives
  • Participate in ongoing professional development
  • Contribute ideas that strengthen programs and enhance service delivery
  • Collaborate closely with your co-manager to cultivate team growth and program success

Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities
  • Valid driver's license with a good driving record
  • Minimum 21 years of age
  • Strong computer proficiency including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Education, Psychology, or a related field
  • Previous supervisory or team leadership experience
  • DSP Certification a plus

The Ideal Candidate

You are a compassionate and effective leader who balances operational excellence with genuine care for people. You excel at building relationships, developing teams, and creating environments where both employees and participants can thrive.

Key strengths include:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong organizational and time-management abilities
  • Emotional intelligence and conflict-resolution skills
  • Ability to influence and collaborate across teams
  • Commitment to confidentiality and professionalism
  • Cultural competence and respect for people of all backgrounds
  • Adaptability, flexibility, and accountability
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Leadership Competencies

Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to:

Achieve Results - Consistently deliver outcomes and maintain focus, even in challenging situations.

Build Effective Teams - Develop strong, collaborative teams that leverage diverse strengths to achieve common goals.

Cultivate Innovation - Seek creative solutions and continuously improve processes and participant experiences.

Make Quality Decisions - Exercise sound judgment and make timely decisions that support organizational success.

Tackle Tough Issues - Address challenges directly, respectfully, and constructively.

Why Join Us?

Our mission is centered on helping people with disabilities live full, self-directed, and meaningful lives. As Manager, Life Enrichment Support, you'll have the opportunity to lead dedicated professionals, influence program quality, and make a lasting impact on the lives of the people we support.

Join a team where purpose, collaboration, innovation, and compassion come together to create extraordinary outcomes every day.

Apply today and help build a community where everyone belongs.

Aspire Chicago

About Aspire Chicago

Aspire is recognized as a leader in providing bold, pioneering and uncompromising services to individuals with disabilities, their families and the Chicagoland community.

We are one of the most innovative human service non-profits in the Midwest with an incredibly talented and dedicated team.

Industry
Healthcare & Social Services
Company Size
51-200 employees
Headquarters
Hillside, IL
Year Founded
1960
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