The Adult Program Specialist is responsible for delivering direct educational and life skills programming for adults with Down syndrome through GiGi Prep, GiGi U, and GiGi Professional. This role focuses on building independence, confidence, communication, and career readiness while fostering a positive, engaging, and inclusive environment.

Location: Role is in-person at GiGi's Playhouse Rockford, 8801 N 2nd St, Machesney Park, IL 61115

Essential Job Functions:

Program Implementation & Direct Service

• Lead and facilitate GiGi Prep, GiGi U, and GiGi Professional sessions
• Provide direct instruction in areas such as communication, social skills, health & wellness, financial literacy, and career readiness
• Adapt curriculum and teaching strategies to meet individual learning styles and needs
• Support participant goal-setting and track progress toward individualized outcomes
• Continually reinforce GiGi U Values of Respect, Independence, Cooperation

Participant Support

• Build strong, respectful relationships with adult participants
• Promote independence while providing appropriate levels of support
• Implement individual strategies to support behavioral and emotional regulation
• Encourage self-advocacy, problem-solving, and social engagement

Volunteer Coordination

• Train and support volunteers assisting in adult programs
• Provide clear direction during sessions to ensure effective participant engagement
• Foster a collaborative and positive volunteer experience

Program Development & Evaluation

• Assist in planning and refining program content aligned with GiGi’s curriculum standards
• Collect data and maintain accurate documentation on participant progress
• Provide feedback to improve program quality and outcomes
• When participants are deemed ready to transition between program levels, meet with Program and Engagement Coordinator to complete Participant Placement Transfer form

Collaboration & Communication

• Communicate regularly with families/caregivers regarding participant progress
• Collaborate with site leadership and other program staff
• Represent GiGi’s Playhouse mission and values in all interactions

Additional Responsibilities

• Effectively and efficiently communicate with other staff, volunteers, and Playhouse families both verbally and in written form (email, newsletters, text messages, etc.) to ensure steady and accurate flow of information
• Participate in on-going training offered by GiGi’s Playhouse, Inc. (including National Conference) to ensure best practices
• Complete reports as necessary for Executive Director and/or National Office

Competencies:

The Adult Program Specialist must enjoy working within an entrepreneurial environment that is mission-driven, results-driven and community oriented. The following competencies describe the ideal candidate:

• Patience, empathy, and enthusiasm
• Ability to manage group dynamics effectively
• Commitment to person-centered programming

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably with an emphasis in special education
• One year of experience in a classroom setting or comparable experience
• Passion for inclusion and empowerment of individuals with disabilities
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Patience and ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Strong interpersonal and intrapersonal skills
• The ability to be flexible and “shift on the fly”
• Creative mindset and willingness to adapt instruction and try innovative approaches
• Knowledge of behavior support strategies
• Familiarity with data tracking and progress monitoring
• Proficiency in commonly used computer applications and willingness to learn new technology as needed

Work Environment:

• Active, hands-on role involving group facilitation
• May include light physical activity (e.g., movement-based programming)
• May include occasional evening or weekend activities
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This is an in-person position.