Recreation Instructor
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 8, 2026. First seen by Alion on Nov 6, 2026.
Make a Difference Every Day
What if your career could give you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone's life every day?
At Misericordia, the Recreation Instructor plans and facilitates quality, person-centered Music, Creative Arts, Theater, and Wellness & Fitness programs, adapting them to meet the needs of all ability levels.
You will work with the Performance Arts team, the Resident Events coordinator, residential areas, and volunteers to create classes, activities, and events that give residents chances to express themselves, stay active, and celebrate together.
Previous experience working with people with intellectual disabilities is required.
Why Join Misericordia?
- Meaningful work: Build meaningful relationships with residents through music, art, theater, dance, and fitness.
- Make an impact: Design person-centered classes and programs that fit residents' interests and abilities.
- Supportive team: Work alongside the Performance Arts team, the Resident Events coordinator, direct care staff, and volunteers.
- Career growth: Take advantage of professional training and opportunities to grow throughout the organization.
- Education support: Take advantage of tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
As a Recreation Instructor, You Will:
- Plan and facilitate person-centered Music, Creative Arts, Theater, Dance, and Wellness & Fitness programs
- Build lesson plans and adapt programs for a variety of ability levels
- Work with Performance Arts team members and the Resident Events coordinator to plan and implement on-campus and community events, including dances, concerts, parties, resident events, and sporting events
- Provide leadership and instruction to direct care staff on Active Treatment techniques and activities during regularly scheduled programming, activities, and events
- Develop and maintain communication with residential areas and volunteers to increase participation in planned events and activities
- Assist with post-programming activities as needed
- Assist with Special Olympics events as needed
- Manage time effectively and work independently
Training and Professional Development
Misericordia is committed to helping employees continue to learn and grow.
Recreation Instructors have access to professional training and development opportunities designed to strengthen their skills and support career growth throughout the organization.
You will work with experienced professionals across Misericordia while gaining hands-on experience supporting people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
What We're Looking For
- At least one year of experience working with persons with intellectual disabilities
- Ability to build lesson plans focusing on person-centered classes and programs in Music, Creative Arts, Theater, Dance, and Wellness & Fitness for a variety of ability levels
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
- Ability to work with Performance Arts team members and the Resident Events coordinator in planning and implementing a variety of on-campus and community events
- Strong leadership skills, including the ability to instruct direct care staff on Active Treatment techniques and activities
- Ability to help develop and maintain communication with residential areas and volunteers
- Good time management skills and ability to work independently
- In good standing in regard to attendance and punctuality policy
- Adherence to scheduled hours in current position
Pay
Base Pay
- $23.00 per hour
Schedule
- Days, evenings, and weekends (flexible hours)
Benefits
- Health, vision, and dental insurance
- Roth 401(k) plan with 2% match and tax-free withdrawals after retirement
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Referral bonus
- Attendance bonus
- Many opportunities for growth throughout the organization
- Various professional trainings offered
- Referrals to state-funded resources providing support in finding childcare
About Misericordia
Misericordia Heart of Mercy is home to more than 600 children and adults with mild to profound developmental disabilities. Our community provides a supportive environment designed to maximize each resident's potential while meeting their individual needs. Many of the people we serve also have physical disabilities and require specialized care.
At Misericordia, every member of our team plays an important role in creating a community where residents can thrive.
Misericordia is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) according to Title 44, Ill. Administrative Code, and Subpart C Section 750.150.