Job Title: Head Instructor
Department: Adult Development (ADC) Program
Reports To: ADC Curriculum & Program Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Hours: Full Time, 40 Hours/wk
Starting Pay Range: $33-34
Nonprofit Organization Overview
Formerly known as the Cerebral Palsy Center for the Bay Area, Ability Now Bay Area (ANBA) offers adults with developmental and physical disabilities the most comprehensive and cutting-edge services available. Our unique programs include education, communication, computer literacy, vocational training, wellness, and community integration. We promote self-advocacy, independent living skills, and leisure skills, which enhance our participants’ ability to live more independent and fulfilled lives.
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Head Instructor to supervise and provide curriculum development for the Adult Development Center (ADC) program. The Head Instructor will be responsible for ensuring that our curriculum delivers the highest standards of education while promoting the overall well-being of our participants. Working closely with instructors, the leadership team, and the participants, the Head Instructor will play a critical role in developing and implementing strategies that enhance the educational experience and increase participants’ positive experience. This position requires not only a strong vision for educational excellence but also the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team of educators. The Head Instructor will be expected to manage resources efficiently, promote the professional development of staff, and establish effective communication channels with all stakeholders.
The optimal candidate for this position will exhibit:
- Proven work experience in an educational leadership role, such as a (lead teacher or similar role).
- Strong understanding of current educational standards, as it relates to working with the IDD population
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
- Demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate, mentor, and lead a diverse team.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills with a focus on attention to detail.
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace and classroom environment.
- Strong passion for the development and education of the IDD population.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of educational programs and curricula that is culturally and developmentally appropriate.
- Assess the instructor’s lesson plans and teaching methods and identify areas for improvement.
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate teaching staff, fostering professional growth and development.
- Communicate with the ADC Program Manager daily.
- Collaborate with the ADC Program Manager, participants, parents, staff, and the community to promote participant success and engagement.
- Create evaluation standards and implement improvement strategies for Instructors and Assistant Instructors.
- Promote and uphold the program’s mission, vision, and values through effective leadership and advocacy.
- Plan, write, and coordinate daily lesson plans for all assigned courses that detail the materials, resources, and activities for classroom instruction.
- Provide individual and group instruction.
- Informally assess the capabilities of participants and select suitable developmental activities with input from the participants.
- Work with participants to create individual objectives based on long-range Individual Program Plan (IPP) and Person-Centered Plan (PCP) goals and assessments. Create benchmarks for participant goals.
- Track current program objectives for all assigned participants and record comments in program participant files.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of program activities and adjust the program accordingly.
- Learn, utilize, and stay up-to-date with all technology and software platforms related to executing the position, including Zoom, Payroll Systems, StoriiCare, Microsoft Office, Email, etc.
- Assist in other departments as needed.
Additional Job Requirements
- Assist participants in getting to and on busses
- Support other departments as necessary
- Participate in classroom discussions, and keep participants engaged
- Assist with walking or pushing participants to classes
- Comply with all Ability Now Bay Area policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook
- Check email and other internal communications daily, and respond promptly.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
The right candidate will demonstrate a track record of positive interactions with colleagues, the desire to learn and grow, and the commitment to support adults with developmental disabilities in a positive, engaging learning environment.
Education and Experience
- Master’s Degree (preferred)
- Teaching Credential with 5 years of curriculum development (preferred)
- Bachelor’s Degree in education or a related field with 3 years of instruction and curriculum development, and/or
- Associate Degree in education or related field with 5 years of instruction and curriculum development
Communication and Reading Comprehension
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents such as governmental regulations, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write reports and correspondence. Ability to teach, train, and effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, staff, participants, and the general public.
Mathematical Skills and Technology
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to calculate figures and amounts, such as interest, discounts, and percentages. Experience with Microsoft Word Excel and Zoom. Experience with or the desire to learn how to use additional data tracking software.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to adapt to varied and changing circumstances.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Note: Any lifting of program participants always requires two people.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.
- May be exposed to outdoor elements of heat, wind, moderate cold, and rain while assisting participants with transportation.
If you are passionate about education and are looking to make a significant impact for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in a dynamic learning environment, we encourage you to apply for this transformative role.
Ability Now Bay Area is an Equal-Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.
It is the policy of ANBA not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.