— Culture —
Life at Helping Hand
Jump to page:
Helping Hand is an organization that believes that everyone that connects with us will be positively transformed through our collective experiences.
We are more than just an organization—we are a passionate community dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve their highest potential. For over 70 years, we have provided exceptional services, including therapy, education, employment support, and residential programs, all designed to foster independence and inclusion.
We believe that our employees are the heart of our mission. When you join Helping Hand, you become part of a collaborative, compassionate, and innovative team that is changing lives every day. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, professional growth opportunities, and a workplace culture that values diversity, respect, and dedication.
If you’re looking for a rewarding career where your work truly matters, explore our career page for more information – and take the next step in making a difference by applying for an open position!
What We Offer
Not only does Helping Hand provide top-quality services through our Outpatient Clinic, School, Community Day Services, Residential Living Services, and Employment Services – we also offer a supportive and transformative place to work! Voted for over 6 years in a row as a “Best and Brightest Place to Work” in Chicagoland and the Nation, which is a reflection of the incredible talent and commitment shown by our HH team members every day.
We believe that what sets us apart is the same thing that can bring us together. We embrace our differences and create opportunities that allow people to be their best selves. It’s as inspiring as it is rewarding.
Diversity & Inclusion
Helping Hand believes that recognizing and embracing diversity allows us to foster a richer work environment, enhance program experiences, and strengthen our collective impact. By valuing unique perspectives and contributions of every team member, client/student, board director, and external stakeholder – we create an inclusive culture where everyone feels respected, heard, and empowered to succeed. Our commitment to DEI ensures that we work together to achieve our mission and vision, making a lasting impact in the communities we serve.
Appreciation & Recognition
At Helping Hand, we know that our team is the heart of our mission, which is why we are always putting our team members first. We are committed to fostering a culture of appreciation and recognition, where every contribution is valued and celebrated.
Through employee recognition, milestone celebrations, birthday celebrations, and team member appreciation initiatives, we make sure our team feels seen and appreciated for their hard work and dedication. Whether it’s through shout-outs or special events, we take every opportunity to recognize the incredible impact our team members make each day.
Because, when we uplift and celebrate each other, we create a stronger, more motivated team – one that continues to make a transformative difference in the lives of those we serve.
Training & Development
Helping Hand values our transformative team members and wants to ensure that all team members receive genuine education that will aid and support you not only in your career, but also your personal life. We take a holistic approach to learning and development, seeing the value you bring to our organization as an individual. Helping Hand provides top quality services, and this is due to having team members who value learning. While some trainings are mandatory for the purpose of regulations, laws, and expectations at Helping Hand – we also offer voluntary training opportunities to support you in all areas of professional and personal development.
We also offer a robust tuition reimbursement program which is designed to support team members in furthering their education while advancing their careers. Through this program, eligible team members can receive financial assistance for job-related courses, certifications, or degree programs. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, gain new qualifications, or pursue higher education, Helping Hand is committed to helping you succeed.
Goals of HH
Helping Hand’s strategic plan focuses on protecting and growing the agency – our people, services, finances, and operations. As a non-profit that offers transformative, top-tier programs and services to over 800 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities – we have a mission to transform the lives of all connected to Helping Hand through genuine care and education. Our vision is for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be equally valued in all communities.
Through sustainable growth, community connections, remaining a leader in exceptional programs and services, and transformative people (that’s YOU!) – we are on track to grow to over a 30-million-dollar agency by being recognized in an expanded community footprint for the best team members in the field providing advanced genuine care and education for adults and children with I/DD.
