Instructor (Project SEARCH)

Goodwill of SWPA • Pittsburgh, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Project SEARCH Transition-to-Work Program is a unique, one-year, workplace-based employment preparation program designed for young adults ages 18–22 with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Hosted at UPMC, the program provides an immersive, hands-on experience where participants build real-world skills through three job training rotations while receiving classroom instruction, career exploration, and individualized job development support. The Instructor for Project SEARCH will plan, direct, and coordinate job readiness and related transition services, including facilitation of job readiness workshops, coordination of work experiences, and management of key stakeholder relations. This role works as part of a team with service providers, agency staff, host business staff and school districts to implement Project SEARCH at the host site. The Instructor also ensures implementation of individual students’ transition plan and works with the host business, and industry to identify and build work site rotations that meet their competitive employment needs.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Education or other related field AND 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Valid teaching certificate (all state certificates eligible).
• Experience working with individuals who experience barriers to employment.
• Qualified candidates must have a valid driver's license, active insurance policy, and reliable transportation for local travel.
• Candidates are expected to complete background checks assigned by Goodwill SWPA, including a National Criminal Background check, prior to their first day of employment.
• Candidates are expected to provide current, valid clearances (Child Abuse Clearance, FBI Fingerprints Clearance, and PATCH) prior to their first day of employment.
• Tuberculosis testing series required within 90 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with transitional services and/or youth.
• Teaching certification, or, Special Education certification

Responsibilities

• Perform duties and activities that are conducive to effective and efficient daily operations, including but not limited to supply management, facility and equipment maintenance, and safety compliance.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of and develop relationships with program partners and sites (hospitals, schools, family members, etc.) to meet the needs of individual students, including but not limited to physical, social, cultural and other livelihood (such as transportation, food, housing needs).
• Adhere to and promote standards of the host business and/or competitive work site in order to promote job productivity and efficiency.
• Develop service plan, support plan implementation, and ensure all applicable regulations, requirements, laws, policies, etc. are followed.
• Evaluate participant skills and abilities to ensure appropriate job matching; monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to plan as needed to ensure a quality experience and goal attainment.
• Provide direct service and support to participants, such as training on employment, employability, self-sufficiency or related topics issues; support services referrals; identification of workplace accommodations or adaptations; conducting needs evaluations, or resolving related issues, as needed and requested by participant or host site, to meet their individual needs.
• Be aware of and follow guidelines for all applicable regulatory entities such as Department of Public welfare, Department of Labor, and PA Department of Education.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level