Skills Trainer

Merakey•Eatontown, NJ

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Skills Trainer under the Pre‑ETS Paid Internship Grant supports transition-age students with disabilities (ages 14–21) in New Jersey by delivering structured work readiness training before and after a 150‑hour paid internship at integrated employer sites. In addition to the five core Pre‑ETS components—job exploration counseling, work-based learning experiences, post-secondary counseling, workplace readiness, and self-advocacy training—the Skills Trainer handles essential preparatory tasks such as obtaining working papers, setting up payroll accounts, managing stipends, and coordinating with schools, families, DVR, and employers. Skills Trainers actively recruit internship sites, communicate expectations with employers, and oversee field placements to ensure meaningful alignment with students’ career interests. They are instrumental in facilitating smooth transitions between training and paid work, including wrap-up debrief and next-step planning. This is a grant-funded position aligned with NJDOL DVRS objectives, designed to provide 150 hours of real-world paid work within a structured training continuum.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human services, education, psychology
Reliable vehicle
Valid Driving License
Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Knowledge of Pre ETS components
Knowledge of NJ DVRS Paid Internship objectives
Knowledge of student eligibility criteria
Strong ability to develop student-aligned internship placements
Strong ability to manage employment logistics
Strong ability to coordinate multifaceted stakeholder interactions
Excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence to navigate employers, students, parents, schools, and systems.
Exceptional organizational and time-management capabilities to manage training modules, internships, and documentation seamlessly.
Familiarity with employment onboarding processes including tax paperwork, payroll setup, and benefit explanations.
Proficient in SETWorks, Microsoft Office, email, virtual communication platforms, and team-based coordination tools.
Flexibility to adapt to changing workplace conditions, internship logistics, and procedural updates.
Crisis-management and problem-solving skills to anticipate and address internship site or student challenges proactively.
Commitment to inclusive, strengths-based coaching, and supporting transitions into competitive integrated employment.

Nice To Haves

Case management experience
Proper documentation experience

Responsibilities

Deliver structured work readiness training before and after a 150‑hour paid internship.
Provide training in job exploration counseling, work-based learning experiences, post-secondary counseling, workplace readiness, and self-advocacy training.
Obtain working papers for students.
Set up payroll accounts for students.
Manage stipends for students.
Coordinate with schools, families, DVR, and employers.
Actively recruit internship sites.
Communicate expectations with employers.
Oversee field placements to ensure meaningful alignment with students’ career interests.
Facilitate smooth transitions between training and paid work.
Conduct wrap-up debriefs and next-step planning with students.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
Access to healthcare advocacy support
Retirement plan -- both pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) options available for employee contributions
DailyPay -- access your pay when you need it!
On the Goga well-being platform, featuring self-care tools and resources.
Access Care.com for backup childcare, elder care, and household services.
Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Tuition reimbursement
Educational partnerships
Employee discounts and savings programs on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
Access to Pryor Online Learning for free online personal development classes.