Project SEARCH Instructor/Coordinator - ACH Little Rock

About the position

The Project SEARCH Instructor/Coordinator is responsible for directing and coordinating the daily instruction of the Project SEARCH program, which aims to provide training and support to interns with disabilities to help them gain competitive employment. This role involves recruiting interns, overseeing their training, and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure a successful internship experience.

Responsibilities

• Recruit appropriate interns with disabilities for the Project SEARCH program (ages 18-35).
• Attend IEP meetings, transition fairs, and conferences to promote the program to possible applicants.
• Oversee the interview and assessment process of new recruits.
• Provide tours of Project SEARCH to promote the program.
• Communicate with ACCESS marketing, local schools, and other agencies.
• Identify internship sites within the host business for interns to gain work experience.
• Develop sites that will increase job-specific skills, work quality, and productivity.
• Plan with interns, families, and agency personnel to determine career interests and job preferences.
• Identify and create solutions for behavioral concerns that interfere with employment.
• Instruct interns in employability skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, grooming, budgeting, and self-advocacy.
• Provide universal design in accommodations and adaptations needed at work sites.
• Monitor and record daily attendance of the program and internships; teach interns to inform departments of absences/tardiness.
• Assess interns on a daily/weekly basis and layer additional skills within their internships.
• Coordinate travel training through public transportation or teach interns to access private transportation independently.
• Develop work portfolios for each intern, including resumes and letters of recommendation.
• Collect and enter data on intern information and outcomes into the Project SEARCH database.
• Perform job analysis, task analysis, and job matching activities.
• Coordinate internal job placement opportunities within the host business and community.
• Arrange and attend appropriate Project SEARCH team meetings.
• Set up Employment Planning meetings for each intern at the beginning and middle of their internships.
• Collaborate internship placement with other Project SEARCH team members.
• Schedule and implement monthly written communication with parents and other parties.
• Coordinate and supervise skills trainers for internship sites.
• Communicate regularly with business liaison and skill trainers regarding intern progress.
• Communicate with Arkansas Rehabilitation Counselors and send monthly reports.
• Oversee intern newsletter and website.
• Maintain open communication with Project SEARCH Director.
• Follow Project SEARCH Curriculum and prepare lessons for each day of the program.
• Ensure that needed supplies are available for each lesson.
• Make modifications to lessons to better support interns.
• Prepare lessons for Orientation and Workshop Weeks.
• Display knowledge of current best practices in supported employment.
• Report necessary repairs to host business liaison.
• Keep adequate supplies available to function efficiently.
• Follow procedures regarding purchase orders and professional meeting requests.
• Adhere to and promote host business safety standards.
• Submit and complete appropriate reports in a timely manner.
• Keep files up to date with all appropriate forms and information.
• Recognize and act on legal responsibilities concerning the safety and welfare of interns.
• Be flexible and handle many changes throughout the day.
• Utilize sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Use Standard English in oral and written communication.
• Adapt to individual and cultural differences.
• Protect the privacy of individuals and confidentiality of information.
• Avoid actions that could result in conflicts of interest.
• Ensure a positive and supportive relationship with interns, families, and staff.
• Use effective management and behavior strategies with interns and graduates.
• Ensure interns' safety at all times by following established procedures.
• Collaborate with all team members, including funding partners.
• Ensure all necessary paperwork is complete and timely.
• Transport interns and graduates in a personal vehicle as needed.
• Maintain a flexible work schedule to support interns/graduates.
• Attend all Project SEARCH Professional Development meetings.
• Attend host business orientation and meet all requirements of the host business.
• Pass background checks required by host business and ACCESS.
• Provide immunization records and complete necessary tests/screenings.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Education or related field.
• Some experience working with children or adults with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a wide variety of people.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret data necessary to document and communicate the intern's success.
• Ability to work with a programming team to develop and implement behavior plans when necessary.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out programming effectively.

Benefits

• Flexible schedule