Project SEARCH Instructor/Coordinator - ACH

POSITION PURPOSE

Directs and coordinates the daily instruction of Project SEARCH. Ensuring that interns are receiving the training and support that they need to gain competitive employment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & BASIC DUTIES

• Recruit appropriate interns with disabilities for 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 so that interns can participate in a variety of work experiences in order to build marketable, competitive skills which will lead to employment.
• Develop sites that will increase job specific skills, work quality and productivity.
• Plan with interns, families and agency personnel to determine career interests, specific job preferences (hours, location, etc. ) skills and abilities to develop an individualized approach to placement.
• Identify and create solutions for behavioral concerns that interfere with gaining and maintaining employment.
• Instruct interns to learn employability skills such as communication, problem solving, teamwork, grooming, budgeting and self-advocacy.
• Provide universal design in the accommodations and adaptations needed at work sites.
• Monitor and record daily attendance of program and in internships; teach interns to independently inform departments of absences/tardiness.
• Assess interns on a daily/weekly basis and layer additional skills within their internships.
• Coordinate travel training (when appropriate) through public transportation or teach interns to be able to access private transportation independently.
• Develop work portfolios for each intern to include resume, letters of recommendations from internship sites, etc.
• Collect data and enter data (into Project SEARCH database) on intern information and outcomes including jobs gained, wages, hours worked per weeks, benefits taken, etc.
• Perform specific job analysis, task analysis, and job matching activities.
• Coordinate internal job placement opportunities within the host business along with the community and resulting accommodations, and necessary job supports for interns.
• Arrange and attend appropriate Project SEARCH team meetings (one-site team, Steering Committee, etc. ).
• Set up Employment Planning meetings for each intern at the beginning and middle of their internships. This will include inviting ARS counselors, guardians/parents, business liaisons and all other necessary parties.
• Collaborate internship placement with other Project SEARCH team members.
• Schedule, plan and implement monthly written communication with parents and other parties.
• Coordinate and supervise skills trainers for internship sites and follow along, once employment is found.
• Communicate regularly with business liaison and skill trainers for intern progress and issues.
• Communicate with Arkansas Rehabilitation Counselors and send monthly reports in a timely manner.
• 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 any modifications to lessons needed to better support interns (large print, picture support, etc. ).
• Prepare lessons for Orientation and Workshop Weeks.
• Knowledgeable of current "best practices" in the field of supported employment.
• Knowledgeable of federal and state regulations/supports offered to businesses and consumers, i. e. PASS Plans, work incentives, etc.
• Reports necessary repairs to host business liaison.
• Keeps adequate supplies available to function efficiently.
• Follows procedures in regard to purchase orders, professional meeting requests, mileage, etc.
• Adheres to and promotes host business safety standards (i. e. fire, tornado, accident reports, etc. )
• Submits and completes appropriate reports in a timely manner.
• Keeps files up to date with all appropriate forms and information while following guidelines in file organization, consumer input, confidentiality, etc.
• Displays knowledge of and complies with ACCESS and host business policies and procedures.
• Recognizes and acts on the legal responsibilities concerning the safety and welfare of the interns.
• Is flexible and able to handle many changes throughout the day.
• Utilizes sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Uses Standard English in oral and written communication.
• Is adaptable in dealing with individual and cultural differences.
• Protects the privacy of individuals and the confidentiality of information unless disclosure services a professional purpose or is required by law.
• Avoids action that could result in conflicts of interest.
• Ensures a positive and supportive relationship with interns, families and staff.
• Uses effective management and behavior strategies with interns and graduates
• Ensures interns safety at all times by following established procedure and using common sense both on and off campus.
• Collaborates with all members of the team, including the funding partners (ARS, ACCESS, host business, parents, co-workers) effectively.
• Ensures that all necessary paperwork is complete and timely.
• Transport interns and graduates in personal vehicle (examples include - to job fairs, job interviews, orientations, etc. ). Must have valid driver's license, current basic liability coverage on personal vehicle and proof of insurance and current vehicle registration, as required.
• Must maintain a personal vehicle in safe operating condition, as required.
• Must have a driving record that meets ACCESS' policy and the insurance carrier underwriter guidelines and required, as required.
• Be able to maintain a flexible work schedule (examples include - be available to work after program hours and on the weekends to support interns/graduates in job searching and on the job)
• Attend all Project SEARCH Professional Development meetings
• Attend host business orientation and meet all requirements of host business (examples include - hair color requirements, nail length, tattoos, piercings, smoking guidelines, drug free, etc. )
• Must pass background checks required by host business and ACCESS
• May need to provide immunization records, complete a TB Skins test, annual flu shot and other tests/screening as needed
• May perform other related or non-related duties, as assigned

• Treats people with respect.
• Keeps commitments.
• Inspires the trust of others.
• Works with integrity and ethically.
• Upholds organizational values.

• Displays willingness to make decisions.
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
• Supports and exp.