Instructor (Project SEARCH)

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

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. With a focus on high expectations and competitive employment, participants develop essential workplace, social, interviewing, and job-readiness skills while gaining meaningful experience in a professional environment. Project SEARCH empowers young adults to build confidence, discover their strengths, and take the next step toward successful employment.

POSITION SUMMARY:

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.

Status: Regular, Full-time, Non-exempt.

Location: UPMC Passavant Hospital - 9100 Babcock Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.

External Hiring Range: $20.83 - $23.94.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

Travel: Local travel may be required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Included but not limited to:

Daily Operations:

• 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.

Relationship Management

• 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.

Service Delivery:

• 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.

Policies and Standards:

• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Years of Experience:

• Bachelors degree in Education or other related field AND 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Valid teaching certificate (all state certificates eligible).

Required:

• Experience working with individuals who experience barriers to employment.

Preferred:

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

REQUIRED CLEARANCES, LICENSES, AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• 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.

Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania and North Central West Virginia is a nonprofit organization that funds job training, education, and other community programs by selling donated clothing and household items in Goodwill stores and online. We offer life-changing work on a mission-minded team. We are 1,000 working as one and each of us is essential to helping our community thrive. For three years running, Goodwill has been named to Forbes’ list of America’s “Most Inspiring Companies”.