Travel Training Specialist in Lanham, Maryland at Opportunities Inc

Travel Training Specialist

Opportunities Inc. seeks to ensure that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are provided chances to build a broad range of skills, gain new knowledge, interact with their community and, most importantly, be provided a variety of inclusive opportunities within the communities where they work, recreate, and live. We provide excellence in vocational, social, and adaptive skill development to help adults with disabilities achieve their fullest potential for independence and self-confidence.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Travel Training Specialist reports directly to the Route Ready Program Manager and is responsible for the travel training needs of Opportunities Inc programs. This position will require work both in the office and in the field, depending on the needs of the organization. The Travel Training Specialist will work with the Route Ready Program Manager and the management team to identify the travel training needs of people supported by Opportunities Inc. This role will also work closely with Program teams, including Program Managers, Support Coordinators, and Community Support Professionals, to coordinate Travel Training schedules for people supported by Opportunities Inc. , The Travel Training Specialist will collaborate with program staff to create personalized plans, for all interested people, to achieve the travel goals set forth within their PCP.

The Travel Training Specialist will also be responsible for creating and maintaining partnerships with outside agencies who may refer people to Opportunities Inc. for Travel Training services. The Travel Training Specialist may be involved in any programs designed to provide travel training services to both people we support, and staff/people supported from other agencies.

This position is funded entirely through the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) grant and is contingent upon the continued availability of grant funds. The duration of employment is tied to the grant period, and the role may be subject to renewal based on the availability of additional funding.

FLSA Classification: Full time, Non-Exempt

Starting Salary: $55,000/year

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Provide short-term, comprehensive, and intensive one-to-one instruction to teach people we support how to travel safely and independently in their communities using public transportationProvide group travel training for people who have expressed interest in learning to utilize public transportationMaintain active certification via an accredited organization (such as Easter seals) as a Travel TrainerWork with the Route Ready Program Manager, Program Managers and Support Coordinators to identify people supported by Opportunities Inc. that are interested in gaining independence through travel trainingDevelop and complete an intake and assessment process for interested people to include the creation of individualized goals and objectives for 1:1 travel trainingGain proficiency with trip planning software, to support others in understanding how to read route maps and schedules along with locating bus and train stopsCoordinate the WMATA Metro Access application process to include identifying what people supported by Opp. Inc. need Metro Access, the status of application(s) and expiration date(s)Maintaining Metro Access cards information, including expiration dates, within iCareManager (iCM) database for people served by Opportunities Inc.Coordinate the reduced fare application process and any other WMATA program applications for all people who qualify and express interest in traveling via public transportationCoordinate with Route Ready Program Manager and Program Manager(s)/ Support Coordinator(s) to develop a regular schedule of travel training for people in services.Complete all requirements related to billing for Travel Training service through the Developmental Disabilities Administration and complete all required documentation and coordinate with the Finance Department around billing this service. Complete all documentation as required related to travel training including the travel training checklist in iCM Care Tracker, and the tracking of training hoursTravel Train newly hired CSP staff as neededProvide refresher travel training for all CSP staff as neededSubmit monthly travel training report to Route Ready Program ManagerAttend Program meetings and update team about travel training goals, status, needsCoordinate with the Route Ready Program Manager about various travel training programs for awarded grantsAttend Transitioning Youth, and other resource fairs to promote Opportunities Inc.’s travel training program.Participate in cross-functional teams, as assigned, to address organizational needs and promote collaboration across departments in support of Opportunities Inc.’s mission.Other duties as assigned.

EXPECTATIONS/DESIRED SKILLS:

Proven initiative and self-starter attributesKnowledge/experience utilizing public transportationAbility to manage multiple priorities at the same timeStrong organizational and time management skillsAbility and willingness to work in a high energy environmentRelates well to diverse populations; builds appropriate rapportStrong communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to use Microsoft Office Suite, Email, necessary database systems

QUALIFICATIONS:

Certified Travel Training Instructor (ctti) credential preferred1 year experience working in a travel training capacity2 years’ experience working with people with disabilities