Mercy Project SEARCH Instructor Coordinator in Fort Smith, Arkansas at Access Group, Inc.

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

COMPETENCIES

Ethics:

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

Judgment:

• Displays willingness to make decisions.
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
• Supports and explains reasoning for decisions.
• Includes appropriate people in decision-making processes.
• Makes timely decisions.

Intern Focus:

• Demonstrates a commitment to clinical excellence.
• Manages difficult or emotional intern situations.
• Responds promptly to intern needs.
• Solicits intern and family feedback to improve intern care.
• Responds to requests for service and assistance.

Planning/Organizing:

• Prioritizes and plans work activities.
• Uses time efficiently.
• Plans for additional resources.
• Sets goals and objectives.
• Develops realistic action plans.

Problem Solving:

• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner.
• Gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Develops alternative solutions.
• Works well in group problem solving situations.
• Uses reason, even when dealing with emotional topics.

Quality:

• Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
• Applies feedback to improve performance.
• Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Written Communication:

• Writes clearly and informatively.
• Edits work for spelling and grammar.
• Varies writing style to meet needs.
• Presents numerical data effectively.
• Able to read and interpret written information.

Managing People:

• Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement.
• Takes responsibility for team members’ activities.
• Makes self available to staff and provides regular feedback.
• Develops team members’ skills and encourages growth.
• Solicits and applies stakeholders’ feedback (internal and external).
• Fosters quality focus in others, improves processes, products and services.

Oral Communication:

• Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations.
• Listens and gets clarification.
• Responds well to questions.
• Demonstrates group presentation skills.
• Participates in meetings.

Planning/Organizing:

• Prioritizes and plans work activities.
• Uses time efficiently.
• Plans for additional resources.
• Sets goals and objectives.
• Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks.
• Develops realistic action plans.

Problem Solving:

• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner.
• Gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Develops alternative solutions.
• Works well in group problem-solving situations.
• Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, environments and situations can change quickly. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear for extended periods of time. They may need to be able to walk and stand for prolonged periods of time. They may need to bend, squat, stretch, twist or reach out with the body, arms and/or legs as required. Must be able to work in cold environments (walk-in refrigerators/freezers) and outdoors during high temperatures for extended periods of time. Must be able to drive for extended periods of time and able to lift at least 20 pounds. Must be able to tolerate varying noise levels in different work environments. Must be able to adapt to the needs of current work environment.

Employee must also use varying forms of technology, including, work cell phone, laptop and iPad. They also must be able to teach interns how to use various forms of technology. They must be able to write daily and monthly reports and complete all required documentation. Must be able to maintain a high level of mental concentration and be able to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/ Certification:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Education or related field

Experience/ Knowledge required:

• Some experience in working with children or adults with developmental disabilities preferred.

Skills/ Abilities:

• 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 in Project SEARCH
• Ability to work with programming team to develop and implement behavior plans for the members when necessary.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out programming effectively.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimal travel MAY be required for this position; this travel may include transporting students/clients.
• ACCESS drivers are required to maintain a valid Driver’s License, current auto liability insurance and registration, a clean driving record, and physical ability to drive to local locations throughout Arkansas.