Instructor - Aspire at Goodwill SWPA – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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”.

We offer a wide range of career opportunities ranging from entry-level to management in retail, human services, and administrative fields. Learn more about working at Goodwill. You can help. We can show you how.

DIVISION OVERVIEW:

Goodwill SWPA’s Human Services division is responsible for making Goodwill’s overarching vision a reality: enhancing people’s dignity and quality of life by strengthening communities and helping those with barriers to employment reach their full potential through workforce education and support. The Human Services division fulfills this mission providing high quality, outcome-oriented services for program participants by utilizing a comprehensive service delivery model covering a broad array of social programs.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW:

Within the Human Services Division is the Disability Services department. Disability Services is integral to achieving Goodwill’s mission of helping individuals with disabilities realize their full potential and lead fulfilling, independent lives. Support programs provided by the Disability Services department are designed to guide participants to higher rates of self-sufficiency. The Adult focused programming in Disability Services centers on creating opportunities for people with disabilities to gain skills, volunteer, train for work, and obtain employment in their community. In addition to workforce development and community integration, Disability Services also provides retirement options for eligible participants. Participants enrolled in work and community focused programs receive both job readiness and skills training to prepare them for employment across a variety of industries, such as retail, food service, housekeeping, production, and more. Disability Services also includes specialized programs for placement services for individuals with mental health issues and or intellectual disabilities.

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

Aspire is an Adult Training Facility that facilitates the development of job readiness and independent living skills of individuals with intellectual and or developmental disabilities. The program is housed in an integrated facility that features a fully operational kitchen, a mock apartment, an interactive classroom, and up-to-date technology. Operating on a time-limited-service model centered on flexibility, community integration, and individualized guidance, participants ages 18-59 are provided with engaging experiences both at the Goodwill program facility and out in the local community. Aspire uses client-centered service modules designed around participant interests to support and encourage both independence and participation in the community or workforce. Examples of Aspire modules include: housekeeping skills, food prep/safety instruction, digital skills, career exploration, job readiness, advocacy and self-care, functional math and reading, health and wellness, art and music therapy, mobility, enrichment activities, and more. Daily volunteering opportunities are also available. Aspire is licensed by the state of Pennsylvania and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Aspire Program Instructor is responsible for facilitating Aspire’s curriculum for program participants through structured classroom instruction and hands-on independent living activities. This role includes assessing new and current participants to determine appropriate program placement and instructional supports. The Program Instructor will also manage a small participant caseload, monitor progress, and adjust instruction to support individual goals, skill development, and successful participation in programming.

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

Location: Lawrenceville Workforce Development Center - 118 52nd St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201.

External Hiring Range: $18.08 - $18.98.

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

Travel: Travel to job sites and other locations in the community required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Included but not limited to:

Classroom Instruction:

• Facilitate daily program operations through implementation of Aspire curriculum and structured activities, supporting participants to achieve individualized goals and access appropriate resources.
• Develop and implement structured lesson plans aligned with program goals and participant learning needs.
• Develop rubrics, progress-monitoring tools, and other evaluation methods to track participant outcomes and inform instruction.
• Provide career exploration and coaching through assessments and individualized participant meetings.
• Transition effectively between virtual and in-person instruction (as needed) using appropriate technology, online platforms, and classroom tools.
• Reinforce instructional content through structured Aspire activities that promote real-world skill application and independence.
• Implement individualized programmatic, behavioral, and developmental supports, including identified assistive technology and accommodations.

Relationship Management:

• Maintain a small caseload (up to 10 program participants), including oversight of participant records, documentation, coordination of services, and monitoring progress toward individualized goals.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with Goodwill business units, community organizations, service providers, and other program stakeholders to support participant engagement and opportunities.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate instruction, support, and participant services.
• Collect, monitor, and interpret participant data to inform instruction and support individualized goals.
• Maintain effective communication with stakeholders, caregivers, and community partners to promote consistency and participant success.

Cross Collaboration:

• Communicate participant needs, strengths, and preferences to interdisciplinary team members and stakeholders, providing informed recommendations.
• Support interdisciplinary plans by implementing modifications, adaptive materials, and structured routines that promote independence.

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.
• Comply with established policies and safe work practices, report potential hazards, maintain proper housekeeping, wear personal protective equipment as required, and report injuries or incidents.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Years of Experience:

• Bachelors degree in Social Services, Education, Social Work, or other relevant field AND 1 years of experience. OR
• Masters degree in Social Services, Education, Social Work, or other relevant field.

Required:

• Experience teaching, tutoring, or facilitating instruction.
• Database and/or case management software to track participant and program progress.
• Student teaching and practicum experiences will be considered as work experience.

Preferred:

• Teaching Certificate.
• Experience with curriculum in programing, job readiness, or workforce development areas
• Prior experience in locating community and social services for at-risk, vulnerable adult populations.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.