Skills Trainer (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 Skills Trainer will provide onsite and community-based support and supervision to individuals enrolled and graduated from UPMC Project SEARCH programming. This role will ensure each individuals’ needs are met, goals are implemented, and a safe work environment is maintained. The Skills Trainer will frequently visit various worksites, assisting individuals with navigating their work environment(s) successfully and mastering new skills, as needed. Skills Trainers are expected to professionally liaise between worksite leadership and program staff, as well as represent the agency in conversations with individuals’ families and service teams.

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

Location: UPMC Mercy Hospital - 1400 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

External Hiring Range: $18.11 - $20.36.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.

Travel: Required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Included but not limited to:

Assessment:

• Collect in depth information about a student participant’s situation and functioning to identify individual needs in order to develop a comprehensive program plan according to partner input and contract
• Coordinate and collect material from formal and informal

 Development Plans:

• Assist student participants on caseload in identifying needs and creating goals that are relevant to their individual program plans.
• Communicate with other interdisciplinary team members regarding student participant’s progress.

Service Delivery:

• Coordinate, deliver and document on-going student participant-centered services in accordance with the designed program
• Conduct on-going face to face meetings with student participants at their service delivery location to ensure quality service delivery and conduct progress reviews of goals in accordance with program/contract
• Support students in successfully completing work assignments and training(s); monitor progress and results, providing additional assistance and coaching as needed.

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.
• Communicate production/job specific expectations to the individual; meet regularly with site management to ensure communication of business needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Years of Experience:

• Associate's degree in Education, Teaching or other related field AND 4+ years of relevant experience. OR
• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Teaching or other related field AND 2+ years of relevant experience.

Required:

• Experience working with individuals with disabilities and or barriers to employment.

Preferred:

• Experience developing and coaching life skills.
• Experience in youth transition services, job skills exploration, and or professional development.

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”.