Project Search Skills Trainer

Duties during School Session:

• Support interns in current Project SEARCH class during the school year (August-June).
• Assist daily data collection on skills required for internships and "matching" between interns and departments.
• At the start of each internship, systematically teach essential tasks/duties/core skills to the intern (check for accuracy in task completion, provide any accommodation that may be necessary).
• Create visual or written task list for each intern outlining all job tasks required.
• Complete a task analysis for each internship, breaking down tasks into individual steps.
• Build natural support at the internship site to reduce the amount of time spent with each intern as core skills are developed.
• Check-in and communicate regularly with department mentor/co-mentor regarding intern progress, work together to teach new skills as the intern masters essential job functions.
• Collect quarterly data on student performance related to transition goals, vocational IEP goals, and DORS progress reports.
• Assist with interview preparation (including mock interviews, job trials for internship matching etc.).
• Assist Project SEARCH Manager to update and record notes on job development planning. document for each intern during all employment planning meetings.
• Coordinate travel training with interns and apply for community-based transportation options to utilize after Project SEARCH.
• Work with Project SEARCH staff to assess student skills and complete the Vocational Fit.
• Assessment to create an accurate skills profile of the intern/job seeker (at beginning of school year for baseline data and during each internship).
• Conduct job development and job search activities with interns, business tours etc. coordinated with Project SEARCH Manager.
• Update resume with intern at the conclusion of each internship during workshop week.
• Outreach to local employers to learn about business needs, describe support offered by the program and intern strengths relevant to the business.
• If an intern is hired during the school year, assist with onboarding and new employee training/orientation.

Duties during Non-School Session Hours:

• Work collaboratively with Planning Specialists, Employment Manager, families and persons supported.
• Utilize VR funding from DORS for job development (short-term job coaching, interviewing assistance etc.).
• Develop positions for interns who are unemployed at the end of the program.
• Provide follow-along support to interns who were hired during the school year.
• Attend all PCP meetings and complete all required documentation related to implementation of the plan (i.e. monthly attendance, ICM documentation, etc.).
• If competitive employment has not been secured before the start of DDA funding, transition the person supported to another Employment Specialist.
• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Two or more years of related experience and/or training.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and writing) and the ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations.
• Comfortable in identifying and incorporating new technology solutions.
• Calm under pressure, positive, team-oriented attitude.
• Committed to The Arc of Howard County's mission
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook.