Mercy Project SEARCH Instructor Coordinator

Project Search Coordinator

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.

• 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,…