Job Training Program Manager | Handshake

Job Training Program Manager

Founded in 2008, Madison House Autism Foundation's mission is to promote, model and advocate for the full inclusion of adults with autism and their families in the life of our communities, and to expand choice and opportunity in housing, employment, and social participation.

Located in Montgomery County's Agricultural Reserve, Madison Fields is a 265-acre working farm and community campus that offers job readiness and skills training for adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (A/I/DD). It also serves the greater community by providing agricultural education, diverse indoor and outdoor spaces for personal or corporate events, and individual and group volunteer opportunities to support our mission.

The Job Training Program Manager leads the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of Madison Fields' job readiness program for adults with A/I/DD. Under the supervision of the Farm Operations Director, this role oversees a team of trainers while ensuring that participants gain both foundational workplace ("soft") skills and practical, job-specific ("hard") skills through structured, hands-on learning across farm and workshop environments.

The Job Training Program Manager develops clear training pathways, supervises staff, aligns daily operations with participant learning goals, and tracks measurable progress toward independence and employment readiness.

Program Integration & Participant Support

• Design, implement, and oversee a comprehensive job readiness curriculum for adults with A/I/DD, including both soft and hard skills.
• Establish structured training pathways with progressive skill development (beginner to advanced).
• Ensure consistency, quality, and participant-centered approaches across all training.
• Integrate real-world work experiences into daily programming to reinforce learning.
• Continuously refine program design based on participant outcomes, staff feedback, and best practices.
• Collaborate with parents, guardians, caregivers, participants, and program staff to align training activities with participant goals and individualized supports.
• Adapt instruction to meet diverse learning styles, communication needs, and sensory preferences.
• Foster a structured, inclusive, and supportive environment that promotes dignity and independence.
• Coordinate with Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator to incorporate volunteers into program activities as appropriate.
• Ensure volunteers are appropriately trained and supervised when working with participants.
• Conduct outreach to recruit new participants.

Vocational Training Oversight

• Ensure high-quality training across the following areas:
• Soft Skills Development:
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Communication (verbal, nonverbal, and workplace-appropriate)
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Self-management–time management, emotional regulation, and task persistence
• Hard Skills Training
• Animal Care: grooming, feeding, cleaning, paddock and coop maintenance
• Landscaping: mowing, weeding, edging, watering, mulching
• Gardening: planting, weeding, irrigation, composting, harvesting
• Soapmaking: production processes, quality control, packaging
• Furniture Refinishing & Woodworking: basic tool use, sanding, repair, finishing
• Hospitality: set up, clean up, sanitation, flow management, customer service
• Ensure tasks are presented in clear, structured steps and adapted for different learning styles.
• Promote skill transferability to community employment settings.
• Coordinate with other program areas (e.g., equine services, events, facilities) to create meaningful work opportunities.
• Ensure that training activities contribute to the overall functioning and sustainability of Madison Fields.
• Establish and enforce safety protocols across all training environments (farm, barn, workshop) and ensure safe use of tools, equipment, and materials.
• Train staff and participants on safety procedures and monitor compliance.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free environment.

Progress Tracking & Reporting

• Develop and implement systems to track participant progress including skill acquisition, independence levels, and…