Lead Instructor Work Readiness Program (Disability Services) - Manhattan & Brooklyn

Lead Instructor Work Readiness Program (Disability Services) – Manhattan & Brooklyn

Full‑time

AHRC New York City is a large, complex nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting neurodivergent children and adults (those with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and other disabilities) through a broad spectrum of services. A family‑governed organization, AHRC envisions a socially just world where the power of difference is embraced and reflected in all that we do. Generosity guides us as we honor our legacy and continuously grow through a culture of curiosity, creativity, and optimism while advocating for people with disabilities to lead full and equitable lives.

AHRC NY City is seeking Lead Instructors for both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Employment Business Services (EBS) Project Search programs. The EBS team prepares people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for employment. The Project SEARCH program is a collaborative, business‑led, one‑year work‑readiness program for young adults, developed with a host business and OPWDD. It immerses participants at the host business through classroom instruction, career exploration, and three hands‑on internship rotations to help obtain competitive, integrated employment after program completion.

Compensation Package: $55,000 per year plus a very generous and comprehensive benefits package.

Under the direction of the Regional Director and Project SEARCH Coordinator, the Project SEARCH Lead Instructor will develop and coordinate the program and provide instruction for the interns enrolled. The Lead Instructor delivers the employability skills curriculum and works with each intern’s team to reach the goal of competitive employment.

• Create relationships with referral sources to recruit appropriate interns.
• Create and organize assessment activities/days to identify interns for the program.
• Handle enrollments, OPWDD funding, and maintain the Project SEARCH database.
• Fulfill onboarding requirements for the host business.
• Coordinate with department managers to identify internship sites that build marketable skills leading to competitive integrated employment.
• Ensure internships include measurable skill gains assessed by productivity, quality, and safety benchmarks.
• Develop classroom work‑readiness activities and a monthly schedule based on the employability skills curriculum, reinforcing skills, knowledge, and work habits.
• Organize field trips for financial literacy, mock interviews, resume building workshops, etc.
• Facilitate regular employment planning meetings with interns, families, and agency personnel to determine career interests, job preferences, skills, and abilities.
• Identify and solve challenges that interfere with completion and maintenance of employment.
• Assist with completing Vocational Fit Assessment and other job‑matching tools.
• Use assessment tools to evaluate progress and identify additional skill development.
• Apply universal design concepts to create accommodations at internship sites.
• Supervise and support the Project SEARCH skills instructor during internships.
• Coordinate and attend life‑plan and staff action‑plan meetings, working closely with the Care Manager and OPWDD.
• Ensure interns receive pre‑vocational funding for services.
• Communicate effectively with instructors, mentors, staff, family members, job developers, and other agencies regarding training and support needs.
• Continuously update the member portal to maintain records of staff changes, work‑internship experiences, and employment outcomes.
• Work closely with the host business liaison, onsite team, and job developments to secure competitive integrated employment within nine months of program completion.

• A master’s degree and at least two years of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree with five years of relevant experience.
• Minimum of two years working with people with disabilities.
• Experience with program design or curriculum development.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to set and meet tasks.
• Ability to make decisions and problem‑solve with service…