Mercy Project SEARCH Skills Trainer

POSITION PURPOSE

Provide training and support for interns to ensure success during internship rotations and/or a competitive job. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & BASIC DUTIES

• Provides individualized support for interns at the host business worksite rotation or competitive job, which includes: job coaching, building natural supports, identifying job accommodations, assistive technology, etc.
• Communicates effectively with Project SEARCH® Instructor, other job coaches, employers, co-workers, family members and agency personnel as it relates to the interns being trained.
• Perform specific job analysis, task analysis and job matching activities.
• Carries out steps of job coaching plan with interns and other parties as appropriate.
• Work with interns, employers, families, job placement specialist, agency personnel and other appropriate parties to problem solve issues related to training and employment.
• Practice positive reinforcement techniques with interns, co-workers, and other staff.
• Trains interns in the areas of grooming, hygiene, communication, interviewing and behavior as they relate to successful employment.
• Provides travel training to job site if necessary.
• Communicates with Project SEARCH instructor/coordinator to make final decisions regarding any issues that may affect intern’s success at a worksite rotation or competitive job site. These decisions may be related to continued job coaching, fading, behavior, job tasks, etc. 
• Attends training provided to become knowledgeable of strategies and current “best practices” in the field of supported employment.
• Participates in decision making process to identify and implement training strategies and/or services with other Project SEARCH staff and host business staff.
• Provide follow-along services to interns once they have found competitive employment. Provide this service during the graduate’s work hours, which may fall outside of staff’s typical work hours. This may include work at night and during the weekends. Staff will be asked to adjust normal work hours to accommodate for schedule changes. 
• Complete necessary paperwork adequately and meets set deadlines.
• Aid with instruction, daily planning, job development, day-to-day tasks, etc.  
• Transport interns in personal vehicle to field trips, interviews, orientation, drug test, etc. 
• Provide follow-along services to newly employed interns. These services may be needed outside of normal work hours (evening and weekend hours) 
• Adheres to and promotes standards of the host business and/or competitive work site in order to promote job productivity and efficiency.
• Submits and completes appropriate job coaching paperwork.
• Recognizes and acts on the legal responsibilities concerning the safety and welfare of the consumers.
• Demonstrates daily work assignment responsibilities: is accountable for all hours assigned, is punctual and regular in attendance and attends appropriate training activities.
• Must be flexible and able to handle many changes. 
• Participates in professional growth activities such as conferences, in-services, etc.
• Is an effective role model.
• Shows enthusiasm and a sense of humor.
• Exhibits an overall positive attitude.
• Utilizes sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Uses Standard English in oral and written communication.
• Works as a productive team member with families, host business and program partners.
• Is adaptable in dealing with individual and cultural differences.
• Protects the privacy of individuals and the confidentiality of information unless   
• disclosure services a professional purpose or is required by law.
• Avoids action that could result in conflicts of interest.
• Ensures a positive and supportive relationship with interns, families and staff.
• Uses effective management and behavior strategies with interns and graduates
• Ensures interns safety at all times by following established procedure and using common sense both on and off campus.
• Collaborates with all members of the team, including the funding partners (ARS, ACCESS, host business, parents, co-workers) effectively.
• Ensures that all necessary paperwork is complete and timely.
• Transport interns and graduates in personal vehicle (examples include - to job fairs, job interviews, orientations, etc.). Must have valid driver’s license, current basic liability coverage on personal vehicle and proof of insurance and current vehicle registration, as required. 
• Must maintain a personal vehicle in safe operating condition, as required. 
• Must have a driving record that meets ACCESS’ policy and the insurance carrier underwriter guidelines and required, as required. 
• Be able to maintain a flexible work schedule (examples include – be available to work after program hours and on the weekends to support interns/graduates in job searching and, on the job,)
• Attend all Project SEARCH Professional Development meetings 
• Attend host business orientation and meet all requirements of host business (examples include – hair color requirements, nail length, tattoos, piercings, smoking guidelines, drug free, etc.)
• Protect and maintain intern privacy
• Must pass background checks required by host business and ACCESS
• May need to provide immunization records, complete a TB Skin test, annual flu shot, and other tests/screening as needed
• May perform other related or non-related duties, as assigned

COMPETENCIES

Ethics:

• Treats people with respect. 
• Keeps commitments.
• Inspires the trust of others. 
• Works with integrity and ethically. 
• Upholds organizational values. 

Judgment:

• Displays willingness to make decisions. 
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
• Supports and explains reasoning for decisions.
• Includes appropriate people in decision-making processes. 
• Makes timely decisions.  

Intern Focus:

• Demonstrates a commitment to clinical excellence. 
• Manages difficult or emotional intern situations. 
• Responds promptly to intern needs. 
• Responds to requests for service and assistance.

Planning/Organizing:

• Prioritizes and plans work activities.
• Uses time efficiently. 
• Plans for additional resources. 
• Sets goals and objectives.
• Develops realistic action plans. 

Problem Solving:

• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner.
• Gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Develops alternative solutions.
• Works well in group problem solving situations. 
• Uses reason, even when dealing with emotional topics. 

Quality:

• Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Looks for ways to improve and promote quality. 
• Applies feedback to improve performance. 
• Monitors own work to ensure quality. 

Written Communication:

• Writes clearly and informatively.
• Edits work for spelling and grammar.
• Varies writing style to meet needs.
• Presents numerical data effectively. 
• Able to read and interpret written information. 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, environments and situations can change quickly. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear for extended periods of time. They may need to be able to walk and stand for prolonged periods of time. They may need to bend, squat, stretch, twist or reach out with the body, arms and/or legs as required. Must be able to work in cold environments (walk-in refrigerators/freezers) and outdoors during high temperatures for extended periods of time. Must be able to drive for extended periods of time and able to lift at least 20 pounds. Must be able to tolerate varying noise levels in different work environments. Must be able to adapt to the needs of current work environment. 

Employee must also use varying forms of technology, including, work cell phone, laptop and iPad. They also must be able to teach interns how to use various forms of technology. They must be able to write daily and monthly reports and complete all required documentation. Must be able to maintain a high level of mental concentration and be able to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/ Certification:

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Experience/ Knowledge required:

• Experience in working with children or adults with developmental disabilities preferred 

Skills/ Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a wide variety of people.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work with programming team to develop and implement behavior plans for the members when necessary.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out programming effectively.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimal travel MAY be required for this position; this travel may include transporting students/clients.
• ACCESS drivers are required to maintain a valid Driver’s License, current auto liability insurance and registration, a clean driving record, and physical ability to drive to local locations throughout Arkansas.