Skills Trainer, Project LIFE

Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania and North Central West Virginia is a nonprofit organization that funds job training, education, and other community programs by selling donated clothing and household items in Goodwill stores and online. We offer life-changing work on a mission-minded team. We are 1,000 working as one and each of us is essential to helping our community thrive. For three years running, Goodwill has been named to Forbes’ list of America’s “Most Inspiring Companies”.

We offer a wide range of career opportunities ranging from entry-level to management in retail, human services, and administrative fields. Learn more about working at Goodwill. You can help. We can show you how.

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

Project LIFE is a multi-year program that supports individuals with disabilities (ages 16+) in their transition to adulthood. Project LIFE’s goal is to develop, practice, and strengthen skills that are high predictors for increased adult independence and successful, integrated community employment. Project LIFE utilizes evidence-based transition education concepts in its comprehensive curriculum, which is comprised of participation in experiential life skills training and authentic work-based learning experiences in the local community. Project LIFE is a proven program model that supports student interns on their journey to adulthood and greater independence.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Project Life Skills Trainer provides vocational training to student interns enrolled in Project Life programming during their work-based learning experiences; both during the school year and compressed extended school year. This position will also provide support during classroom instruction and independent living activities. The Project LIFE Skills Trainer will be expected to learn multiple entry-level jobs skills, both within the Goodwill Donated Goods Retail network, in the community, and in collaboration with community business partners. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Included but not limited to:

Employment Training Support:

• Instruct and assess student learning of job skills in the work environment at a ratio of no more than 1:5


• Provide training on proper work techniques and socialization skills through the completion of worksite tasks and task analysis.


• Assist individuals in establishing routines that promote independence.


• Utilize positive motivational strategies and techniques that help the individual attain identified goals.

Environmental Adaptation Management:

• Implement necessary educational, behavioral, and/or developmental supports, including any identified assistive technology.


• Build natural supports within the work environment; identify and implement job modifications including but not limited to graphical or adaptive work illustrations, learning systems for individuals based on universal design.

 Cross Collaboration:

• Participate as a member of interdisciplinary teams.


• Articulate and make recommendations to other team members and stake holders on needs and preferences of individual.


• Communicate individual progress and provide feedback in both written and oral form to the team.


• Provide coverage for other Transition Services Team members as assigned.

Policies and Standards:

• Be aware of and follow guidelines for all applicable regulatory entities such as Department of Public Welfare, Department of Labor, and PA Department of Education.


• Communicate production/job specific expectations to the individual; meet regularly with site management to ensure communication of business needs.

Status: Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt

Location: Lawrenceville Workforce Development Center - 118 52nd St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201

External Hiring Range: $18.25 – $18.98

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM- 4:00 PM. Potential flexibility.

Travel: Local travel to community sites in Allegheny County may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Years of Experience:

• Associates degree in Education/Teaching or other related field AND 3 years of relevant experience required. OR


• Bachelor’s degree in Education/Teaching or other related field AND 1 year of relevant experience required. 

Required:

• Experience supporting learning for teens and young adults with a variety of disabilities

Preferred:

• Working familiarity with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Special Education legislation preferred.


• Professional experience with transition-to-employment or supported employment programs preferred.


• Special Education Certificate preferred.

REQUIRED CLEARANCES, LICENSES, AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Qualified candidates must have a valid driver's license, active insurance policy, and reliable transportation for local travel.


• Candidates are expected to complete  background checks assigned by Goodwill SWPA, including a National Criminal Background check, prior to their first day of employment.


• Candidates are expected to provide current, valid clearances (Child Abuse Clearance, FBI Fingerprints Clearance, and PATCH) prior to their first day of employment.