Entry Level Opwdd Jobs in Ridgefield Park, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Project SEARCH Instructor

Part Time: 24 Hours per Week / 10 Months Per Year

WIHD is recruiting for a part-time Project SEARCH Instructor. The Instructor will help develop and implement the Project SEARCH program and provide instruction for individuals enrolled. The Project SEARCH instructor delivers the employability skills curriculum and works with each intern’s team to reach the goal of competitive employment. The instruction works collaboratively and supports the job coaches and job developer. The instructor provides classroom instruction consistent with OPWDD prevocational standards, NYS CDOS standards and Work Based Learning Skills Objectives, as part of the Project SEARCH team at NY Presbyterian Hospital, Bronxville and/or White Plains Hospital.

Project SEARCH is a ten-month employment training program that leads to acquisition of competitive skills & continuous improvement, with the outcome being integrated, competitive, entry level employment. This program serves young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the OPWDD system as well as students who are in their last year of high school who can benefit from personalized support in an intensive year of career development and internship experience. The program is a collaborative partnership and it is a community based, employment training program and is business focused.

Some Essential Functions of the Trainer Include:

• Implement the Project SEARCH curriculum and provide instruction in integrated Community Classrooms;
• Work with participating departments to identify internship placements for participants and perform job analysis;
• Oversee classroom set-up, curriculum development, and work site rotation planning;
• Provide travel training for students as necessary before program begins;
• Provide expertise in adaptations and accommodations and implement as necessary. Identify and problem solve challenges that interfere with completion of Project SEARCH and gaining and maintaining employment;
• Assess and document according to productivity, quality, and safety benchmarks, using data to complete Student Career Plans, Employability Profiles, OPWDD Pathway to Employment Career/Vocational Plan and/or person-centered assessment tools. Communicate interns’ progress to families, school districts, or care managers;
• Oversee development of resumes/portfolios for interns that document progress and skills;
• Update the Project SEARCH Portal to maintain records of staff changes, interns’ internship experiences and employment outcomes including jobs gained, wages, hours worked per week, benefits taken, etc.

Education, Knowledge, and Skill Requirements:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree. NYS special education teaching certificate preferred;
• A minimum of two years successful and relevant experience as a classroom instructor or job sites for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the secondary level;
• Experience collaborating effectively with diverse community stakeholders;
• Expertise in delivering professional development and technical assistance in early childhood, K12, and/or special education;
• Ability to travel independently for offsite meetings and annual SEARCH conference;
• Commitment to values of equity and inclusion.

Benefits

• Paid Sick Time
• 403B
• Employee Assistance Program

Why Work at WIHD?

• Positive, inclusive work environment
• Flexible schedules for work-life balance
• Mission-driven organization serving 10,000+ individuals annually

Equal Opportunity Employer

WIHD is committed to fostering a workplace culture that values respect, fairness, and equal opportunity. Employment decisions are based on individual qualifications, experience, and business needs. We comply with all applicable laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law.