Skills Trainer

Vocational Job Coach / Project SEARCH Skills Trainer

Organization: The Arc of Litchfield County Inc. (LARC)
Program: Project SEARCH
Position Type: Full-Time
Pay: $19.20 per hour
Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance generous paid time off professional development and more

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most

Are you passionate about helping young adults discover their strengths build confidence and succeed in meaningful employment

At LARC we believe work is more than a paycheckits dignity purpose and belonging. As a Vocational Job Coach / Project SEARCH Skills Trainer you will play a critical role in supporting young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as they transition from school to competitive integrated employment.

This positions primary responsibility is serving as a Skills Trainer as defined by Project SEARCH program guidelines providing hands-on individualized instruction and support within real workplace settings.

What Youll Do

As a Project SEARCH Skills Trainer you will provide on-site job coaching and classroom support to interns participating in a transition-to-work internship program. Your work will directly support skill acquisition independence and long-term employment success.

You will:

• Provide hands-on individualized job training within various host site departments.
• Support interns during program hours with classroom instruction and internship task training.
• Help interns meet productivity performance and workplace behavior expectations.
• Foster social skills and effective workplace communication.
• Support interns in developing natural supports and positive relationships with coworkers.
• Create and implement task analyses using evidence-based training techniques (including Gentle Teaching).
• Break down job tasks and use visual verbal and physical prompts as appropriate.
• Adapt teaching strategies to align with each interns learning style and needs.
• Implement behavior support plans activities of daily living programs and other individualized supports.
• Maintain accurate daily documentation and progress notes for each assigned intern.
• Communicate regularly with the Project SEARCH Manager regarding intern progress concerns.
• Accompany interns to job interviews and assist with onboarding and follow-up as needed.
• Assist in other programs within the vocational department when Project Search is not in session.

What Youll Bring

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED required
  (Associates or Bachelors degree in special education psychology human services or a related field preferred)
• At least two (2) years of experience in job coaching career development vocational training or a related role supporting individuals with disabilities
• Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities across settings
• Excellent interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with interns families educators employers and team members
• Basic computer skills and strong verbal and written communication abilities for documentation and progress reporting
• Flexibility and willingness to work across multiple sites and/or programs adjusting schedules as program needs require
• Must hold a current Connecticut drivers license maintain a clean driving record and have reliable transportation.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

This position requires the ability to perform a range of physical activities necessary to support individuals in community-based and program settings. The role involves regular movement hands-on support and effective communication throughout the workday.

Candidates must be able to:

• Communicate clearly through speaking and hearing to provide instruction share information and collaborate with individuals served coworkers and community partners
• Use basic computer and writing skills to complete documentation and program records
• Alternate between sitting standing and walking for extended periods
• Bend stoop crouch kneel and reach as needed to support individuals perform job tasks or respond to emergencies
• Use fine and gross motor skills with both hands for tasks such as job coaching handling materials and providing physical assistance when required
• Climb stairs and ramps and navigate varied indoor and outdoor environments
• Drive a vehicle safely and operate foot and hand controls as needed
• Push pull lift and carry up to 50 pounds with occasional lifting of greater weight as required by the role

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.