Project Search Instructor

QUALIFICATION:                        Experience working with secondary level students & meet one

                                                      of the following licensure requirements:  special education teacher, social worker, nurse, school counselor, speech pathologist, and/or OT/PT.

REPORTS TO:                             The Learning Cooperative of North Central

                                                      Kansas Special Education Director

JOB LOCATION:                         Cloud County Health Center

JOB GOAL:                                  1) To identify a students strengths, interests, and abilities related to skill acquisition, job development and placement.  2) To seek an appropriate community job site consistent with the students interests and skills.  3) To determine and refer to appropriate community support services for training and successful employment. 4) To work with local business and industry to meet their employment needs.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

KEY RESULT AREA:  To recruit appropriate students for the program.

   Recruit appropriate students with disabilities for Project SEARCH program (ages 18-22, last year of high school)

   Attend IEP meetings for possible student recruits

   Connect through referral and eligibility processes students to appropriate community services, especially Kansas Rehabilitation Services Commission (RSC/VR/BSVI)

KEY RESULT AREA:  To develop skills and provide internship sites for students resulting in competitive employment.

       Student attendance time will be: 8:00 a.m. 2:30 p.m.  The instructor will work the scheduled hours of a teacher.

       Identify internship sites within the host business so that students can participate in a variety   of work experiences in order to build marketable, competitive skills and leading to employment.

       Develop sites that will increase job specific skills, work quality and productivity

   Plan with students, families, and agency personnel to determine career interests, specific job    preferences (hours, location, etc.), skills and abilities to develop an individualized approach to  placement.

       Identify and create solutions for behavioral concerns that interfere with gaining and maintaining employment

       Instruct students to learn employability skills such as communication, problem solving, and teamwork, grooming, budgeting and self advocacy.

       Provide universal design in the accommodations and adaptations needed at work sites.

       Monitor and record daily attendance at work sites; teach students to independently inform departments of absences/tardiness

       Give appropriate grades based on participation, skill development, attitude, etc.

       Assess students on a daily/weekly basis and layer additional skills.

       Coordinate travel training (when appropriate) through public transportation or teach students to be able to access private transportation independently

       Develop work portfolios for each student to include credentialing of skills attained, letter of recommendations from internship sites, etc.

       Collect data on student outcomes including jobs gained, wages, hours worked per weeks, benefits taken, etc.

       Coordinate Advisory Committee meetings with all partners represented including parents.

       Perform specific job analysis, task analysis, and job matching activities.

       Develop linkages among other agencies to assure effective transition from school to work or from current placement to successful community employment.

       Coordinate internal job placement opportunities within the host business and resulting accommodations, and necessary job supports for students.

       Develop job development training plan with consumers and appropriate support personnel.

       Coordinate job trainer/coach activities.

       Refer students to appropriate agencies for support and services related to successful employment.

       Develop Summary of Performance Plans with each exiting student.

Key Result Area: To communicate with all appropriate parties

       Attend appropriate Project SEARCH team meetings

       Plan and implement monthly staffings for each student participant with appropriate parties including the VR Counselor and parent. 

       Communicate internship placements with other Project SEARCH team members.

       Schedule, plan and implement monthly written communication wit parents and other parties.

       Schedule, plan and implement Open Houses to publicize the program and recruit potential students.

       Coordinate job coaches for student internship sites and competitive placements

       Communicate regularly with business liaison, job coaches for student progress and issues.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

KEY RESULT AREA:  Responsible for performing those duties and activities that are conducive for an effective and efficient daily operation.

       Knowledgeable of current best practices in the field of supported employment.

       Knowledgeable of federal and state regulations/supports offered to businesses and consumers, i.e. work incentives.

       Reports necessary repairs to host business liaison.  Secures files when necessary.

       Keeps adequate supplies available to function efficiently.

       Follows district procedures in regards to money, petty cash, purchase orders, professional meeting requests, mileage, etc

       Adheres to and promotes district safety standards (i.e. fire, tornado, accident reports, etc.)

       Submits and completes appropriate district, state, and/or agency reports in a timely manner.

       Keeps files up to date with all appropriate forms and information.  Follows guidelines in file organization, consumer input, confidentiality, etc.

       Displays knowledge of and complies with School district policies and procedures.

       Recognizes and acts on the legal responsibilities concerning the safety and welfare of the students.

       Demonstrates daily work assignment responsibilities:  signs in and out consistently, is accountable for an eight hour day, is punctual and regular in attendance, and attends appropriate school related activities.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

KEY RESULT AREA:  Responsible for personal characteristics necessary to develop attributes consistent with the educational community.

       Participates in professional growth activities such as conferences, in-services, etc

       Participates in school district committees or projects.

       Enrolls in courses relevant to assignment or certification.

       Is an effective role model for students and staff

       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, affiliate school and agency personnel.

       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.

NOTE:  Project SEARCH Instructor will be expected to perform other duties as deemed necessary and appropriate by the CEO and/or designee of the worksite location.

EVALUATION:  Performance of the job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the school district policy.