PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
The Project SEARCH Transition-to-Work Program is a unique, one-year, workplace-based employment preparation program designed for young adults ages 18–22 with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Hosted at UPMC, the program provides an immersive, hands-on experience where participants build real-world skills through three job training rotations while receiving classroom instruction, career exploration, and individualized job development support. With a focus on high expectations and competitive employment, participants develop essential workplace, social, interviewing, and job-readiness skills while gaining meaningful experience in a professional environment. Project SEARCH empowers young adults to build confidence, discover their strengths, and take the next step toward successful employment.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Employment & Retention Specialist (Supported Employment Specialist) will be responsible for supporting Project SEARCH student participants in obtaining and retaining employment through successful support services and case management. This includes assessing the participant’s needs and providing, or supporting, all job readiness services, skills development, and on the job coaching to meet the goals of Project SEARCH. This position is expected to monitor goal completion, provide follow along services as needed, attend and participate in service team meetings and maintain up to date, accurate files in accordance with agency and funder requirements.
Status: Regular, Full-time, Non-exempt.
Location: Workforce Development Center - 118 52nd St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201.
External Hiring Range: $18.11 - $19.36.
Retention Bonus: One-time bonus of $1,500 to be paid after 6 months of employment.
Travel: Required.
This position requires travel in Allegheny county and surrounding areas, and a majority of the incumbents time will be spent meeting providing job coaching and creating employment opportunities out in the community. Consistent access to a reliable vehicle, a valid drivers license, and active car insurance policy are required for this role.
This role requires flexibility, as the daily schedule is built around participant work shifts and stakeholder availability. The standard schedule expectations are Monday - Friday, with the possibility of weekends as needed. The average shift schedules are: 7 AM - 3PM, 8 AM - 4 PM, 9 AM - 5 PM. Evenings may be required based on participant and stakeholder needs.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Included but not limited to:
Assessment:
- Participate in the recruitment and eligibility determination of potential program participants.
- Provide necessary pre-employment supports and assist in verification of employment information provided by potential participants.
- Complete documentation and/or paperwork for new participants as well as providing job readiness assessment to address potential barriers to employment.
Job Placement:
- Provide job specific training, support and supervision to individuals with disabilities/barriers to employment by ensuring that individuals’ needs are met, goals are implemented, and a safe environment is maintained.
- Deliver quality job search, job placement and career development services through collaboration and the utilization of job search technologies and resources to identify jobs according to participant abilities, skills and interests.
- Communicate job specific expectations to the client and check in regularly with site management to ensure communication of business needs.
Service Delivery:
- Develop an employment plan of action and related goals; assist individuals in applying for and obtaining other services related to meeting stated goals.
- Maintain collaborative relationships with all stakeholders to ensure quality service delivery and successful outcomes, including attendance at meetings, trainings, etc.
- Support participants in securing resources and/or services necessary to obtain and maintain employment.
Monitoring:
- Monitor and report all outcomes including: placement, employer, wages, benefits, hours, job retention and other stated outcomes (such as education, training, etc.) .
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.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Years of Experience:
- High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 6+ years’ of relevant experience. OR
- Associates Degree in a related field AND 4+ years’ of relevant experience. OR
- Bachelors Degree in a related field AND 2+ years’ of relevant experience.
Required:
- Experience working with individuals with disabilities and or barriers to employment.
Preferred:
- Experience coaching and developing life skills.
- Experience in youth transition services, job skills exploration, and or professional development.
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.
- Tuberculosis testing series required within 90 days of hire.
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.”