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 OVERVIEW:

Project LIFE is a comprehensive, multi-year transition-to-adulthood program in which individuals (ages 16 ) with disabilities can develop, practice, and strengthen skills that are high predictors for increased adult independence and successful, integrated community employment.

Project LIFE offers a targeted course of study in combination with participation in experiential life skills education and authentic work-based learning experiences in the local community. Utilizing evidence-based transitions education concepts, Project LIFE is a proven program model that supports our student interns on their journey to adulthood and greater independence.

Project LIFE began in 2007 and is now impacting lives nation-wide. Visit btprojectlife.org for additional information and where additional programs are located. [Learn More About Project LIFE]

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Project LIFE Instructor will facilitate the Project LIFE curriculum to student interns during classroom instruction and independent living activities; both during the school year and compressed extended school year. This position will also provide on-site coaching during work-based learning experiences, assess intern progress,
and communicate with community partners. The Project LIFE Instructor will be expected to learn multiple jobs skills, both within the Goodwill Donated Goods Retail network, in the community, and in collaboration with community business partners.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Facilitate program operations, including but not limited to program implementation, support of student participants, to ensure program and student participant goals and objectives are met and needed resources are acquired.
• Report on overall program status and progress per established guidelines and timeframes, including but not limited to time and attendance, goal plans, etc. needed to support the student participant and program meeting established goals
• 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.
• 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.
• Utilize positive motivational strategies and techniques that help individual attain identified goals.

External Hiring Range: $18.25 - $18.98./hour

Schedule: Monday – Friday (8:00am – 4:00pm) 

Travel Required: Yes, some local travel to community sites in Allegheny County may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree AND 1 year of experience successfully working with teens with disabilities.
  • Knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Special Education legislation preferred.
  • Experience with transition to employment preferred.
  • Special Education Certificate preferred.
• Master's Degree AND  experience successfully working with teens with disabilities preferred.
  • Knowledge of the individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Special Education legislation preferred.
  • Experience with transition to employment preferred.
  • Special Education Certificate preferred.

REQUIRED CLEARANCES, LICENSES, AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Candidates are expected to provide current valid clearances (Child Abuse Clearance, FBI Fingerprints Clearance, and PATCH) prior to first day of employment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.