What are the responsibilities and job description for the IDD Skills Trainer position at ALLAIRE COMMUNITY FARM?
Skills Trainer – HOPE Pre-Vocational Program
Location: Allaire Community Farm – Wall Township, NJ Job Type: Part-time, Seasonal Schedule: Monday–Friday, daytime hours Program Sessions: Year-round, seasonal cohorts
About the HOPE Program
HOPE (Harvesting Occupational and Personal Excellence) is a pre-vocational program for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). Participants are an integral part of the daily life of the farm and engage in meaningful work that directly supports farm operations.
The farm's layout naturally promotes independence, navigation skills, and confidence. Our program is goal-based and data-driven, with individualized teaching plans developed by NJ-certified Special Education Teachers and program oversight from a Speech-Language Pathologist, ensuring strong emphasis on social communication and functional skill development.
Participants actively review and reflect on their goals each day and take part in regular goal planning meetings.
Job Summary
The HOPE Skills Trainer supports adult participants with I/DD as they engage in meaningful farm work, build pre-vocational skills, and work toward individualized goals. This role is ideal for someone who is patient, encouraging, people-centered, and motivated by purpose-driven work.
Skills Trainers help participants develop independence, professionalism, social communication, and self-advocacy while contributing to the daily functioning of the farm.
Key Responsibilities
- Support participants during daily farm-based work activities
- Assist individuals in completing meaningful job tasks that contribute to farm operations
- Reinforce individualized goals developed by the education and clinical team
- Support daily goal review and reflection with participants
- Model appropriate workplace behavior and professionalism
- Encourage independence, self-advocacy, and confidence
- Assist with data collection and basic documentation as directed
- Maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment
- Communicate participant progress, needs, and concerns with program staff
Daily Farm Activities May Include
- Animal care and barn responsibilities
- Gardening and crop maintenance
- Working in the farm market
- Creating, assembling, and packaging farm products
- Reviewing Prevociaotal lessons & engaging curriculum
Skills Participants Work On (with Your Support)
- Pre-vocational and job readiness skills
- Social communication
- Independence and daily living skills
- Workplace professionalism
- Self-advocacy and decision-making
What We're Looking For
- A compassionate, dependable, and people-focused individual
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Comfort working outdoors in a farm setting
- Ability to follow individualized plans and take direction from supervisors
- Experience with individuals with disabilities is preferred but not required
No specific degree required. Training provided.
Work Environment
- Active, hands-on farm setting
- Outdoor work in varying weather conditions
- Interaction with animals, staff, volunteers, and the public
- Physically active role (walking, standing, light lifting)
Why Join HOPE
- Be part of a program where participants' work truly matters
- Make a meaningful impact every day
- Gain hands-on experience in pre-vocational and human services work
- Join a collaborative, mission-driven nonprofit community
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $ $20.00 per hour
Expected hours: 35 per week
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20