Project Search Coordinator

Program Coordination & Collaboration

• Coordinate the Project SEARCH programs across all sites
• Serve as a liaison between OE, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, schools, employers, host sites, and other community agencies
• Meet regularly with instructors, team leads, and OE Skills Trainers/Employment Specialists to discuss issues, problem-solve, and review successes
• Support OE Skills Trainers and Employment Specialists with Project SEARCH duties, including data collection, documentation, networking, relationship building, and job development
• Provide assistance to instructors and team leads with Project SEARCH activities throughout the year (celebrations, outings, etc.)
• Participate in all required trainings to enhance skills related to employment supports for individuals with disabilities

Assessment, Planning & Job Development

• Interview and assess interns/consumers for readiness for competitive employment
• Become familiar with each intern/consumer’s vocational skills, knowledge, and abilities, and complete required pre-placement documentation
• Perform task analysis on potential positions to ensure appropriate job matching
• Work with instructors and team leads to assess student skills, gather baseline data, and support internship development
• Assist in creating task lists, job analyses, and planning necessary modifications for internships
• Assist with developing job opportunities through networking with employers (local agencies, chambers of commerce, job boards, community meetings, etc.)
• Support the Employment Specialist with job development and placement activities

Instruction, Training & Skill Development

• Provide classroom instruction, on-site job coaching, and skills training
• Reinforce employability skills and help interns understand workplace culture
• Train interns in the interview process
• Learn internship duties and implement necessary modifications to support successful job completion
• Provide ongoing individualized support and training to increase independence and skill development
• Teach safe work practices
• Encourage self-advocacy
• Assist with curriculum development

Support, Communication & Advocacy

• Maintain ongoing communication with employers and consumers/guardians throughout the job search process
• Serve as an advocate at job sites and facilitate employment planning meetings
• Assist with building natural supports and gradually reduce job coaching as independence increases
• Participate in intern and family meetings as needed
• Assist in assessing intern progress and provide feedback to interns and team members

Documentation & Administrative Duties

• Document all activities and enter data into required databases for agency reporting
• Provide basic information and referral services
• Provide guidance to individuals and families on Long-Term Vocational Support (LTVS) options, including connecting them with appropriate Medicaid resources to support sustained employment
• Perform other duties as assigned

Bachelor’s degree required. Experience in job coaching and employment training for persons with disabilities. Experience working in/with school systems, Vocational Rehabilitation and medical settings. Good organizational, presentation, and communication skills required.

OE Enterprises is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through meaningful day services, vocational training, and employment support. As a Project SEARCH Program Coordinator, you will play a key role in partnering with local school systems and host businesses to support students in developing essential job skills and transitioning successfully into the workforce. This position is part of our broader Transition and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) programs, which serve individuals across multiple counties. Travel is required between our 3 Project SEARCH locations in Durham, Orange, and Alamance Counties