Project Search Skills Trainer at CCARC in Berlin, CT

Supervised by: Director of Employment and Transition Services

Scheduled Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 3pm, 35 hours per week/ Full-Time

Benefits: CCARC offers Medical insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision, 401K with Employer Match and PTO

About the Role:

The Project Search Skills Trainer plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals with disabilities by providing tailored training and support to enhance their employability skills. This position focuses on delivering comprehensive, hands-on instruction in workplace readiness, communication, and job-specific competencies to prepare participants for successful integration into competitive employment settings. The trainer collaborates closely with employers, job coaches, and community partners to create meaningful learning experiences that align with each participant's strengths and career goals. By fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, the trainer helps participants build confidence, independence, and practical skills necessary for long-term career success. Ultimately, this role contributes to improving employment outcomes and quality of life for individuals served by the Project Search program.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related field.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities in an educational or vocational training setting.
• Strong understanding of employment barriers faced by people with disabilities and strategies to overcome them.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage participants, families, and employers.
• Ability to develop and deliver customized training materials and curricula.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in job coaching or vocational rehabilitation.
• Experience with Project Search or similar transitional employment programs.
• Knowledge of assistive technologies and accommodations in the workplace.
• Familiarity with local labor market trends and employer networks.
• Bilingual abilities or experience working with diverse cultural populations.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement individualized training plans that address the unique needs and goals of each participant.
• Conduct classroom and on-site training sessions focused on job readiness, social skills, and specific vocational skills.
• Collaborate with employers and job coaches to facilitate workplace learning opportunities and monitor participant progress.
• Assess participant skill development regularly and adjust training approaches to maximize effectiveness.
• Maintain detailed documentation of training activities, participant progress, and outcomes to support program evaluation and reporting.

Skills:

The required and preferred skills are utilized daily to create an adaptive and participant-centered training environment. Strong communication skills enable the trainer to clearly convey concepts and motivate participants while building trusting relationships with employers and support staff. Expertise in developing individualized training plans ensures that instruction is relevant and effective for each learner’s unique needs. Knowledge of assistive technologies and workplace accommodations allows the trainer to recommend and implement solutions that enhance participant success. Additionally, collaboration and organizational skills are essential for coordinating with multiple stakeholders and managing documentation to track progress and outcomes.