PROJECT SEARCH COORDINATOR / TEACHER
Purpose Statement
Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Project Search Coordinator is responsible for the coordination of the Project Search program at RWJ Somerset within a team composed of the student, parent/guardian, educators, and service providers, to ensure that activities and services are addressed and implemented for each eligible student. This position is responsible for facilitating students with disabilities transition from school to the community within the Project Search program.
Essential Functions
- This position calls for the collaboration with RWJ Somerset and stakeholders for the coordination of the Project Search program and services necessary for students with disabilities to successfully transition from high school to post-secondary education, training, employment, or long-term support as mandated by special education regulations.
- Facilitates Project Search programming (administers career skill and interest inventories, conducts career exploration activities, and provides vocational programming) for students who are eligible for special education services and for whom the IEP team has established transition goals and objectives.
- Networks with all appropriate community agencies and organizations.
- Attends IEP meetings in the role of Project Search
- Ensures that the IEP team develops and implements the Project Search outcomes, instructional areas, and services needed for students with disabilities.
- Works closely with special education teachers and students to meet transition needs.
- Conducts teaching responsibilities daily for 1 ½-2 hours.
- Identifies job placements within RWJ.
- Monitors student job performances based on student need as designated in the IEP.
- Coordinates the teaching of daily living skills and work readiness skills as outlined by Project Search.
- Develops and maintains a working relationship with businesses, agencies, and organizations which provide post-secondary services for students with disabilities.
- Communicates with parents, students, staff community/adult service providers and agencies about issues related to the successful transition of special education Middle and High School students, ages 14-21, into post-secondary adult life.
- Serves as a resource to families, parents, and students in accessing transition services as well as providing information about transition topics.
Other Functions
- Attends administrative meetings and work sessions as required, and attends professional seminars, conferences, and workshops as required by the position.
- Performs any other duties assigned by the Executive Director.
Job Requirements [Minimum Qualifications]
Required: Valid standard New Jersey teaching certificate in any content area with special education endorsement. Bachelor’s degree in education; special education certification.
Desired: Experience in transition services, job placement, program development, and interaction with community support agencies.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with staff, business associates, and general community; work on multiple tasks and prioritize appropriately; communicate effectively; special education knowledge and experience.
Workplace Expectations
Ability to follow directions and give direction to others; complete assigned tasks without supervision; communicate, comprehend and perform complex computations; use correct grammar, sentence structure and spelling; compose clear, concise sentences and paragraphs; organize office setting to efficiently accomplish tasks; multitask; work independently and make work-related decisions; exercise good judgment in prioritizing tasks; operate office equipment; use computer technology efficiently including word processing, presentation/webpage software, Power Point and Excel software applications; appropriately handle confidential information in accordance with District policies; use technology for group meetings, presentations, etc.
Ability to work as a leader, coordinator, and a member of a team.
Must be professional and able to effectively manage job responsibilities; cooperative, congenial, service oriented, and promote these qualities.
Ability to work in an environment with frequent interruptions.
Ability to be respectful and empathetic toward students.
Working Environment
Office/classroom setting. Job sampling site locations.
Experience
Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is required.