Skills Trainer

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, with 1,000 employees working as one to help our community thrive. For three years running, Goodwill has been named to Forbes’ list of America’s “Most Inspiring Companies.”

About the Role

The Project LIFE Skills Trainer provides vocational training to student interns (ages 16+) enrolled in Project LIFE programming during their work-based learning experiences, both during the school year and compressed extended school year. This position supports classroom instruction and independent living activities, teaching entry-level job skills within Goodwill’s Donated Goods Retail network, in the community, and in collaboration with community business partners.

Division Overview

Goodwill SWPA’s Human Services division enhances people’s dignity and quality of life by strengthening communities and helping those with barriers to employment reach their full potential through workforce education and support. The Disability Services department, within Human Services, focuses on guiding participants with disabilities to higher rates of self-sufficiency through workforce development, community integration, and retirement options.

Responsibilities

• Employment Training Support
  • Instruct and assess student learning of job skills in the work environment at a ratio of no more than 1:5.
  • Provide training on proper work techniques and socialization skills through worksite tasks and task analysis.
  • Assist individuals in establishing routines that promote independence.
  • Utilize positive motivational strategies and techniques to help individuals attain identified goals.
• Environmental Adaptation Management
  • Implement educational, behavioral, and/or developmental supports, including assistive technology.
  • Build natural supports within the work environment; identify and implement job modifications (e.g., graphical or adaptive work illustrations, universal design learning systems).
• Cross Collaboration
  • Participate as a member of interdisciplinary teams.
  • Articulate and make recommendations to team members and stakeholders on individual needs and preferences.
  • Communicate individual progress and provide feedback in written and oral form to the team.
  • Provide coverage for other Transition Services Team members as assigned.
• Policies and Standards
  • Follow guidelines for regulatory entities such as the Department of Public Welfare, Department of Labor, and PA Department of Education.
  • Communicate production/job-specific expectations to individuals; meet regularly with site management to ensure business needs are met.

Requirements

• Education and Experience
  • Associate’s degree in Education, Teaching, or a related field AND 3 years of relevant experience OR
  • Bachelor’s degree in Education, Teaching, or a related field AND 1 year of relevant experience.
• Required experience supporting learning for teens and young adults with a variety of disabilities.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Working familiarity with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Special Education legislation.
  • Professional experience with transition-to-employment or supported employment programs.
  • Special Education Certificate.
• Clearances, Licenses, and Certifications
  • Valid driver’s license, active insurance policy, and reliable transportation for local travel.
  • Completion of background checks assigned by Goodwill SWPA, including a National Criminal Background check, prior to the first day of employment.
  • Current, valid clearances (Child Abuse Clearance, FBI Fingerprints Clearance, and PATCH) prior to the first day of employment.

Pay

External hiring range: $18.25 – $18.98 per hour (equivalent to $37,960–$39,478 annually). One-time retention bonus of $1,000 after 6 months of employment.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Potential flexibility. Local travel to community sites in Allegheny County may be required.