18-21 Transition Academy Instructor

Journey21 Overview:

Journey21’s mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and enriching living and learning options for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) in Waukesha County and surrounding communities.

Journey21 focuses on 5 primary services areas:

• Learning/Education – Journey21 offers three learning academies: 1) 18-21 Transition Academy, 2) Life Academy, and 3) Summer Academy. The highly structured curriculum helps adults with developing their independent living skills, socialization skills and building community relationships.
• Employment – Within the learning academies, Journey21 also focuses career readiness training and provides opportunities for clients to participate in internships/work experiences where they can learn specific job skills.
• Advocacy/Resources – Journey21’s team acts as a resource of information pertinent to clients, their families, and caregiver. For instance, webinars are held on long-term care, guardianship, financial planning, and more.
• Programs, Outings, & Clubs – Journey21 offers various small and large group social outings that facilitate individual growth. Our programs are community-based out of Oconomowoc and are conducted in the surrounding area.
• Residential Living – We will offer adults with IDD the opportunity to live in a condominium or cottage in The Journey of Pabst Farms, a vibrant and inclusive community where they can have friends, opportunities to grow and live independently.

Job Summary:

In the context of the Journey21 mission and its five primary service areas, the Enrichment Center (EC) functions as the face of the organization in the community. Therefore, the 18-21 Transition Academy Instructor is a mission-driven leader who is responsible for the successful instruction of academics for employment, building self-confidence, community readiness and the development of independent living and social skills within our 18-21 Transition Academy (September-May). Once the Summer Academy begins in June, the 18-21 Instructor will co-instruct with the Life Academy Instructor from 9:00 am-3:00 pm Monday-Friday.

Essential Job Functions:

• Plan, develop, and teach the 18-21 Transition Academy curriculum to 16 or less students
• Creating innovative lesson plans that will engage students at multiple functioning levels.
• Work with school districts to implement the student’s IEP, making sure it is followed
• Evaluates each student’s progress quarterly and conducts student progress meetings including school case manager, IRIS consultant, DVR counselor, Parents, etc.
• Communicates with parents to report progress and to develop a rapport which will enhance the student’s success at Journey21
• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve effective participation in activities and learning experiences
• Creates a positive, inviting, and safe learning environment
• Models enthusiasm for learning and teaching
• Builds community relationships with local businesses, organizations, and programs to create internships and work experiences for students.
• Sets up afternoon work internships for students
• Job coaching students in their afternoon internships
• Provide employers with a student “Work Evaluation” to complete once a semester and provides employers with techniques and strategies that help our students gain success in their internship
• Update student notes including emergency contacts, allergies, behaviors, supports needed, etc.
• Support Program Lead and engage with your students during Fitness Classes
• Support the Foods Instructor and engage with your students during Food & Nutrition and Cooking classes.
• Co-Instruct with the Life Academy Instructor during the Summer Academy.
• Co-Plan lessons and activities for the Summer Academy.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Program and Enrichment Center Director
• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, flexible, and innovative

Public Relations:

• Working with the Program and Enrichment Center Director, to build and enhance Journey21’s image by being active, approachable, and visible in the Journey21 community and the surrounding communities.
• Participate in developing and executing an effective communications strategy to help share accurate information regarding Journey21’s Enrichment Center’s programs and activities.
• Be prepared to answer questions about the Enrichment Center from participants, families, guardians, community partners, donors, press, and businesses.
• Participate in marketing, public relations, and fundraising activities.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least five years of experience as a Special Education Teacher within a high school or 18-21 Program.
• Professional or personal experience with a school, agency, or advocacy organization serving adults with IDD, preferably in Wisconsin.
• Enjoys helping adults with IDD develop physically, mentally, and socially.
• Passionate and humble leader with integrity, positive attitude, mission focused, and self-directed approach.
• Help shape and strengthen the Journey21 culture.
• Must be able to work successfully both independently, as well as on a team.