About this role
Job Title: Teacher- Project SEARCH
Grade Level/Terms of Employment: 9.5 month (200 Day)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Work Location: Richmond Technical Center
Immediate Supervisor: Coordinator, Intensive Support
General Description: The Project SEARCH Instructor develops, coordinates, and leads a high-impact school-to-work transition program for young adults with disabilities. Operating on-site at the host business and on the RPS campus, the Instructor delivers employability lessons, manages daily internship rotations, and collaborates closely with direct service teams, RPS leadership, and vocational rehabilitation partners (such as DARS and VCU) to promote meaningful work and community inclusion. By aligning instruction with the national Project SEARCH model, the Instructor guides each intern and their support team toward the ultimate goal of competitive, integrated community employment. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Teach the Project SEARCH employability curriculum and related postsecondary modules on-site and on campus to build foundational workplace skills, knowledge, and work habits.
• Reinforce classroom instruction within host business internship sites, utilizing Universal Design concepts to implement necessary workplace accommodations and adaptations.
• Coordinate transportation, as required until students gain independent travel skills
• Coordinate and/or provide independent travel training (public transit routes, rideshare options, or private transit) so interns can navigate their commutes reliably and independently.
• Assist interns in creating professional portfolios and resumes documenting skills, internship experiences, certifications, and recommendations.
• Manage Special Education compliance, including developing transition-focused IEP goals, writing progress reports, and hosting annual IEP review meetings tied to employment outcomes.
• Provide case management by monitoring daily site attendance, tracking tardiness, and instructing interns on proper workplace protocol for calling out to host supervisors.
• Collaborate with host business liaisons, onsite teams, and job developers to identify high-value internship placements that build marketable skills.
• Support student onboarding, day-to-day performance, and skill acquisition during host business internships.
• Work directly with interns, families, and partner agencies to define career interests, job preferences, and individual goals that lead to competitive, integrated employment within the host business or broader community.
• Lead outreach efforts across interagency partners (DARS, VCU, VCU Health) and RPS high school teams to recruit eligible students with disabilities (ages 18–22 in their final year of high school).
• Facilitate intake meetings, student interviews, and selection processes to evaluate participant needs and career goals.
• Plan and host Open Houses, public relations activities, and community events to market the Project SEARCH program.
• Serve as the primary RPS division liaison for Project SEARCH, attending required statewide conferences and professional learning sessions.
• Schedule, plan, and lead regular Employment Planning and monthly progress meetings with interns, families, RPS staff, and partner agencies (DARS, VCU, VCU Health).
• Provide consistent monthly written updates and progress reports to families and key stakeholders.
• Frequently assess intern progress against productivity, quality, and safety benchmarks; implement targeted interventions for interns who require additional support.
• Maintain and update the Project SEARCH database, tracking intern placements, skill gains, certifications, and employment outcomes (wages, hours, benefits).
• Provide follow-along support during the post-graduation phase to ensure initial job retention and facilitate smooth hand-offs to adult service providers once employment is secured.
• Adhere to, model, and promote all safety standards, emergency procedures, and operational policies for both RPS and the host business site.
• Manage and maintain program supplies necessary for effective daily operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support overall program success.
Qualifications:
• Master's Degree in Special Education required
• Valid Virginia Special Education Teaching License required.
• Valid Virginia Driver's License required.
• Minimum of 3 years of successful, recent, and relevant experience as a Special Education teacher, coordinator, or practitioner working with secondary-level youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Deep familiarity with current best practices in secondary transition, supported employment, and Community-Based Instruction (CBI).
• Demonstrated ability to employ diverse instructional strategies that connect workforce and transitional curricula to individual learner needs.
• Proven success in supporting students with academic/career planning, transition-focused IEP goals, and competitive employment outcomes.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and digital documentation tools.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with students, families, school leadership, interagency partners, and host business employers.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including strong conflict-resolution abilities.
• Strong analytical, organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule as required by site needs, travel training, or special events.
• Bilingual/Spanish fluency preferred.
Physical Requirements: The position may require frequent standing, walking, bending, and occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds. HOW TO APPLY: All applicants (including RPS employees) must submit an online application. Please access website at: www.rvaschools.net
Please upload the following information with your application: a current resume, transcript and license if applicable. Three references names and contact information will be required if you progress to the interview step of the selection process. Richmond Public Schools will conduct a background investigation, fingerprinting, and tuberculosis screening as a condition of employment. EOE. PAY SCALE: Teacher's salary scale START DATE: Based on School Board approval