Position Description
Position Title: Specialized Training Program Lead
Reports To: Specialized Training Program Director
FLSA: Non-Exempt, Full-Time
About the Food Bank of Delaware
The mission of the Food Bank of Delaware is to provide nutritious foods to Delawareans in need and facilitate long-term solutions to the problems of hunger and poverty through community education and advocacy.
The Food Bank’s team is dedicated to building community awareness and creating an efficient food distribution network to eliminate hunger in Delaware. Staff and volunteers are committed to embodying the Food Bank’s values in all activities. Relationships are based upon collaboration and respect and resources are leveraged in a manner that is strategic and cost-effective in order to achieve the Food Bank’s mission and goals.
Over the last 40 years, the Food Bank has expanded its scope of services building on partnerships with hunger-relief organizations while at the same time bringing new programs and services to alleviate hunger and provide education and training. With locations in both Newark and Milford, the Food Bank, a member of Feeding America, will continue to expand and extend its programs and services to communities in its quest to create a community free of hunger.
Position Summary
The Specialized Training Program Lead provides guidance, mentorship, and direct support to participants across the Food Bank of Delaware’s Specialized Training programs and related employment, skill-building, and community-based services. This role supports participants in developing vocational, workplace readiness, independent living, and transferable skills based on their individual goals, support needs, and service plans.
The Lead works collaboratively with the Specialized Training team, internal departments, and community partners to ensure participants receive appropriate supports that promote skill development, meaningful engagement, employment readiness, and progress toward identified outcomes. Supports may vary based on the participant, program, service model, and staffing needs, and must align with applicable Food Bank of Delaware policies, Medicaid requirements, DDDS standards, and person-centered service expectations.
Major Responsibilities and Essential Functions
- Prioritize the health and safety of participants across the Specialized Training programs by mitigating risks and strictly adhering to all Food Bank of Delaware (FBD) safety guidelines.
- Provide individualized support to participants across Specialized Training programs and services to promote progress toward identified goals, outcomes, skill development, employment readiness, community engagement, and increased independence.
- Develop customized support and job coaching strategies, including transitional skill development, workplace readiness, community participation, job placement, and retention support.
- Conduct daily monitoring, observations, and oversight, offering constructive feedback by identifying strengths and areas requiring additional support.
- Assess and document participant progress toward employment, skill development, community participation, and individualized goals and outcomes.
- Ensure participant supports, documentation, and service delivery practices align with applicable Food Bank of Delaware policies, Medicaid requirements, DDDS standards, and person-centered service expectations.
- Partner with internal and external managers and supervisors to identify and implement natural support strategies for participants.
- Collaborate with employer and community partners to facilitate employment, career exploration, assessment, and community-based opportunities through proactive outreach and engagement.
- Foster positive relationships and interactions within the FBD team, with participants, visitors, guests, and partners, ensuring alignment with FBD’s mission and values.
- Participate in classroom, worksite, and community-based activities to reinforce program curriculum, skill development, and participant learning.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Experience
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- High School Diploma or GED required. Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services-related field preferred.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
- Must have 1+ years’ experience working with individuals diagnosed with IDD/Neuro-diverse and/or dual diagnoses
- Must possess good written and verbal skills
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office
- Previous experience as a Direct Support Professional, Employment Specialist (Job Coach), Para-professional, or Therapeutic Support Specialist is strongly preferred
- Ability to successfully pass required clearances and certifications in alignment with Medicaid and Delaware Division of Developmental Disability Services.
Competencies
- This position will interface with staff members and the leadership team. Additionally, this role will work with community partners
- Exemplary customer service skills
- Comfortable speaking to groups of people
- Strong interpersonal skills
Physical Requirements
- Working at a computer workstation, generally with a monitor, will be required
- The role will occasionally be exposed to warehouse and commercial kitchen environments
- Protective equipment must be worn when and where required
- All roles may require sitting, bending, lifting (up to 20 pounds), squatting, and other minimal physical activity
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
- Work Location: In person
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $21.00 - $29.00 per hour
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
