Are You an Educator Looking for Something Different?
✓ Do you love teaching but find yourself wanting more flexibility, more creativity, and more direct impact on the future of individuals with disabilities?
✓ Are you passionate about helping young adults discover their strengths, build confidence, and achieve meaningful employment?
✓ Are you looking for an opportunity to use your teaching skills beyond the traditional classroom while still making a life-changing difference?
If so, this may be the opportunity you've been waiting for! At TransCen, Inc., we believe employment changes lives.
We are seeking an energetic, innovative, and mission-driven Project SEARCH Instructor to join our team in Milwaukee and help young adults with disabilities successfully transition from school to work.
This is not your typical teaching position. You'll teach employability skills, facilitate real-world learning experiences, collaborate with the hospital to establish new and unique internship opportunities, communicate with families, and support interns in achieving the ultimate goal: competitive integrated employment and greater independence.
*Flexible Employment Options*
We understand that talented educators and transition professionals are looking for different types of work schedules. This position may be structured as either a 10-month or 12-month position based on candidate preference, qualifications, and program needs.
- 10-Month Option: Ideal for educators seeking a school-year schedule with summers off.
- 12-Month Option: Ideal for professionals interested in year-round employment, intern recruitment, employer engagement, summer programming, and program development.
About Us
TransCen, Inc. is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through meaningful work and community inclusion. Our Wisconsin division, Creative Employment Opportunities (CEO), has been helping individuals with disabilities achieve employment success and community inclusion for more than 30 years. We are a small but mighty team of innovators, problem-solvers, and advocates who believe every person deserves the opportunity to work, contribute, and thrive.
What is Project SEARCH?
Project SEARCH is a nationally recognized transition-to-employment program that provides immersive workplace experiences for young adults with disabilities during their final year of school. Interns participate in internships within a host business while receiving classroom instruction focused on employability, workplace readiness, self-advocacy, and independent living skills.
The goal is simple: meaningful employment and successful adult lives.
Learn more at: projectsearch.us
Why You'll Love This Job
✔ Teach beyond the four walls of a classroom
✔ Watch interns gain confidence, independence, and jobs
✔ Build partnerships with the host site and community businesses
✔ Collaborate with families, schools, and community agencies
✔ See the direct impact of your work every day
✔ Be part of a mission-driven team committed to changing lives
What You'll Do
Teach and Inspire
- Deliver the Project SEARCH employability skills curriculum using engaging, individualized instructional strategies.
- Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning styles and support needs.
- Reinforce workplace skills throughout internships and classroom activities.
- Assess intern progress and adjust instruction to maximize success.
Support Intern Success
- Facilitate Employment Planning Meetings with interns, families, school personnel, and adult service providers.
- Help interns identify career interests, strengths, and employment goals.
- Assist interns in creating resumes, portfolios, and professional materials that showcase their skills and experiences.
- Identify barriers to success and develop creative solutions that support positive outcomes.
Build Real-World Learning Experiences
- Collaborate with Froedtert Hospital departments to identify and develop internship opportunities.
- Ensure internships teach meaningful, marketable skills aligned with competitive employment.
- Monitor and assess skill development through data collection related to productivity, quality, and workplace expectations.
- Utilize assessment tools such as VocFit to evaluate progress and inform instruction.
Lead and Collaborate
- Work closely with school districts, Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Family Care, IRIS, employers, and community partners.
- Coordinate and supervise onsite Skills Trainers.
- Participate actively in Project SEARCH Steering Committee and onsite team meetings.
- Maintain records and outcome data through the Project SEARCH Member Portal.
Think Creatively and Solve Problems
- Use person-centered practices and Universal Design principles to create accommodations and supports.
- Analyze data and make informed decisions to improve intern outcomes.
- Advocate for interns while maintaining high expectations for employment success.
Who We're Looking For
*Required Qualifications*
- *Bachelor's degree required*
- Teaching license (special education preferred), transition specialist credential, or related experience preferred.
- Minimum of two years of successful experience working with youth or young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Demonstrated ability to use a variety of instructional strategies and differentiated teaching methods.
- Knowledge of transition services, supported employment, workforce development, or related fields.
- Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to pass a background check.
The Ideal Candidate Is...
- Passionate about helping people with disabilities achieve employment success.
- Creative, innovative, and solutions-focused.
- Organized and able to manage multiple priorities.
- Comfortable collaborating with employers, families, schools, and funding agencies.
- An excellent communicator and relationship-builder.
- A self-starter who thrives in both independent and team environments.
- Committed to high expectations and meaningful outcomes.
Bonus Points If You Have...
- Strong connections within the Milwaukee/Waukesha community
- Experience with employer engagement and job development
- Experience with transition services, vocational rehabilitation, or supported or customized employment
- Bilingual skills (ASL, Spanish)
- Experience using assistive technology and Universal Design for Learning principles
Perks of Working With Us
Competitive Benefits Package
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plan with employer contribution
- Group life insurance
- Generous PTO accrual and paid holidays
Professional Growth
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Opportunities to learn from national leaders in transition and employment services
- Supportive and collaborative team culture
Meaningful Work
Every day, you'll help young adults move closer to independence, confidence, community inclusion, and rewarding careers.
That's more than a job - it's a chance to make a lasting difference.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
A mutually agreed upon start date will be determined at the time of hire.
About TransCen
Our mission is simple but powerful: Improving the lives of people with disabilities through meaningful work and community inclusion.
Join us in creating a future where disability is never a barrier to employment or community participation.
TransCen, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Communication skills: 1 year (Preferred)
- Classroom experience: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
