Job Summary:
The Employment Specialist/Job Coach is responsible for providing support, guidance, and training to developmentally disabled individuals as they work towards achieving their employment goals. The Job Coach will work closely with participants to assess their skills, interests, and goals, and will help them develop and implement a plan to secure and maintain employment.
Education, Experience and Licensing:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must have a high school diploma or the equivalent
- Must pass a background check
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g. social work, psychology, education) or
1 year experience working with developmentally disabled individuals, preferably in a job coaching or vocational rehabilitation setting
- Previous experience with Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and/or Developmental Disability Waiver (DDW) recommended
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team with observations for support strategies
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Meet with participants regularly to assess their skills and interests, and to develop and review individualized employment plans
- Provide individualized support and guidance to participants on caseload, as they seek, apply for employment opportunities
- Work with participants to develop and practice job skills, such as resume writing and interview techniques
- Professionally advocates for participants relating to work schedules with managers, performance needs and accommodations
- Collaborate with employers to secure and maintain employment for participants
- Provide ongoing support and guidance to participants as they adapt to new work environments
- Patient, kind, organized and willingness to learn
- Attend meetings and trainings as required by the agency
- Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
Physical Demands:
- This position may involve sitting, standing, and walking for long periods of time
- It may also require lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds
- The ability to travel to participant workplaces and community locations is required
- This position may involve working with participants in a variety of settings, including workplaces, community locations, and in office
