Vocational Job Coach

Job Purpose

JESPY Vocational Job Coach will support the vision and mission of the agency. Vocational Coaches are responsible for the day-to-day monitoring and transitioning of clients while in the Skill Development, Employee Partnership and Mentorship PhaseWhile monitoring a client more closely through their respective journeys in the areas of skill development, job partnership and mentorship in job performance, clients have a better chance for success. Coaches will cross train in all areas of the Client Development Department. Each coordinator will be assigned as needed among the three phases. During Phase I, Skill Development,coordinators focusing on TSITES can be more productive focusing on skill development. During Phase II and III, the transition coordinator will focus on both the Employee Partnership and Mentorship Phase when employment readiness is reached. With the coordinators focusing on both Job Placement opportunities and Mentorship we can provide a better sense of support for clients.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare clients for a variety of work environments during the skill development phase.
• Identify and develops specific job opportunities that match the clients' skills, work experience and / or training, related training and interests.
• Maintains relationships with existing employers and establishes relationships with new employers who are willing to hire disabled and learning disability employees.
• Schedules prospecting / cold calls and face-to-face meetings with employers with regard to hiring the learning and developmentally disabled.
• Assist in development plan preparation for each client
• Assess physical, attitudinal, communication, transportation and financial barriers. Request accommodations where necessary.
• Provide assistance in preparation of resumes, mock interviews, job interviews and job application, and orientation as required.
• Observe client on job site and provide training assistance as needed.
• Provide immediate feedback and assistance as required to clients regarding job performance as related by employee supervisor.
• Provide instruction in self-advocacy.
• Provide crisis intervention as required
• Advocate for client regarding job performance and other work related situations as required.
• Documents, consistently and accurately, all client and employer contact, activities and outcomes in Foothold.
• Attend Foothold training as necessary, as well as, other professional development training.
• Advocate on behalf of client in both crisis and job advancement, including salary, work conditions, and benefits.
• Responsible for input of current employee changes, including pay rate work address, supervisor and promotion or termination, for all clients, both DDD and non DDD clients.
• Report all contact (with description, i.e., reason for contact, result, regarding which client if applicable, date and time, as well as, name of contact, result and next steps / and or progress of client) of prospective employment partnerships and clients daily.

Competencies

Reporting and Financial

Activity Coordination

Assist in the organization and implementation of two Job Opportunity Fairs per year. This event will bring together private, corporate and nonprofit organizations interested in hired the learning and developmentally disabled population.

Outreach

Interact with community relative to the awareness and opportunities for learning and developmentally disabled population.

Other Responsibilities

Qualifications

Education Requirement :

Bachelor's degree

Must complete 12 hrs. continuing education credits as DDD requirement via the College of Direct Support

Must complete 8 hrs. additional continuing educational credits in areas of "best practices"

Mandatory Competency-Based Training :

DDD Shifting Expectations

Prevention of Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation

DDD Life Threatening Emergencies (Danielle's Law)

Additional Minimum Competencies Required

DSP Professionalism

Professional Documentation Practices

Working with Families

Supporting Jobs and Careers in the Community

Employment Supports

Cultural Competence

Work Experience Requirement :

2 plus years' experience working with adults with learning and developmental disabilities.

Skills / Abilities / Minimum Competencies :

Excellent communication skills and ability to foster community partnerships and relationships with people across a spectrum of intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Ability to exercise sound judgement and respond quickly to crises and emergencies; ability to prevent or minimize crises.

Conflict resolution skills.

Excellent computer skills including a working knowledge of MS Word, Excel.

Special Working Conditions / Physical / Requirements

Must be available for coverage on some weekends and after 5pm when required.

Valid driving license is required.

Direct Reports

N / A