Transitions Job Coach
Location: Durham and Orange County
Supervised by: Director of Transitions Services
Positions Supervised: None
Minimum Qualifications: AA or BA required. Experience working in a public school environment; job coaching/job development experience. Individuals must be highly motivated and able to work without direct on-site supervision. Excellent computer skills with a strong background in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; minimum 3 yrs related experience with students/adults with developmental disabilities strongly preferred. Must have clear background check & driving record; requires verification of immunizations or receipt of required immunizations
The Transition Coach assists students with disabilities to gain valuable pre-employment skills. This position is a partnership with the local school system and Vocational Rehabilitation to facilitate employment training for identified students.. Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and the ability to work as part of a team are required. Use of reliable transportation required; mileage will be reimbursed. Transition Coaches will be expected to provide job coaching in the community when school is not in session.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Work with students, teachers, school teams and caregivers to identify transition planning needs, develop individual transition plans.
Work with school staff and network with local businesses to develop community-based training and school and work-based learning opportunities based on student’s identified interests and needs for job exploration.
Assist students in completing career portfolios.
Adhere to model fidelity in Transition-to-Work for students with disabilities.
Provides individualized support for students to acquire competitive and marketable skills. This could include: Systematic Instruction to teach and break down tasks, building natural supports, developing accommodations, identifying appropriate assistive technology, etc.
Communicates effectively with the school staff, Instructor, other skills trainers, department managers /mentors, co-workers, family members, and school and agency personnel as it relates to the student being trained.
Perform specific task analysis, especially when the student is challenged to learn and perform tasks to a productive and quality level.
Assist with completing the Assessments to determine the abilities of the student, the demands of the internship tasks and assist the team to make meaningful matches.
Work with consumers, employers, families, job placement specialists, agency personnel, affiliate school personnel and other appropriate parties to problem-solve issues related to training and employment.
Practice positive reinforcement techniques with students, co-workers, and other staff.
Trains students in the areas of grooming, hygiene, communication, interviewing, and behavior as they relate to successful employment.
Provides travel training to the host business and job site when necessary.
Assist in developing and supporting a Peer Mentor program
Assist students in the identification of local colleges and post-high school programs that have strong systems of support for students with disabilities or who may be at risk
Provide classroom and individualized activities related to job exploration; job club; transitions after high school; job readiness, socialization, safety, travel training, self-help skills, functional academics, self-advocacy and interview skills.
Assist families and students in identifying and accessing transition services.
Support students in exploring postsecondary training options.
Attends training to become knowledgeable of strategies and current “best practices” in the field of supported employment.
Provide coaching for students placed in community employment.
Lead job-related classes including self-advocacy/self-determination.
Utilize effective job coaching techniques including task analysis, prompts, and fading.
Provide follow-up and support services as needed.
Other duties as assigned.
PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
KEY RESULT AREA: Responsible for performing those duties and activities that are conducive for an effective and efficient daily operation.
Adheres to and promotes standards of the host business and/or competitive work site in order to promote performance, productivity, quality and efficiency.
Submits and completes appropriate paperwork.
Recognizes and acts concerning the safety and welfare of the consumers.
Demonstrates daily work assignment responsibilities: is accountable for all hours assigned, is punctual and regular in attendance, and attends appropriate training activities.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
KEY RESULT AREA: Responsible for personal characteristics necessary to develop attributes consistent with the educational community.
Participates in professional growth activities such as conferences, in-services, etc.
Is an effective role model.
Shows enthusiasm and a sense of humor.
Exhibits an overall positive attitude.
Utilizes sound judgment and decision-making skills.
Uses Standard English in oral and written communication.
Works as a productive team member with the instructor, families, affiliate school and all agency personnel as well as other stakeholders.
Is adaptable in dealing with individual and cultural differences.
Protects the privacy of individuals and the confidentiality of information unless disclosure services a professional purpose or is required by law.
Avoids action that could result in conflicts of interest.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Able to work standing for an 8 hr. shift.
Able to sit for up to 8 hours
Able to lift & carry 25 lbs.
Able to work under varying climatic conditions, indoors or outdoors, in cold or heat.