Job Coach/Direct Support Professional (FULL-TIME)

Job Description

Job Description

JOB PURPOSE: To support individuals with IDD in preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining competitive employment in the community, with a commitment to the belief that Employment is the first and appropriate option explored for working age adults regardless of their level of ability

QUALIFICATIONS

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  High School Diploma or equivalent
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  Experience working with people with disabilities preferred
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  Valid driver’s license, a good driving record, and a willingness to use one’s own vehicle in the performance of duties
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  Satisfactory criminal history check
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  Ability to self-direct work
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  Able to communicate effectively
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  Experience through education or work history that demonstrates reliability/dependability
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  Ability to work effectively independently and in a team.
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  Ability to make decisions and exercise good judgment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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  Job Placement:
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    Assist individuals in managing all needs related to their job (such as dress code, required equipment, planning for on time arrival and transportation planning)
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    Help identify and provide job accommodations, if needed
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    Provide one-on-one job instruction and training utilizing creative teaching methods, encouraging independence
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    Develop workplace tools or strategies that will help the supported employee perform their jobs if/when the job coach fades out to less support
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    Provide assistance with maintaining the health and safety of supported employees, as needed
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    Help the person develop natural supports in the workplace
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    Act as a guide for the workplace culture, identifying if and where the person needs or wants support in managing within their work environment with peers and supervisors

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  Employer Development:
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    Represent the individual to employers while maintain confidentiality and the highest level of respect for the person
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    Market the program to local businesses and community organizations which may include presentations to large groups
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    Work with businesses to develop potential worksites and employment opportunities
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    Provide support and information to employers on accommodations and tools for supporting their employees
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    Maintain a strong relationship with employers providing consistent communication and responsiveness to any needs that arise

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  Provide ongoing long-term support on the job:
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    Visit the workplace to provide ongoing support for supported employee and to the business management or supervisors
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    Continue supporting any necessary job accommodations
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    Foster ongoing natural supports
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    Foster good relationships with co-workers and supervisors fit to the work environment

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  Coordination of Services:
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    Coordinate your own schedule around multiple needs of those supported as well as coordinate the schedules of the supported employees, when necessary
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    Work in various settings depending on the workplace of the individual
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    Work potentially varied hours based on the schedules of individual
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    Use personal vehicle for travel to and from work sites, individuals homes or other places needed to assist person with their job
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    Coordinate with the person, their family, case managers, employers or other relevant parties as needs arise for the person
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    Communicate regularly with funding sources, regarding progress
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    Complete all required documentation
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    Complete and submit all billing for funding sources
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    Follow all agency rules, policies, and regulations
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    Document serious incidents and submit reports to the immediate supervisor
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    Attend staff meetings or planning meetings as requested
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    Attend provided workshops and in-service
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    Assist in any capacity of the program, as requested by the immediate supervisor or director

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  Act as an advocate for the person for any unmet support needs by reporting them to the Team Lead/Program Director

COMPETENCIES:

To perform the job successfully, you must demonstrate the following competencies:

Communication – Exhibits good interpersonal communication skills.  Keeps others informed and demonstrates positive team work.  Possess strong written and verbal communication skills. 

Computer Skills – Ability to operate computer and Microsoft office programs and the internet

Versatility – Must be comfortable in a variety of work settings in order to train and support an individual in their workplace.   

Philosophy – Commitment to principles of Inclusion and self-determination. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit or stand for extended lengths of time, walk around, and drive a vehicle traveling a great deal between worksites. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job may include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.