Job Coach & Community Membership

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role:

The goal of our programs is to provide a safe and comfortable environment in which each person served has the opportunity to develop his/her ability to make appropriate choices that will improve the quality of his or her life. Each person requires support and guidance in the development of skills related to daily independent living and community life. Many people served have acute and/or chronic physical, psychiatric, or medical conditions that require evaluation and treatment. This position involves direct individualized support with primary emphasis on establishing rapport and providing guidance to enhance skill development in a vocational setting.

The Job Coach provides instruction and guidance to persons served on an individual basis at community-based and transitional employment sites.  Services are provided according to the objectives in the Vocational Plan, Person Centered Plan, Individual Service Plan, and demonstrated need and functional abilities of that person. The Job Coach assists in the development of socialization skills related to daily independent living, work, and community life. This requires regular independent work using acquired knowledge to make sound decisions and manage emergency situations that may arise.

1. COMMUNICATION : Must communicate in a clear and courteous manner with others and follow written and verbal directions that actively support JFM’s goals and philosophy. The Job Coach is the liaison for JFM and the person supported’s employer and will facilitate communication between these parties. As such, the Job Coach is responsible for overseeing the person’s performance quality, maintaining production standards, and adherence to the employer’s workplace rules. Communication with the people served may be verbal, in writing, or through basic signs or gestures as needed. Must be able to interpret body language, vocalizations, and physiological signs. Must model positive behavior and be consistent and appropriate in offering feedback, coaching and support for the person’s psychological and emotional needs.

Communication / interactions with people supported must always be respectful and in a manner in which the person likes to be addressed and engaged, consistent with how the staff interacts and communicates with all other people of the same age. This includes meeting the person’s preferences regarding name to be used, communication style, tone and volume of voice, and technique. Such interactions / communication may need to be revised regularly during the interaction according to input or feedback from the individual. Respectful interaction and communication style and technique is of particular importance in challenging or difficult situations.

Staff communication (to include non-verbal communication such as gestures or facial expressions) that concerns the people supported shall never be conducted in the presence of the individual as if the person is not present. Furthermore, when discussions or interactions in the presence of the person supported shall always include the person, with full acknowledgement of the person’s presence and provide opportunity for the person to participate, regardless of the persons’ interest or ability.

• DOCUMENTATION : Organize and prioritize the tasks of the job for maximum efficiency. As part of the daily routine, tasks may include: preparing progress notes, monitor and document individual development and work performance, collect data, and recommend necessary work modifications. The Job Coach is responsible for documenting service hours of person served for billing purposes.
• HABILITATION : Provide instruction, training and support to person based on identified needs, abilities, employer expectations, and ISP. Must be familiar with each person’s history, social contacts, likes and dislikes and oversee all aspects of daily work, allowing for maximum independence. Provide advocacy support to all persons served.
• BEHAVIORAL SERVICES: Responsible for consistently following the person’s Behavioral Interaction Support Plan (BISP). This requires identifying behavior issues, data collection, and engagement in proactive programs, delivering on reinforcement components, and conducting learning opportunities as provided in the BISP. A variety of restraints may be used which must be consistently followed to ensure safety for the person, staff and others.
• COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Assist people with interaction skills in the employment setting. Plan, train and assist the person served in developing socialization skills.
• SAFETY: Follow JFM procedures and guidelines that will ensure the health and safety of oneself, persons served and coworkers.
• MEDICAL/HEALTH RESPONSIBILITIES: Model and encourage health awareness and healthy behaviors. Identify and address health care issues and act on agreed upon resolutions. Administer medications and document in accordance with prescribed procedures. Observe, record, and report any unusual symptoms, suspicion of illness, seizures or other concerns, and provide basic medical care in emergency situations (i.e. injury, seizures, choking, vomiting, etc.).
• FINANCIAL: Managing the financial affairs of the program is delegated to all employees, to include: following approved guidelines, requesting appropriate materials and equipment, documenting billable hours, and handling petty cash.
• TEAMWORK: Maintaining a sense of team spirit and staff cooperation is a goal for all JFM employees. It is important that each employee be able to work cooperatively within the team, manage change constructively, communicate clearly, and represent the team positively. The Job Coach provides regular feedback to the person supported employer, supervisor, and be accountable for the quality and quantity of their work.
• TRAINING: The Job Coach is responsible for his / her personal development by seeking appropriate in-service and on-the-job training and staying abreast of new developments and agency procedures. Maintains a good understanding of the changing program needs of each person served and successfully complete required training applicable to the program.
• COMPLIANCE I REPORTING: The Job Coach is accountable for complying with all JFM procedures, policies, and federal / state / local regulations. These include, but are not limited to restriction of rights, abuse/neglect/exploitation/mistreatment reporting, behavior reporting, and quality assurance reporting. Any knowledge or suspicion of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, exploitation or any concerns that may impact the safety, health, or comfort of a person served must immediately be reported to the supervisor or management official.
• DRIVING & VEHICLE USE: The Job Coach shall have a valid Maine Driver’s License and is responsible for maintaining a good driving record. It is highly desirable for the Job Coach to have a reliable vehicle of his/her own in cases when use of a privately owned vehicle is needed for the transportation of the people served. The Job Coach is required to demonstrate proper driving techniques and that routine vehicle inspections and maintenance checks are completed.
• SCHEDULING: It is expected that employees are punctual in working the scheduled hours, arriving to work on time and work to the end of the shift. The employment services director holds primary responsibility to develop staff schedules. Primary emphasis is on ensuring that the needs of the people served are met, while maintaining a cohesive team environment to preclude scheduling conflicts and promote staff retention. The Job Coach may be required to work beyond scheduled hours to accommodate program needs.
• OTHER: May participate on JFM committees or work on other projects at the request of the supervisor. Other related duties may be added to this job description as needed.

JOB COMPONENTS:

• Confidentiality: Daily contact with sensitive issues are the norm. All activity requires conducting business with strict adherence to confidentiality.
• Decision-Making: The Job Coach is responsible for routine decisions relating to the needs of the program. Any non-routine decisions are to be referred to the supervisor.
• Contacts (internal and external): Interfacing with others both within and outside JFM is constant. The Job Coach will attend staff meetings to communicate program needs.
• Environment / Physical Demands: The Job Coach is responsible for numerous tasks; daily work activity is conducted in indoor and outdoor environments. Physical activity includes assisting or lifting up to 50 pounds, walking, transferring, bending, stooping, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, using cleaning products and disinfectants.
• Equipment / Machinery Used: Driving a car or van and use of adaptive equipment (wheelchairs, lifts, etc.) will be used regularly in the daily work activity. May use items such as cleaning or maintenance equipment, and computer / office equipment.

• Education / Experience: Must be at least 18 years of age with High School Diploma or equivalent. At least one full year experience working with persons with developmental disabilities in supported employment. Job Coach certification.
• Skills/Abilities: Familiarity with terms used in the social work or supported employment arena.  Must show a commitment to community inclusion.
• Other: Ability to drive and coordinate transportation needs; must possess a valid Maine driver’s license with good driving record.

• Meaningful, rewarding work that changes lives

• Paid training and opportunities for advancement

• Supportive, team-driven environment

• Full-time, part-time (24/7 operation including weekends/holidays), and opportunities for overtime

• Medical, dental, vision, 403b, etc.
• Employee discounts

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $19.61–$24.11 per hour (or $40,788.80–$50,148.80 annually ), depending on qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related factors. Eligible employees are also offered a comprehensive benefits package.