How to Be a Job Coach for the Developmentally Disabled
People with developmental disabilities often need the assistance and support of a job coach to make them successful in their work position. The job coach has the responsibility of teaching them the skills they need to be able to perform the job. Along the way, they also provide encouragement and support as they build up the person's self-confidence. Anyone can take on this challenging, yet rewarding position.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Obtain experience or education. Work and interact with developmentally disabled individuals in volunteer positions, at your church or through social gatherings. Most employers want a person to have some type of experience or a degree in human services before they are allowed to serve as a job coach for developmentally disabled clients.
-
2
Find a position. Seek out local organizations that work with developmentally disabled individuals and find out if they have any openings for job coaches. Ask about the application process and any documents you must provide, such as a copy of your driver's license or a college transcript. Complete the application and interview process while being truthful, accurate and professional. This will boost your chances of getting the job.
-
-
3
Get to know clients. Meet with each person you are assigned to coach. Learn about their strengths and weaknesses, as well as any limitations they have as a result of their disability. Find out what tasks they enjoy and what jobs they are interested in.
-
4
Make a plan. Use the information you've gathered to create a job plan. Engage the client and the client's representative (often a parent or sibling) in forming the plan. Define what position is desired and list the steps the client must take to get that job. If they need to learn a certain skill first, ensure that any requisite training it is built into the plan. Use the plan to provide direction and revise it as necessary.
-
5
Network with employers. Attend professional association meetings and business networking opportunities to meet employers from a variety of companies in your community. If you connect with someone whose workplace is a good fit for one of your clients, ask the employer if they are interested in possibly hiring a person with developmental disabilities. Follow up with them as they prepare to employ your client and meet with them and the client regularly to discuss their job performance.
-
6
Observe and teach the client on the job. Help them introduce themselves to their co-workers. Assist their supervisor in providing instruction and direction in what tasks they need to complete. Provide positive feedback to boost their self-confidence and enthusiasm for the job.
-
1
