DescriptionSummary of Position:
The Supportive Employment Coach plays a crucial role in empowering residents who are currently employed or actively seeking employment to achieve greater independence, stability, and personal fulfillment. Through hands-on, side-by-side coaching in real work environments including but not limited to custodial tasks, this role builds skills and confidence while gradual fading support as residents gain competence. The Supportive Employment Coach also advocates for residents by connecting them with community employment opportunities, supporting workplace readiness, and collaborating with employers to ensure residents have the resources, encouragement, and accommodations needed to thrive in the workforce.
Principal Duties:
- Provide hands-on, side-by-side coaching in real work settings to support employee skill development.
- Break down job tasks into manageable steps and deliver individualized, task-specific instruction.
- Utilize prompting strategies (verbal, visual, physical) and fade supports as needed, to promote independence.
- Model appropriate workplace behaviors, including communication, pacing, problem-solving, and professionalism.
- Reinforce positive work habits and provide immediate, constructive feedback.
- Support employees in developing work readiness and daily living skills necessary for long-term success.
- Onboard new employees with mental health diagnoses and intellectual disabilities, ensuring a smooth and supportive transition into the workplace.
- Willingness to demonstrate the task at hand and ensure the quality of the job.
- Monitor employee progress, track skill development, and adjust coaching strategies to support growth and independence.
- Collect and document objective data on employee performance, including task completion and level of independence.
- Foster a positive, inclusive work environment that promotes confidence, accountability, and professional growth.
- Collaborate with employees and their support networks to address workplace accommodations, barriers, and challenges.
- Develop and facilitate training methods tailored to individual abilities and job responsibilities.
- Work closely with supervisors and management to ensure expectations are clear, achievable, and supportive of employee needs.
- Advocate for employee inclusion and equitable treatment within the workplace and community.
- Ensure compliance with workplace safety standards and applicable disability employment regulations.
- Report objective findings to Director of Program Services and collaborate to ensure employees reach their goals.
Schedule:
Approximately 10 hours per week. Hours are typically scheduled in the morning, with occasional afternoon hours as needed. Schedule is to be determined (TBD).
QualificationsProfessional Requirements:
- Preferred associate or bachelor’s degree in social work, vocational rehabilitation, psychology, occupational therapy assistant, or a related field.
- Experience supporting individuals with mental health diagnoses and/or intellectual disabilities in an employment or related support setting preferred; knowledge of disability employment rights and workplace accommodations an asset.
- Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills with a patient and empathetic approach.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team and external partners.
- This position requires a committed Christian with a heart for working with mentally and emotionally challenged adults in a Christian residential care setting.
- Driving a vehicle for business purposes may be necessary for this position. That requires that he/she have a valid driver’s license, an acceptable MVR upon hire, and must at all times meet the guidelines in the Personnel Manual for an acceptable driving record.
Physical, Social, Emotional, and Spiritual Requirements:
- Physical: Ability to accomplish the tasks associated with this position is essential, including standing for 7 hours, lifting up to 10 to 30 lbs. frequently, assisting in lifting 30 to 80lbs as needed, frequent motions including but not limited to pulling, pushing, twisting, kneeling, reaching above and below.
- Social: Strong rapport with staff, residents, families, and professionals is essential.
- Emotional: Skills of perception, understanding and caring for people are essential. He/she must be patient, calm under pressure, emotionally stable, and not easily-provoked.
- Spiritual: In a visible role, this position requires spiritual insight, maturity and patience, which comes out of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray regularly for spiritual, emotional, and physical wellbeing of residents and for your own insight and wisdom.
