Job Coach in Waltham, Massachusetts at Opportunities for Inclusion Inc

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Job Coach is responsible for implementing Individual Service Plans (ISPs), documenting individual progress, and continuously evaluating the appropriateness of services. Operating under the direction of the Employment Manager, the Job Coach helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain, maintain, and succeed in employment by providing personalized guidance, skill development, and workplace support.

This hands-on role requires a balance of mentorship, advocacy, and practical skill-building to foster independence and long-term career success. Support is primarily provided on-site at businesses where Opportunities for Inclusion (OFI) holds a group employment contract, or where a participant is employed directly.

REPORTS TO: Employment Manager

QUALIFICATIONS

· Experience: Experience or education pertaining to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.

· Relationship Building: Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain respectful, caring, tolerant, ethical, and empowering relationships with individuals served.

· Communication: Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including the ability to provide constructive feedback.

· Skills & Aptitude: Strong observation skills, proficiency with computers, and the aptitude to read, write, and comprehend the English language.

· Certifications: CPR and First Aid Certification required at hire for DDS program sites, or within 30 days of hire for non-DDS program sites.

· Travel & Licensing: Valid driver’s license and a willingness to travel to various local work sites.

· Physical Requirements: Capacity to assist, transition, or lift individuals with physical disabilities and/or limited mobility.

· Work Style: Ability to work independently, accept responsibility for assigned tasks, and display compassion and patience.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Individuals Served & Career Development

· Assessment & Goal Setting: Evaluate individuals’ skills, strengths, interests, and limitations to collaborate on realistic career goals.

· Skill Development: Provide technical and soft-skills training, including resume writing, interview preparation, workplace etiquette, and task-specific skills.

· Customized Employment Plans: Develop personalized plans outlining clear paths to secure and maintain employment.

· On-the-Job Support: Provide hands-on assistance at work sites, breaking tasks into manageable steps, guiding social interactions, problem-solving, and teaching job-specific skills.

· Workplace Integration & Advocacy: Act as a liaison between the employee, employer, and support teams. Educate employers about accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and promote inclusion.

· Daily Living & Habilitation: Assist with activities of daily living (e.g., self-care, hygiene, budgeting, meal preparation, and socialization) and support habilitative, behavioral, or recreational programs aligned with ISP objectives.

· Transportation & Attendance: Accompany and transport individuals to work, recreational activities, and various appointments as needed. Attend individuals' review meetings.

Site Operations & Compliance

· Documentation: Maintain accurate, confidential records of services provided; collect data to document progress, ensure ISP compliance, and protect human rights in accordance with applicable laws.

· Site Management: Share in daily site operations as designated by the Employment Manager and implement site-specific policies.

· Direct Care Coverage: Provide direct care coverage for all scheduled shifts, including remaining awake during designated overnight shifts if required.

· Reporting: Regularly report critical information regarding individual and site needs to the Employment Manager; coordinate on methods, service delivery, and crisis intervention.

Team & Agency Administration

· Team Collaboration: Participate as an active team member, offering feedback and support to peers, and participating in peer and self-evaluations.

· Professional Development: Attend all regularly scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions with the Employment Manager, and mandated staff development programs.

· Policy Adherence: Perform other necessary duties as requested and ensure all job tasks are carried out consistently with agency personnel policies and procedures.

Communication

· Stakeholder Outreach: Communicate with families of designated individuals when authorized by the Employment Manager.

· Service Coordination: Establish and maintain professional communication with day, social, and support services to effectively advocate for individuals.