About Ability Specialists
At Ability Specialists, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to build a meaningful and independent life.
For more than 26 years, we've supported adults with developmental disabilities through community-based job training, volunteer experiences, and life skills programming. Rather than teaching in a classroom, we believe the best learning happens in real workplaces, community settings, and everyday experiences.
When you join our team, you'll help participants develop vocational, social, and independent living skills while working alongside them at local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community volunteer sites throughout the Denver metro area.
We're looking for people who are empathetic, adaptable, energetic, and genuinely enjoy helping others grow. Whether you're neurotypical or neurodivergent, if you value inclusion, teamwork, and continuous learning, we'd love to meet you.
At Ability Specialists, we believe our staff are our greatest asset. We encourage collaboration, value new ideas, invest in professional development, and create opportunities for career growth.
Learn more at: www.abilityspecialists.com
Position Summary
As a Job Coach, you will lead and support small groups of adults with developmental disabilities in community-based settings throughout the day. You'll provide individualized coaching while participants build employment skills, volunteer in the community, develop social connections, and increase their independence.
No two days look exactly the same. One morning you may be supporting participants at a food bank, and that afternoon you could be volunteering at an animal shelter or exploring a local museum. This is an active, hands-on position that combines teaching, mentoring, and community engagement.
Groups typically consist of 6–10 participants with support from another team member.
What You'll Do
Direct Support & Skill Building
- Coach participants at community job and volunteer sites while modeling appropriate workplace behaviors and job skills.
- Teach and reinforce vocational, communication, social, and independent living skills using individualized support plans.
- Provide prompts, encouragement, coaching, and systematic fading strategies to promote independence.
- Support participants with problem-solving, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and navigating real-world situations.
- Encourage self-advocacy, confidence, and meaningful participation within the community.
Community Integration
- Lead small groups to community job sites, volunteer opportunities, recreational activities, and local outings.
- Facilitate 1–2 evening social groups each week (ending approximately 7:45 PM), including activities such as bowling, swimming, mini golf, museums, cooking classes, and other community events.
- Build positive relationships with employers, volunteer supervisors, community partners, and members of the public.
- Represent Ability Specialists with professionalism while promoting inclusion and community belonging.
Safety, Documentation & Teamwork
- Ensure participant safety and well-being throughout all activities.
- Follow behavior support strategies, safety procedures, and organizational policies.
- Complete documentation including daily case notes, progress notes, incident reports, and other required records.
- Communicate participant progress, concerns, and successes with supervisors and teammates.
- Participate in team meetings, supervision, required trainings, and ongoing professional development.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director.
Physical Requirements
- Stand and walk for approximately 5–6 hours per day
- Lift and carry up to 35 pounds
- Safely drive a 15-passenger van
- Assist participants with loading, unloading, and community mobility
Schedule & Compensation
- Full-time, 40 hours per week
- Consistent hourly pay
Benefits
- $500 annual Professional Development Allowance for certifications, trainings, conferences, and continuing education
- $500 annual Personal Development Allowance for therapy, wellness, fitness, seminars, or personal growth opportunities
- Flexible Paid Time Off
- 48 hours of paid sick leave annually
- Six paid holidays
- Simple IRA with a 3% employer match
- 100% employer-paid dental insurance
- 100% employer-paid vision insurance
- 50% employer-paid health insurance
- Paid onboarding and ongoing training
- Opportunities for advancement within a growing organization
Qualifications
Required
- Valid driver's license with a satisfactory motor vehicle record
- Ability to pass a national criminal background check
- Proof of auto insurance
- Comfortable using technology, including an Apple iPad Mini
- Ability to pass a national background check and Colorado CAPS check
- Comfortable working in community-based settings and supporting adults with varying support needs
Preferred
- Degree or coursework in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, Recreation Therapy, or a related field
- Experience supporting adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities
- Experience with community employment, vocational services, or person-centered supports
- Minimum one year of experience in human services, education, caregiving, behavioral support, recreation, vocational services, or a related field
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
