The STARability Foundation Supports people with disabilities by providing life-transforming opportunities that emphasize Teamwork and connection to the community to build Awareness and Respect for individual abilities. STARability serves individuals with intellectual and developmental challenges in Southwest Florida, where we provide lifetime support and opportunities. STARability opens up a calendar of engaging activities with innovative and creative programs focusing on continuing education, teamwork, and community involvement.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Job Coach provides direct, individualized support to participants in securing and maintaining employment.This includes assistance at every stage of the employment process, such as pre-employment training, job search activities, interviewing, on-the-job training, and ongoing career development. The Job Coach works closely with employers to facilitate a smooth transition into the workplace by helping participants learn job tasks, establish routines, build natural supports, and promote independence. The Job Coach continues to serve as case leads for assigned participants through the follow-along stages of employment to promote long-term success by monitoring performance, supporting job retention and satisfaction, and identifying areas for continued professional development and career advancement. The Job Coach supports participants in programs focused on vocational training, interpersonal skills development, employment readiness, and career exploration.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
● Uphold STARability’s Core Values of Support, Teamwork, Awareness, and Respect.
● Serve as the primary case lead for assigned participants, coordinating services, monitoring progress, facilitating communication among stakeholders, addressing barriers to success, and ensuring timely completion of documentation and program requirements.
● Deliver personalized coaching to employed participants as they perform their work duties. This includes shadowing the employee to observe their tasks, identifying opportunities for assistance, and providing constructive feedback to enhance their skills and confidence in the workplace.
● Provide in-field support during pre-employment activities, which may involve preparing participants for interviews, facilitating participant-led job development initiatives, arranging job shadowing experiences, and supporting work-based learning activities to build practical skills.
● Maintain a daily written log documenting observations of participants' progress and performance. This logwill be submitted weekly to track development and provide a comprehensive overview of their work related achievements and areas for improvement. Keep up-to-date task lists and relevant records about each participant's employment, ensuring all information is accurate and accessible for ongoing assessments and evaluations.
● Communicate directly with members of the participant’s support teams, including STARability staff, family members, and workplace supervisors. This collaboration involves discussing goals, adjusting schedules as needed, conducting assessments, and sharing progress to ensure a unified approach to each participant’s development.
● Support the effective use of various tools, such as visual aids and assistive technology devices, in all activities to enhance participants’ learning and working experience.
● Conduct situational assessments, task and job analyses, performance reviews, and other vocational evaluations to determine participants’ skills and readiness for specific job roles.
● Serve as a liaison between the employer and the Career Services Manager and Director of Career Services. This role includes communicating performance or workplace concerns, facilitating discussions about remediation, and ensuring that participant needs are addressed promptly.
● Attend all required meetings, including weekly department meetings, staff development sessions, retreats, and key annual fundraising events. Engagement in these activities fosters team cohesion and professional growth.
● Generate periodic verbal and written reports for families and support team members that provide insights into participants’ performance in the workplace. These reports will highlight achievements, challenges, and continued support and development recommendations.
● Provide programmatic and small-group support that promotes work readiness, skill development, self determination, and successful employment outcomes.
● Provide transportation support for participants to and from employment, training, and community-based activities, ensuring safe, reliable, and timely transportation in accordance with organizational policies and participant needs.
● Additional duties as assigned, including attending and participating in STARability social events and fundraising gala.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
● Stand or sit for long periods periodically.
● May occasionally lift at least 50 pounds unassisted and perform emergency physical interaction techniques, including lifting, bending, kneeling, stooping, reaching, blocking, and grabbing with or without assistance.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
● The ideal candidate should have at least 2 years of experience providing education, social support, and direct assistance to individuals with intellectual disabilities. A background in special education, behavior therapy, or a related field is preferred, with formal education in these areas considered advantageous.
● Must obtain state-level clearance and complete Employment Specialist certification with the Florida Department of Education Vocational Rehabilitation within 30 days of hire.
● Demonstrates flexibility, patience, and the capability to manage diverse situations, including assisting participants by verbally prompting them with personal care tasks (e.g., changing clothing, using the restroom), addressing problem behavior such as inappropriate verbal statements, and handling instances of aggressiveness.
● Ability to effectively manage a community-based work schedule, including daily travel between multiple locations and support across varying shifts and participant assignments.
● Ability to perform cleaning tasks (moving heavy furniture and appliances on rollers, pushing, pulling, lifting, bending, kneeling, stooping, reaching, and overhead reaching).
● Ability to communicate with a wide variety of individuals within the community.
● Observe, ask questions, listen actively, and give and accept feedback effectively.
● Excellent time management, organizational skills, and ability to prioritize workload.
● Proficiency in Word, Excel, and database systems
●Valid state driver's license with motor vehicle proficiency and ability to comply with legal driving requirements.
● Competency in virtual platforms like Zoom and willingness to learn new technology for educational instruction.
● Employment offer contingent on background checks, abuse registry, and reference checks
Pay: From $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
