Job Coach for Individuals with Disabilities - Manhattan

The Job Coach for Individuals with Disabilities at AHRC New York City is responsible for managing a caseload of clients, primarily working at job sites. This involves teaching and supporting new workers using various techniques, traveling between clients' homes and job sites, and documenting client progress through detailed service notes. In essence, you are there to ensure that individuals can successfully navigate their work environments as they gain independence.

To be a successful candidate for the Job Coach position at AHRC New York City, you should have at least one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities, a high school diploma or GED, and strong communication skills. If you possess Direct Support Professional (DSP) experience or an understanding of Person-Centered Planning, that's a major plus! Flexibility in your working hours is also essential as this role can include varying schedules.

Training for the Job Coach position at AHRC New York City includes paid orientation and ongoing support to ensure you are equipped to assist individuals with disabilities effectively. You'll learn about the specific techniques used for coaching and supporting clients as they transition to employment, along with comprehensive training on documentation and travel logistics.

The pay for the Job Coach position at AHRC New York City starts at $17 per hour and increases to $18 after six months, with a potential pay of $19 per hour for candidates holding a master’s degree. This competitive pay reflects the value placed on supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving meaningful employment.

As a Job Coach at AHRC New York City, you can expect a comprehensive benefits package that includes full medical insurance for individuals and families, paid time off, dental and vision insurance, and opportunities for tuition reimbursement. There are also retirement savings plans and additional perks, making it a supportive environment for professional growth.

Building rapport is crucial as a Job Coach. Start by actively listening to individuals' needs and concerns, showing genuine interest in their goals, and being patient. Utilize engaging and relatable communication styles to create a comfortable environment where they feel valued and empowered.

When discussing challenges, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Share a specific example where you identified a barrier to success for a client, what you did to assist them, and how they ultimately overcame that challenge to thrive in their job.

Effective monitoring requires systematic documentation. Discuss your approach to writing detailed service notes after sessions, noting measurable outcomes and client feedback, which are crucial for evaluating progress and adjusting support strategies accordingly.

Addressing conflicts involves remaining calm and professional, mediating the situation, and finding a resolution that respects everyone involved. Share experiences of how you've facilitated communication between parties or how you supported clients in expressing their concerns.

Person-centered planning is fundamental as it puts clients at the center of their own journey. Explain how you tailor your coaching approach to fit individual preferences, strengths, and aspirations, ensuring that each coaching session is meaningful and empowering.

Share your passion for advocacy and empowerment, highlighting your commitment to social inclusion. Emphasize the rewarding nature of witnessing individuals’ growth and independence, which serves as a constant motivation in your work as a Job Coach.

Teaching a job skill can be broken into simple, digestible steps. Demonstrate the task, model the behavior, and provide visual supports. Encourage hands-on practice while offering positive reinforcement, helping the individual internalize the skill through repetition.

Open lines of communication build trust. Discuss your strategies for regular updates through meetings, phone calls, and written reports, ensuring that both clients and families stay informed and engaged in the progress and challenges faced.

Flexibility is key in coaching. Explain how you assess individual learning styles and customize your coaching techniques accordingly, whether through visual aids, hands-on demonstrations, or verbal explanations, ensuring inclusive support for all clients.

Effective prioritization involves assessing immediate client needs, deadlines, and progress. Discuss your organizational skills for managing your time wisely and ensuring each client receives the attention and support they need within the shared workload.