What Is A Job Coach?
A Job Coach helps people obtain, as well as, maintain employment. In the pre-employment phase this is done through skill building, helping to establish their employment interests/goals, job searches and applications, interview preparation and support through the interview process. Once a job is a job is secured, a job coach helps people maintain employment by augmenting training provided by the employer, scheduling “check ins” with the employee and employer to discuss progress (successes as well as areas needing in improvement), and helping to foster natural supports for the employee at their place of work. A job coach can also help to facilitate an exit strategy for the employee if they want to move on, or if the employment setting isn’t the right fit.
A job coach needs to be versatile, creative and adaptable, as every job seeker is unique.
7 Key Roles of a Job Coach:
1. Ambassador
A job coach is critical to the success of the employee. They help the job seeker get off on the right foot.
2. Advocate
In essence, a job coach supports the job seeker/employee AND the employer, creating a win-win for all involved
3. Training Assistant
A job coach understands teaching/learning styles and methods to best support the employee (ie Task Analysis/Task Lists) and the employer. The job coach knows the acceptable level of performance required by the employer to get the employee up to speed with the goal of having them meet and possibly exceed expectations. It is NOT the role of the Job Coach to do the job.
4. Relationship Builder
A job coach helps a new employee understand workplace culture as well as foster natural relationships and supports within their workplace.
5. Opportunity Seeker
Once an employee is comfortable in their role, a job coach can help them identify additional jobs and tasks they may wish to seek out.
6. Employer Assistant
A job coach can help the employer with identification, and set up, of any accommodation that may be required for the employee (ie specialized equipment or tools, workstation adjustments, task lists). The coach can also provide in service sessions for co-workers/management on how problem solve/trouble shoot to best set up the employee for success.
7. Off The Job Support
A job coach can help the job seeker/employee learn how to get to and from their place of work (ie: walking/bus routes). They can also assist in managing personal and family dynamics/expectations with regards to the person’s employment goals (what the family wants vs what the job seeker wants, as there is sometimes a disconnect with this).
You can also visit KW Career Compass to learn more or book one on one time with one of our Job Coaches.
