Job Purpose
Collaborate with highly skilled professionals and highly experienced staff to develop, plan, implement, and assess programs for transition aged youth and adults with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Employment Specialist/Job Coach will utilize evidence-based practices for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (“ASD”) to plan and teach activities that enable participants to increase independent living, communication, and pre-vocational skills in preparation for paid employment. The tasks may take place at The Els Center of Excellence or in community-based settings.
Job Coach Responsibilities
Instruction
- Create spaces and procedures that will keep participants safe during all activities and address any safety concerns immediately with the supervisor/Program Director
- Create groupings and natural support systems to fit the needs of each participant (i.e., employee mentors, pairs, one-on-one)
- Utilize explicit and systematic instruction (i.e., preview, breaking down tasks, building on skills, review)
- Utilize strategies based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) within instructional and behavior management procedures
- Develop visual and communication supports for program participants and complete a referral for clinical services (BCBA, SLP, MHC) and support as needed
- Utilize a system of least prompts and fading strategies during skill acquisition, practice, and maintenance
Planning
- Assist in the development and implementation of career support inventory
- Conduct an environmental assessment of worksite and develop visual supports for participants prior to their first day of employment
- Collaborate with supervisor/Program Director to conduct applicant interviews, situational assessments, and orientation
- Perform document reviews for each client before the start of program
- Ensure all client documents are completed and uploaded to Central Reach prior to providing services
Collaboration
- Collaborate with host worksite staff and management to ensure program fidelity
- Provide sensitivity training to employer partners and staff to ensure they learn effective strategies in supporting employees with autism and related developmental disabilities prior to client start
- Work with employers and worksite staff to ensure they take responsibility for onboarding, supervision, provision of accommodations, and ongoing communication with client/employee
- Serve as a liaison between participants, their families, Els for Autism staff, and host worksite
- Ensure weekly communication with clients and their support networks during job exploration in order to ensure timely employment placement
- Collaborate with clinical services team (i.e., BCBA, SLP, MHC) when designing and planning supports
- Schedule meetings with employer, participant, and participant’s support network when participant is having a challenge on the job
- Communicate all progress updates for VR clients to ensure the participant, participant’s support network, and participant’s VR counselor are kept apprised of all relevant information
- Attend all staff meetings, as assigned
Job Placement
- Actively assist in acquiring paid employment leads in the community
- Ensure meetings and conversations with potential employers support the desires of clients, adhere to HIPAA standards, and display a high standard of integrity and conduct while serving as a representative and ambassador for the Els for Autism, its mission, and the vision of the Els family
- Actively assist in matching participants to available positions in the community, as driven by their employment goal stated in their Individualized Plan for Employment
- Assist participants in resume writing, completing job applications, interviews, orientation, and on-the-job support
Assessment
- Use Central Reach to document meeting notes and daily progress notes for clients every week in a timely manner
- Perform daily, weekly, and pre/post assessments, as instructed by supervisor/Program Director
- Assist supervisor/Program Director in disseminating surveys to clients, families, and employers pre- and post- program.
Additional Requirements and Work Environment
Professionalism:
- Dress code is comfortable business casual attire.
- Comply with Els for Autism Brand Standards
- Display a high standard of integrity and conduct while serving as a representative and ambassador for Els for Autism, its mission, and the vision of the Els family.
Work Environment:
- This job requires flexibility in schedule (with a need for working during evenings and weekends) and commuting between worksite locations in support of clients.
- Office work is completed on campus and may include shared office space.
- May be responsible for transporting clients as needed to community-based locations using a company van.
Qualifications
Required
- Associate’s Degree in Education, Rehabilitation, Applied Behavior Analysis or related field
- Minimum 2 years of experience teaching/coaching individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR certification
- Valid Florida Driver’s License and reliable transportation
Preferred
- Experience teaching adults with developmental disabilities
- Experience teaching job skills in community-based settings
- Experience securing paid employment opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities
- Experience implementing strategies based on Applied Behavior Analysis
Additional Requirements
- Flexible schedule for evenings and weekends required.
- Level 2 Background Clearance (Els for Autism, AHCA, and School District of PB County)
- Ability to pass the Employment Specialist Training and Supported Employment certification
- Complete Els for Autism required training programs
