Job Coaching
Job coaching can be a very helpful service when an employee with a disability is having difficulty completing part of his or her job. Coaches often enter worksites when there is a change in job tasks or functions and the employee has a history of difficulties learning new tasks. Coaches also enter worksites if the employee is struggling with a job task due to an acquisition or change in health condition.
Coaches usually begin the process by meeting with the employee and supervisor to develop a plan for the services. Then they accompany the employee on the job to learn the job and offer suggestions how to most effectively complete the essential functions of the job. In many cases, the job coach works in collaboration with the supervisor and employee to redesign the way the employee completes the job tasks. Job Coaches function in several different roles to help the employee and department. They can be a teacher, facilitator, mentor, observer, and evaluator.
Employee's Role
The employee using a job coach has the responsibility to be receptive and open to the help that the coach offers. He or she is expected to try the new approach and then evaluate its success rather than preemptively deciding that the approach will not work. The employee also needs to give honest feedback to the job coach so that modifications can be made if the current plan is not working.
Supervisor's Role
The supervisor has a responsibility to provide a friendly, supportive environment so the coach and employee can work together. It is also helpful if the supervisor provides feedback on the quality of the work to the job coach.
Faculty and Staff Disability Services Role
Faculty and Staff Disability Services will find the job coach based on the needs of the employee. If eligible, funds may be acquired from Vocational Rehabilitation or other human services agencies. If the employee is not eligible for these services or there is an immediate need, Faculty and Staff Disability Services will work with the department to provide funding for the job coach.
Faculty and Staff Disability Services recently launched a work support program for employees with a mental illness that includes job coaching so the employment specialist for the program may provide the coaching services.