Job coaching refers to the training of an employee by an approved specialist using structured intervention techniques to help the employee learn both how to perform job tasks to the employer's specifications and the interpersonal skills necessary to be accepted as a worker at the job site. In addition to job-site training, job coaching includes related assessments, job development, counselling, advocacy, travel training and other services needed to maintain the employment.
Through job coaching, a qualified individual (job coach) works directly with an individual with disability in a training or placement site to help him/her learn the:
- specific requirements of the job
- work-related activities and requirements such as work hours and attendance rules
- appropriate work-related (including social) behaviours when dealing with supervisors and co-workers.
By placing a worker directly in a job with the hands-on assistance of a job coach, areas of vocational and personal strengths and weakness become apparent early in the process and are based on actual, not projected or simulated experience. The worker is able to receive immediate feedback, assistance, and follow-up from the support person and an employer is able to take on and observe the progress of the worker without the full commitment of personnel resources in the beginning of the process (Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped 2007).
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
- Job coaching services may assist individuals in leaning how to work especially if they have no previous work experience or have difficulty learning new tasks due to disability.
Coaching can assist people to acquire skills through one-on-one training. Coaching can be used where an employee needs to improve their performance on one specific task, or across a range of tasks or competencies (Australian Employers Network on Disability (no date specified)).
Relevant Links:
References:
Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped 2007, Vocational Rehabilitation Services Manual, New York State Office of Children and Family Services, New York, viewed 2 February 2008.
Australian Employers Network on Disability (no date specified), Fact Sheet - Training for People with Disability, Australian Employers Network on Disability, Sydney, viewed 2 February 2008.