Supported Employment Job Coach (Kitchen)

The Job Coach supports employees with disabilities who are employed through the HCBS Waiver for Supported Employment within the Hand in Hand Licensed Care Program. These individuals work as Program Assistants, and the Job Coach helps them execute all duties outlined in the Program Assistant job description, including meal prep, cleaning, laundry, and classroom support, while ensuring all Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and childcare licensing regulations are upheld.

This role promotes independence, skill development, and long-term success in the workplace. The Job Coach follows Iowa Medicaid Waiver standards for Supported Employment and CARF best practices, providing individualized coaching, documentation, and support.

In the absence of the supported employee(s), the Job Coach will step in and directly perform the duties of the Program Assistant.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Supported Employment Coaching

• Provide individualized, person-centered job coaching aligned with Iowa HCBS Waiver requirements.
• Observe and guide supported employees in performing job duties listed in the Program Assistant job description.
• Break tasks into manageable steps using appropriate learning strategies.
• Offer prompts, reinforcement, and natural supports to build independence and skill acquisition.
• Document progress toward goals in accordance with HCBS and CARF standards.
• Participate in service planning and team meetings as needed.
• Foster a supportive work environment that emphasizes inclusion and dignity.

Program Assistant Duties (as needed or when providing coverage)

• Prepare and deliver meals/snacks per CACFP guidelines.
• Sanitize all surfaces and equipment in accordance with food safety standards.
• Complete kitchen cleanup, laundry tasks, and restocking of supplies.
• Perform daily cleaning of classrooms, bathrooms, and shared program spaces.
• Assist with administrative filing and organizational duties when needed.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure all work performed, by both the Job Coach and supported employees, meets CACFP standards and Iowa childcare licensing rules.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including coaching logs, CACFP paperwork, and meal service records.
• Follow Hand in Hand procedures for job coaching, outcome tracking, and continuous quality improvement.
• Work closely with Directors, case managers, and support teams to coordinate employment supports.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with Directors, case managers, and support teams to coordinate employment supports.
• Communicate effectively with supported employees, families, and coworkers to build rapport and resolve challenges.
• Help facilitate natural supports and integration into the broader workplace culture.

Customer Service and Program Representation

• Greet children, families, and visitors warmly, helping to foster a welcoming environment for all.
• Respond to inquiries from families, caregivers, and staff in a professional and respectful manner.
• Respond to inquiries from families, caregivers, and staff in a professional and respectful manner.
• Ensure individuals receiving job coaching are supported in delivering high-quality service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist with answering phones and doors, conducting wellness screenings, and redirecting questions as needed.

Training and Professional Development: All required training hours are paid at your regular hourly rate. Training costs are fully covered by Hand in Hand

• Must complete all required training, including but not limited to: CPR, First Aid, Mandatory Reporting, Universal Precautions, Safety Care, HIPAA Compliance, CACFP Food Safety (Modules 1–15), Iowa Early Learning Standards, and ISU Extension’s Passport to Early Education (within 9 months of hire
• Within 6 months of hire complete at least 9.5 hours of employment services training through DirectCourse or APSE-certified programs.
• Obtain nationally recognized certification in job coaching/training within 24 months of hire.
• Complete at least 4 hours of continuing education in employment services annually.

• Stay informed about best practices in supported employment, job coaching, inclusive work environments, and person-centered planning.
• Support and encourage professional development of supported employees by modeling positive workplace behavior, discussing progress, and celebrating growth.
• Attend team meetings and supervision sessions to reflect on coaching practices and contribute to quality improvement.

Other Duties

• Promote Hand in Hand’s mission and core values.
• Step into additional responsibilities or coverage as requested by the Director of Programs, LC.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The individual must be at least 18 years of age.

Education and/or Experience Required

• Required:

o High school diploma or equivalent, and six months relevant experience.

o Experience working with diverse populations and individuals with barriers to employment

o Strong relationship-building skills

o Strong understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment

• Preferred:

o Certifications in career coaching or job development

o Experience in food preparation, cleaning, and general administrative support

o Knowledge of the State of Iowa Childcare licensing rules and regulations

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents and policies as set by the Iowa Department of Human Services, CARF, CACFP, employers, and other required bodies. Ability to communicate effectively with participants, their caregivers, employers, and other employees of the organization.

Ability to read instructions and break down tasks into achievable tasks.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds during the routine care of children and adults.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

License

Individual must maintain a valid driver’s license and insurance and/or possess reliable transportation.

Technology/Equipment

Ability to effectively and efficiently make use of technology such as Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.

Competencies:

This person will possess a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment and demonstrate the following key competencies:

• Adaptability: Shifts roles easily between coaching and direct service support.
• Advocacy and Inclusion: Promotes equity and integration in the workplace.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to accurately follow meal preparation guidelines and ensure compliance with CACFP standards. Meticulous in maintaining cleanliness and organization in kitchen, laundry, and common areas. Precise in managing and filing administrative documents.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Works effectively with teachers, administrative staff, and other team members. Provides support in a manner that enhances the overall functioning of the program.
• Communication Skills: Clear and respectful communication with children, parents, and colleagues. Ability to document and report necessary information accurately.
• Communication: Clearly explains tasks and listens actively to feedback and concerns.
• Customer Service Orientation: Friendly and welcoming demeanor when interacting with employers, coworkers at employer site, parents/ guardians, case managers, and staff
• Dependable: Has access to reliable transportation, understands the importance of reporting to work on time and to every shift.
• Documentation and Compliance: Maintains accurate records aligned with CACFP, HCBS, and CARF requirements.
• Empathy and Compassion: Shows empathy and understanding in interactions with individuals being coached and families.
• Organizational Skills: Maintains an orderly and clean workspace. Efficient in organizing files and administrative records.
• Person-Centered Approach: Supports individuals based on their preferences, goals, and abilities.
• Physical Stamina: Capable of performing physically demanding tasks such as lifting, carrying, and standing for extended periods. Resilient in completing repetitive and routine tasks with consistency.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates a professional attitude in all interactions. Upholds confidentiality and integrity in all job-related activities.
• Technical Skills in Meal Preparation and Delivery: Proficient in preparing and delivering meals according to specific dietary and nutritional guidelines. Knowledgeable in food safety, proper handwashing, and sanitation procedures. Skilled in managing kitchen cleanup duties and ensuring timely meal delivery to classrooms.
• Time Management: Efficiently balances coaching responsibilities with administrative and backup duties.
• Training & Development Focus: Demonstrates a commitment to learning and improvement; proactively builds skills aligned with program needs and personal growth; models and fosters a learning mindset for those receiving coaching.
• Training and Development: Willingness to complete all required training programs. Open to ongoing professional development and learning opportunities.