What are the responsibilities and job description for the Job Coach/Skills Trainer position at Sparc?
Position Summary:
The Sparc Job Coach/Skills Trainer is vital in supporting individuals with disabilities as they develop the skills needed for successful employment and community integration. This position provides on-the-job training, coaching, and mentoring to individuals in various workplace settings, ensuring they can perform their job duties effectively and independently. The Job Coach/Skills Trainer delivers structured training and ongoing support by ensuring that each individual has the tools and confidence to thrive in the workforce and actively participate in their community.
Universal Competencies:
Universal competencies are competency requirements that apply to all Sparc positions (Exempt & Non-Exempt, Part-time, Full-time, PRN, Supervisory and Non-Supervisory). Universal Competencies support our mission and are consistent with Sparc’s core values; they are:
Collaboration/Positive Impact: Ability to work with a variety of individuals and teams in a constructive and civil manner, utilizing existing resources, training, and learning to achieve or exceed desired outcomes while integrating Sparc’s core values to
“TEACH, COACH, and MENTOR.”
Proficiency Levels & Typical Behaviors: Basic
- Grasps the inevitability and challenges of change and adapts accordingly, utilizing learning opportunities to prepare for changing work, methods, and work environment.
- Demonstrates civil and respectful behaviors valued within Sparc.
- Provides and accepts ideas and suggestions in a constructive and helpful manner.
- Exhibits good teamwork. Is approachable, cooperative, and contributes to an overall positive and productive work/team environment.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and respectful manner while appreciating the unique contribution of an inclusive workforce that brings together the talents of people across multiple identities.
Proficiency Levels & Typical Behaviors: Basic
- Articulates Sparc’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as it relates to each staff member’s role.
- Demonstrates civil and respectful behaviors in support of Sparc’s guiding principles, values, and policies that prohibit “differences in treatment of persons because of race, creed, color, religion, national origins, age, sex, pregnancy, disability, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other associational preferences.”
- Demonstrates a willingness to examine one’s own biases, assumptions, and attitudes.
- Knows where to find diversity-related organizational policies, procedures, and resources.
Service Excellence/Customer Focus: Ability to meet or exceed service needs and expectations of persons served and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner. Ability to effectively transmit and interpret information through appropriate communication with internal and external constituents, stakeholders, and the community.
Proficiency Levels & Typical Behaviors: Basic
- Consistently provides exceptional person-centered service.
- Manages expectations of the person served and takes responsibility for enhancing service excellence.
- Communicates understandably; uses appropriate words, grammar, and mannerisms in all mediums.
- Seeks feedback on communication style and effectiveness.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide hands-on support and customized job training to supportive employment individuals as determined by the service plan, including setting employment goals and learning job skills on the employment site. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Provide individualized support for Project Search Interns and teach essential workplace skills, including task completion, time management, communication, and problem-solving at the host business with the goal of acquiring competitive and marketable skills. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Work directly with students, business co-workers, families, and district personnel to facilitate training, successful worksite rotations, and the integration of students with disabilities into the host worksite and/or competitive work environments. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Identify and implement training strategies and/or services with the Project Search instructor and host business staff to assist individuals in adapting to workplace expectations, routines, and social interactions. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Directly provide coaching, teaching, and mentoring for persons supported in developing personal independence, including actively teaching and promoting individual rights and self-advocacy. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Assist individuals supported while promoting community integration and acquiring/maintaining respectful relationships with other staff and management in community employment settings. Facilitate inclusion in community activities using natural supports and promote engagement in social interactions. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Assist in the monitoring of the performance of individuals supported in community work sites and teaching, coaching, and mentoring them on potential improvements to their work ethic and tasks. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Collaborate with employers, families, and support teams to develop individualized strategies for long-term job success. These strategies will include workplace problem-solving and supporting students and clients to address concerns that they might have with an employer or that an employer might have with the student/client. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Assist individuals with accessing and using public and generic transportation and provide transportation as assigned. Assist individuals into and out of vehicles as needed, e.g. may require lifting an individual in or out of a vehicle. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Teach and coach individuals supported on personal care and dressing based on the needs of the individuals for their employment assignment. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Responsible for communicating with the Project Search instructor regarding issues affecting an intern's success at an internship or employment site. These decisions may be related to continued skills training, fading, behavior, job tasks, etc. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Serve as liaison with other Sparc programs, external agencies, employers, co-workers, individuals, and programs and demonstrate, support, and maintain a professional demeanor and collaborative team environment. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Maintains an environment that promotes the health, safety, and well-being of persons supported within the work environment. This may include the provision of first aid and emergency health treatment whenever required. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Performs day-to-day duties in a manner that reflects Sparc’s mission and core values by being actively involved in the program and the people that Sparc programs support. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Must demonstrate exemplary performance, including but not limited to professionalism, dependability, demeanor, attendance, communication, and maintaining confidential information. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Performs other agency-related duties as assigned or required reasonably within the scope of the above-mentioned duties. “Related duties as assigned” are duties that may not be listed explicitly in the class specification or position description but are duties within the general, occupational series, and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s class of work. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
Skills Needed:
- Must be detail-oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills, with a proven ability to consistently meet competing deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
- Must demonstrate problem-solving techniques and the ability to oversee/monitor the program area and duties effectively.
- Strong interpersonal and communications skills with a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and establish rapport with diverse staff and individuals, including the individuals supported, staff, families, guardians, and members of the Sparc community.
- Must demonstrate the ability to routinely work with confidential information while maintaining compliance with HIPPA and other relevant regulations, rules, standards, and expectations.
- Must have basic knowledge and experience utilizing computers, electronic timekeeping systems, and various software programs, including Microsoft Word and Outlook.
- Must possess recordkeeping skills necessary to effectively document and communicate day-to-day occurrences/activities with persons supported to the appropriate staff and/or supervisor.
Education/Experience Requirements:
- High school diploma or G.E.D. is required.
- A minimum of one (1) year of work experience in a customer service role and/or healthcare setting is required.
- A minimum of one (1) year of work experience in an independent/autonomous role with minimal supervision is required, including the ability to work independently and exercise judgment that coincides with Sparc’s mission, vision, core values, and philosophies.
- Previous experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, elderly populations, or in a healthcare setting is preferred.
Other Requirements:
- A minimum age of 18 years old.
- Must have a current, valid Illinois Driver’s License.
- Must have current, valid proof of automobile insurance.
- Must have reliable transportation to transport persons supported.
- Must possess the physical ability to assist residents with mobility as needed, including the ability to perform physical activities related to providing direct support for individuals served.
- Attend and satisfactorily complete all training requirements and mandatory staff meetings.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule.
- Experience working in a physically demanding position, including the ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs. frequently, the ability to bend, stoop, twist, turn, squat, climb stairs, walk, and stand stationary. Must possess the ability to physically manage any special needs of individuals supported by Sparc, including the ability to lift and transfer supported persons as needed and the ability to assist program staff in emergencies.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, prescription, group-paid life, dental, and vision insurance for full-time and part-time staff.
- Pay rate increases for every 5 years of Sparc service
- Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days annually based on years of service.
- Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date.
- Twelve to Fourteen (12 to 14) paid holidays with the ability to earn additional leave time for holidays worked.
- Employees earn eight to twelve (8-12) paid sick days annually based on years of service.
- Retirement savings plan options.
- Pre-tax Healthcare Flexible Spending Account option.
- Pre-tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account option.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Supportive, mission-driven work environment.
Working Conditions:
- Work locations include the Sparc Work Center, The Baxter Center, community employment sites, and Memorial Health. Some locations may expose the employee to mild to moderately high noise levels.
- Safety and security procedures for each work site must be followed.
- Staff in this role may be exposed to various illnesses and diseases as well as hazardous and toxic chemicals, with some exposure to physically threatening clients, bodily fluids, bloodborne and airborne diseases, viruses, communicable diseases, etc.
