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Job Coaches

In the work world, a Job Coach (sometimes called an Employment Specialist) can provide you with the support you need to perform at your best. How could a Job Coach help you? There are lots of ways. A job coach could:

Help your employer train you on the skills needed for the job.
Help you work with supervisors and co-workers.
Help you learn how to use transportation to get to work.
Help you know what's expected of you on the job.
Help you if the work becomes too difficult, or other problems arise that might affect your work.
Help by working with your employer to teach him (or her) how to provide you with any support you may need.

A Job Coach will usually meet with you at work, but may also meet with you off the job (whichever is more appropriate and comfortable for you). You may need a Job Coach for a limited period of time, or you may need ongoing support. For more information on job coaching or other on-the-job support, go to:

http://www.brs.state.ct.us/Docs
/ConsumerHandbookWord.DOC

If you'd like more information about finding a personal assistant, deciding how much and what kind of assistance you may need, paying for a personal assistant, and more, go to the "Personal Assistance" section of this site.

For Parents

A job coach (or employment specialist) is a person who provides the support someone with a disability needs to keep a job in the community. Job coaching may only be needed for a limited period of time or support may be needed from a job coach on an ongoing basis. Here's how you can help determine whether a job coach may be appropriate for your son or daughter:

As you work with your son or daughter's IEP Team to develop work opportunities and career exploration opportunities, be sure to ask if job coaching is appropriate and how your school can provide it.
When your son or daughter starts volunteering (or working after school, or in the summer), look for natural supports (someone already working at the site, or willing to provide some of the activities listed for a job coach).
If your son or daughter has trouble keeping a job or being successful on-the-job, consider whether a job coach might be helpful, and talk with your son or daughter about exploring this option.
For more information on job coaching, or other supports that can help on the job, check out the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services Consumer Handbook, page 30: http://www.brs.state.ct.us/Docs/
ConsumerHandbookWord.DOC

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