Goodwill - Chicago, IL
posted 3 months ago
The Job Coach Deaf and Hard of Hearing is a vital role within Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metro Chicago, dedicated to providing essential retention services and on-the-job training for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DH/H) customers. This position focuses on supporting individuals who are either seeking employment or have already been placed in jobs, ensuring they have the necessary skills and support to thrive in their work environments. The job coach will facilitate new hire orientations, teach acceptable work habits, and impart life skills that are crucial for success in the workplace. This includes fostering teamwork, setting realistic work expectations, enhancing problem-solving abilities, and improving communication skills, all of which are essential for job-seeking and job retention. In this role, the job coach will provide professional employment skills training, customer service, and retail training tailored specifically for Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients. Training topics will encompass basic computer skills, interviewing techniques, and resume development. The job coach will also arrange one-week internships with employers, equipping clients with the tools they need to secure gainful employment. A key aspect of the position involves acting as a liaison between clients and various stakeholders, including employers, unions, and public and private employment agencies, to create job opportunities that align with both business needs and the aspirations of job seekers. The job coach will develop, implement, and monitor Individual Service Plans for each client, establishing appropriate goals and objectives. Regular follow-ups will be conducted to ensure attendance and assess progress, utilizing communication methods such as phone calls, personal interviews, and work site visits. Job coaching will also involve assisting customers in acclimating to their new work environments and addressing any potential job challenges they may face. Instruction on job retention will be provided as needed, focusing on areas such as attitude, job skills, appearance, punctuality, work ethic, conflict resolution, and time management. Additionally, the job coach will develop and conduct workshops and presentations tailored to the specific needs of employers and employed customers at various work sites. Maintaining accurate records and updates on customer progress is crucial, and the job coach will utilize the Case Worthy system for this purpose. Responsibilities also include timely processing of necessary documentation, such as Monthly Progress Reports and case notes, to ensure comprehensive tracking of placements and follow-ups. The role requires effective project and change management skills, as well as problem-solving abilities, with general supervision provided by a manager or senior coworker. The job coach will also serve as an ambassador for Goodwill in the community, participating in volunteer opportunities as time permits, and will be responsible for completing other assigned duties as necessary.