As a Job Coach at Vinfen, you may work with people who have psychiatric conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, or behavioral health challenges to support their career goals. Job Coaches make a big difference in the lives of the people we support. You are a cheerleader, helping people strengthen their confidence. You are a teacher, helping job seekers gain skills that will help them succeed on the job. You are a mentor, helping people take pride in their work and achieve greater independence within their community. Your support and guidance will help individuals achieve goals, overcome barriers, and become more independent. In your role you will work together with the people we serve, their families, friends, employers, and other support staff to transform their lives.

Job Coaches' work days are diverse and on-the-go. You may coach people individually or in group settings. You may monitor individuals work progress and the effectiveness of various employment and vocational programs. Your work may involve traveling to various work sites in the community to provide hands-on support to both employers and people we serve at their jobs. You may act as a role model who demonstrates appropriate social interactions with employers and the public. You may track daily progress and achievement of individuals' employment goals. Lastly, you may be responsible for managing the daily operations at a program, facility, or community employment setting.

The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed
below:

• Responsible for the operations of all aspects of employment training, contract work, program maintenance, and community employment.
• Participates in the development of ISP/PSTPs and vocations profiles for persons served. Manages a case load of persons served. Responsible for progress of people served.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of clinical, educational and vocational/employment programs. Provide recommendation or implement changes to ensure continuous improvement of programs.
• Responsible for specific data collection, bi-monthly analysis of data. Assess the data collected and propose changes to rehab interventions and teaching strategies as needed.
• Meet with interdisciplinary team monthly to review consumer treatment and educational and vocational/ employment goals.
• Work directly with persons served individually and in groups. Work to develop skills for persons served.
• Supervise the activities of the Job Coach Is. Assist with the training of new staff, relief staff and interns.
• Provide training and development activities as needed.
• Responsible for the completion of monthly persons served progress notes, semi-annual and/or annual assessments.
• Maintain physical upkeep of the program area. Monitor supplies and equipment needed. Ensure equipment is used, cleaned and stored appropriately.
• Act as advocate for persons served in all areas.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of empowerment and self advocacy techniques 
• Knowledge of applied behavioral analysis with special needs population
• Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques
• Knowledge and use of different communication styles
• Knowledge of formal and informal assessment practices
• Knowledge of required physical personal management skills
• Knowledge of required independent living management skills
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques
• Knowledge of available community resources, job and training opportunities
• Knowledge of documentation requirements
• Persuasive, collaborative, and participative skills
• Presentation skills
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to provide a positive role mode

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers.

My Job. My Community. My Vinfen.

Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Typical Requirements:
One to two years experience in a related function.

Preferred /Required Education:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Driving Requirements:
Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. 

Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least one year, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.

Physical Effort:
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. 
Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. 
Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. 
Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways. Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 
For positions in day programs or group residences, the ability to assist in routine living activities including cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping.

Required Certifications:
CPR is required within two weeks of hire
First Aid is required within two weeks of hire
Safety Care is required within 90 days of hire
MAP is required within 150 days of hire
NET is required