What is a Job Coach?
"A Job Coach can help somebody with a disability into employment through a range of supports such as vocational profiling, by actually finding the job, by mentoring and eventually helping them sustain the employment."
Colette Corless | Employability Mayo
Are you a jobseeker with a disability? Your Local Supported Employment Service can offer the free support of a Qualified Job Coach - Find your local Supported Employment service now!
What support can a Job Coach offer me?
A job coach (sometimes called an Employment Facilitator) supports people with disabilities in their workplaces, and gives advice to employers and co-workers on the integration of people with disabilities.
A Job Coach 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:
- Train you on the skills needed for the job.
- Help you work with supervisors and co-workers.
- 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.
The job search for people with disabilities need not be difficult. Certain employers indicate their willingness to employ disabled people. You just need to know how to identify them. Your job coach will be familiar with the job market in your area and will be in a position to support you in your efforts to find that job.
Organize your schedule and set aside some time everyday to pursue opportunities. Do not be disappointed if you do not bag the first job for which you apply. The more your cv circulates in the market, the greater your chances of finding the right job.
Answer advertisements: Job search engines, newspapers and magazines all have prospective employers advertising open positions and seeking applications. Your job coach will assist you in applying for jobs if required
Your job coach will support you in looking at the job profile and responsibilities carefully to determine if it is correct for you.
- Make changes in your cv to draw attention to the match between your skills and the employer's requirements.
- Make the effort to find out the name and position of the person who will read your application.
- If the classified ad asks for specific information, be sure to provide it.
- Follow the employer's directions about the preferred application method.
Send a brief, personalized cover letter with each application. - Network: Every year, a number of job openings are filled even before they can be advertised. Your friends, relatives and neighbours may have inside information about a vacancy for the right job.
- Make a list of the people in your circle who could be of help in finding the right job.
- Get acquainted with people who work in your target career field.
Make it known that you are job hunting and discuss your needs and skills with the people on your list. - Hand out your CV to anyone who seems interested in helping.
- Find out the name and position of the Human Resources person at your target company. Then send your cv and cover letter to them.
- Play up your abilities and skills. Make it clear to the employer why you think they should hire you.
- Persevere. Don't give up too easily. If you cannot get one job, maybe you will bag the next.
Are you a jobseeker with a disability? Your Local Supported Employment Service can offer the free support of a Qualified Job Coach - Find your local Supported Employment service now!