Job Coach - Project Search

About the role

This role represents a foundational position within the Project SEARCH program, where you will serve as a primary support facilitator for adult interns navigating their transition to competitive employment. You will act as a consistent presence at worksites, ensuring that each intern receives tailored guidance and professional development aligned with their personal objectives. Your daily interactions will focus on removing personal and social barriers that might otherwise inhibit success in community settings and fostering independence. You will collaborate closely with school districts, host employers, and families to create a unified support system for every intern. This position requires a high level of professionalism and dedication to Hope Services' mission of promoting equity and opportunity. Ultimately, you will help transform internship experiences into sustainable career pathways by providing structured feedback and ongoing advocacy.

Key facts

What you'll do

Coordinate the implementation of individualized program plans for each intern within the Project SEARCH framework.

Facilitate job-site training and provide direct job coaching to support skill acquisition and workplace integration.

Conduct sophisticated task and job analyses to align intern capabilities with specific host employer requirements.

Build and maintain natural support networks with host employer staff to reinforce learning and promote long-term success.

Deliver frequent and specific feedback to interns while communicating regularly with their key support persons and instructors.

Schedule and facilitate monthly staffing meetings to review progress, solve problems, and adjust intervention strategies as needed.

Provide individualized support for interview preparation, resume development, and job search strategies at the conclusion of the internship.

Perform travel training assessments and deliver guidance to interns as required for community mobility.

Act as the official Hope Services representative to host employers, particularly when extending employment offers to interns.

Maintain accurate and confidential client files while assisting with case reviews and monthly reporting obligations.

Identify and report potential safety concerns, acting as a mandated abuse reporter in accordance with organizational policy.

Adapt instructional strategies and assistive technology recommendations based on evolving intern needs and team input.

Support the creation of data-driven job matching protocols to optimize placement outcomes for future interns.

Promote person-centered planning practices to ensure that each intern's preferences and strengths guide their employment journey.

Uphold program standards by ensuring all activities remain consistent with Hope Services' mission and values.

Requirements

Possess a High school diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent, combined with one year of related experience or an approved combination of work history and education.

Maintain a clear driving record and hold a valid Driver's License suitable for local travel requirements.

Demonstrate professional level English skills, both verbal and written, to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Show proven ability to communicate with and provide training to persons with developmental disabilities in varied settings.

Have knowledge of travel training methodologies and practical experience supporting community mobility.

Understand key advocacy principles, including ADA and DOL regulations, as they apply to employment for disabled individuals.

Perform job analysis tasks in coordination with school district personnel according to Program Specialist standards.

Implement person-centered planning and individual training plans that reflect best practices in vocational rehabilitation.

Collaborate effectively with a wide range of people, including Department Managers at host employers, teachers, families, and clients.

Apply strong problem-solving skills to address barriers that may arise during internship cycles.

Exercise strong interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with interns and partner organizations.

Adhere to all Hope Services policies regarding confidentiality, ethical conduct, and mandated reporting.

Demonstrate flexibility in scheduling and responsiveness to the needs of the Project SEARCH team.

Practical notes

This position operates within the full-time engagement framework established by Hope Services, requiring consistent on-site presence at assigned works locations in Palo Alto. Travel between sites may be necessary depending on client needs and employer partnerships. The standard work schedule aligns with host employer operating hours, which may include daytime shifts and occasional variations to support intern activities. Candidates must be willing to comply with visa sponsorship considerations if international candidates are selected, subject to eligibility and organizational requirements. This role does not include a specified compensation range in the source documentation, although the organization provides a separate pay scale aligned with experience and qualifications. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled, and candidates are encouraged to submit complete documentation early to support timely consideration.