Job Coach II

About the role

This position centers on building meaningful community participation for individuals we serve. You will own the end-to-end support of vocational goals from intake to sustained employment. The role requires you to act as a primary resource for both clients and partner employers navigating workplace expectations. You will design and deliver tailored training that bridges the gap between job skills and real-world application. Success in this position is measured by the long-term retention and independence of the people you support. You will champion the principles of normalization in every interaction you facilitate. This is a frontline position that directly shapes the quality of life for our community members.

Key facts

What you'll do

1. Provide job and skill training to HOPE clients in community work settings, acting as the primary instructor for vocational development.

2. Lead start-up initiatives and deliver support for new program locations to ensure seamless integration and service continuity.

3. Deliver individualized supports that remove barriers to employment, focusing on long-term retention and career progression.

4. Serve as the main liaison with employers, offering consultation and resolving employment-related issues to sustain successful placements.

5. Monitor assigned clients as a program advocate, ensuring compliance with accommodations and ADA requirements in all environments.

6. Act as the professional representative of the Agency when engaging with families, funding sources, and community partners.

1. Complete all mandated reports and maintain accurate, confidential case files for review and program evaluation.

8. Uphold strict adherence to agency safety protocols and confidentiality standards in every community interaction.

9. Develop and implement instructional plans that teach essential work habits and adaptive social skills on the job site.

10. Adjust schedules and assignments across various locations and work hours to meet evolving employer and client needs.

11. Conduct task analysis and time studies to support wage evaluations and compliance with Department of Labor regulations.

12. Report suspected abuse or neglect promptly, fulfilling your role as a mandated reporter without delay.

13. Perform additional duties as requested to ensure the efficient operation of the vocational program and service delivery.

Requirements

High School diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent plus two years of related experience working with people with disabilities in a rehabilitation environment. One of those two years of experience will be as a job coach.

Ability to understand and relate to individuals with disabilities, their families, the community and HOPE personnel.

Flexibility in scheduling of work hours, location and type of assignments within the greater service region.

Ability to observe, evaluate, document and communicate verbally and in writing.

Ability to accept supervision and work cooperatively as a team member with all Employment Services staff as well as with the client and employers.

Ability to teach good work habits and social skills to individuals with developmental disabilities.

Ability to utilize critical thinking skills in decision making situations, good organizational and record keeping skills, and good independent judgment.

Basic computer knowledge.

Knowledge and understanding of time study development.

Knowledge and commitment to the principles and concepts of normalization.

Ability to be flexible with scheduling and prioritization of tasks.

Practical notes

Hours may vary depending on client and program needs, including work outside standard business hours.

Extensive travel in the community is required to provide physical and vocational training supports.

Exposure to outdoor weather, dust, and pollens is expected during community-based activities.

Work environments may include retail, production, and manufacturing settings with various elements.

Travel between worksites in the Santa Cruz area is a regular part of the role.

This position requires the ability to work independently and manage multiple locations efficiently.

Documentation must be maintained accurately and submitted within agency timelines.

Compliance with all confidentiality and safety standards is mandatory in every client interaction.