Job Coach

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Time off policy

Health, wellness and financial support

Robust health benefits

Retirement matching

Transit and commuter benefits

Job summary

Goodwill Greater New York and Northern New Jersey is seeking an Entry-Level Job Coach I to provide direct vocational support to individuals with disabilities enrolled in TLJC and LTFA services. The role focuses on helping participants obtain, learn, maintain, and advance in competitive integrated employment while ensuring compliance with agency and funding requirements.

You will maintain a minimum level of direct participant engagement, complete required documentation, coordinate with employers

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work, Special Education, or related field; or Associate’s Degree with at least two years of experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Experience building and maintaining partnerships with employers, community organizations, and referral sources.
• Strong time management, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and electronic case management systems.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel throughout the service area.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a minimum of direct participant engagement and provide on-site and community-based job coaching, training and support services.
• Assist participants in learning job duties, workplace expectations and employment-related skills.
• Conduct employer visits and maintain professional relationships with employers.
• Ensure participants receive intensive services during the first 90 days of employment and document progress.
• Maintain accurate documentation in Foothold and other required systems.
• Upload DVRS correspondence and updates into Foothold and communicate with DVRS monthly.

Job description

Goodwill Greater New York and Northern New Jersey (GWNYNJ) believes that the power of work and sustainable fashion is how we unlock the good in our communities. For over 100 years, we have helped people get jobs, stay employed, and progress in careers across New York and Northern New Jersey. We believe that diversity drives innovation and strengthens our workplace. We are committed to fostering our inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, experiences, and abilities.

Job Description

Position Title: _Job Coach I (Entry-Level)

Location: _Newark NJ__

Benefit Classification: Routinely Scheduled

Position Type: FLSA - Non-Exempt

About This Role

Goodwill Greater New York and Northern New Jersey (GWNYNJ) believes that the power of work and sustainable fashion is how we unlock the good in our communities. For over 100 years, we have helped people get jobs, stay employed, and progress in careers across New York and Northern New Jersey. We believe that diversity drives innovation and strengthens our workplace. We are committed to fostering our inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, experiences, and abilities.

The Job Coach I, provides direct vocational support services to individuals with disabilities participating in Time-Limited Job Coaching (TLJC) and Long-Term Follow-Along (LTFA) services. The Job Coach I, assists participants in obtaining, learning, maintaining, and advancing in competitive integrated employment while ensuring compliance with agency, funding source, and regulatory requirements.

The Job Coach I, is responsible for maintaining a minimum level of direct participant engagement, completing required documentation within established timeframes, coordinating with employers and funding agencies, and ensuring participants receive appropriate support services to achieve successful employment outcomes.

Awesome Things You’ll Do

• Maintain a minimum of 25 - 30 hours of direct participant engagement weekly.
• Provide on-site and community-based job coaching, training, and support services.
• Assist participants in learning job duties, workplace expectations, and employment-related skills.
• Conduct employer visits and maintain professional relationships with employers.
• Support participants in achieving maximum independence and successful job retention.
• Facilitate natural supports and fading strategies when appropriate.
• Ensure all Time-Limited Job Coaching (TLJC) participants receive intensive services during the first 90 days of employment.
• Provide and document a minimum of 10 hours of Intensive Job Coaching per month for each active voucher during the intensive service phase
• Monitor participant progress and communicate concerns to supervisors and funding agencies.
• Participate in service team meetings and employment planning discussions.
• Complete Individual Service Plans within: 2 weeks of participant intake, Semi-Annual reviews, and Annual reviews
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in Foothold and other required systems.
• Complete daily progress notes and monthly summaries within required timeframes.
• Ensure participant records remain current, accurate, and audit-ready.
• Upload all required supporting documentation into participant records.
• Maintain monthly communication with DVRS counselors regarding participant progress.
• Send a minimum of one monthly update email to DVRS for each active participant.
• Upload DVRS correspondence and updates into Foothold.
• Ensure compliance with all DVRS, DDD, SEMP, TLJC, and LTFA program requirements.
• Participate in case conferences and meetings with DVRS counselors, employers, families, and support teams as needed.
• Obtain and upload participant paystubs monthly for all job coaching and supported employment participants.
• Verify wages, hours worked, and employment status.
• Maintain employment verification records in Foothold.
• Follow up promptly on missing documentation.
• Monitor participant progress toward employment goals.
• Identify barriers to employment retention and develop intervention strategies.
• Maintain compliance with agency productivity standards.
• Ensure all case files remain audit-ready and meet funding source requirements
• Participate in supervision, staff meetings, and required trainings
• Participate in community events, networking opportunities, staff meetings, trainings, and other activities that support program growth and mission impact.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of participants, staff, and the organization.

Activities are subject to change / be added to meet business needs with management approval.

Our Must Haves

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work, Special Education, or a related field required; or Associate's Degree in a related field with a minimum of two (2) years of experience working with individuals with disabilities, vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, supported employment, or human services.
• Experience building and maintaining partnerships with employers, community organizations, and referral sources.
• Strong time management skills, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and electronic case management systems
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel throughout the service area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish or other community language) strongly preferred.
• American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, mental health conditions, or other barriers to employment.
• Knowledge of Supported Employment (SEMP), DVRS, DDD, and Long-Term Follow-Along (LTFA) services preferred.
• Ability to work independently in community-based settings and travel throughout the service area.

Special Working Conditions

• Position is community-based & site based which requires frequent travel throughout Northern New Jersey.
• Work schedules may include evenings, periodic weekends, community events, and coverage assignments as needed.
• Worksites and community environments may vary based on participant and employer needs.
• Must be able to stand, walk, travel between sites, and lift up to 30 lbs occasionally

What We Offer

• Generous Time off policy to use when you need it
• Health, wellness and financial resources to help you achieve our personal goals
• Robust health benefits including medical, dental, vision, parental leaves and company sponsored life insurance
• Retirement matching programs and contributions
• Transit and commuter benefits

We believe in creating space for everyone to do their best work and have individual and collective impact. We believe in challenging the status quo and setting ambitious goals in the name of doing more good. We believe that being your best self and helping others do the same is how we bring our mission alive. Even if you don’t think you meet all the qualifications listed for the job, we would love to hear from you!

If you require a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, or if you are unable to apply through our recruitment portal, please contact us at [e-mail]. We are happy to assist and ensure you have an equal opportunity to apply.