Per Diem Employment Specialist / Job Coach

Wildwood Programs; Latham (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Wildwood Programs in Latham, NY is seeking a Per Diem Employment Specialist/Job Coach to support individuals in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment. The role emphasizes 1-on-1 coaching in community settings and adherence to OPWDD Extended Supported Employment services.

You will deliver targeted instruction, model professional behavior, and collaborate with families and employers to advance clients' goals while maintaining accurate documentation and timely notes.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Education, Human Services, or related field required; Bachelor’s preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of related experience; equivalent education/experience will be considered.
• Prior experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deliver 1-on-1, community-based job coaching and workplace support per the supported work plan.
• Provide targeted instruction in key vocational areas including workplace expectations and organization.
• Model professional behavior and effective communication in diverse work environments.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed to support job retention.
• Participate in interdisciplinary planning meetings to report progress and adjust support.
• Maintain open communication with job seekers, families, employers, and staff.
• Build relationships with community partners and meet billable hour thresholds.
• Complete detailed documentation in compliance with agency and state guidelines.
• Prepare daily service notes and monthly narrative summaries.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Associate degree in Education, Human Services, or related field

Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred

Job description

Job Location: Latham, NY 12110

Position Type: Per Diem

Salary Range: $20.25 - $20.25 Hourly

Pay rate: $20.50 per hour

Job Shift: Day

Per Diem Employment Specialist/Job Coach

Who we are:

Wildwood Programs is a proud provider of educational, residential, employment, and other community-based supports to people with disabilities and their families. We hire those dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives.

About this job:

The Per Diem Employment Specialist promotes vocational independence and community integration for individuals with learning disabilities, neurological impairments, and developmental disabilities. Delivering Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Extended Supported Employment services, this role provides person-centered coaching to assist individuals in obtaining, maintaining, and advancing in competitive, integrated work environments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Deliver 1-on-1, community-based job coaching and workplace support aligned with each individual's supported work plan.
• Provide targeted instruction in key vocational areas, including workplace expectations, career progression, personal hygiene, technology use, social interactions, organization, and stress management.
• Model professional behavior, communication, and appropriate social skills in diverse work environments.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed to resolve personal or workplace challenges that may impact job retention.
• Participate in interdisciplinary planning meetings to report progress, evaluate growth, and align support strategies.
• Maintain open, effective communication with job seekers, families, employers, agency staff, and community stakeholders..
• Build and manage relationships with community partners independently while meeting established thresholds for billable hours.
• Complete detailed, accurate, and timely electronic documentation in compliance with Wildwood, OPWDD, and state/federal regulatory guidelines.
• Prepare mandatory documentation, including daily service notes and monthly narrative summaries.

Qualifications

Education:

Associate degree in Education, Human Services, or a related field from an accredited institution required; Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.

Experience:

Minimum of 2 years of related experience. An equivalent combination of education and direct experience will also be considered.

Preferred Experience:

Prior experience working with individuals with disabilities.

Core Competencies:

Ability to successfully perform all essential job functions with strong interpersonal, communication, and problem‑solving skills.