Special Needs Job Coach

Lifesteps, Inc.; Zelienople (Butler County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Lifesteps Employment Services division seeks a Part‑Time Employment Specialist to assist young adults with special needs in finding employment and supporting them on site. The role provides instruction and guidance at the work location and monitors progress for a good fit with the employer.

Responsibilities include resume development, job applications, interviews, and on‑site coaching. This part‑time role may require occasional evenings or weekends to meet caseload needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma/G.E.D. required.
• Strong verbal and written communication to a diverse audience.
• Proficient with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and vehicle to travel between locations.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals through the employment process, including resume creation and interview preparation.
• Teach independent job skills using task analysis and supports.
• Assist at the job site by analyzing tasks and breaking them into manageable steps.
• Identify and solve problems before they affect the worker, employer, or coworkers.
• Work independently in the community.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with employers.
• Provide ongoing updates to employer, family, staff, and management.
• Ensure documentation is completed accurately and timely.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Multi-tasking

Education

High school diploma/G.E.D.

Associate or Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Job description

Lifesteps Employment Services division is hiring a Part‑Time Employment Specialist to assist young adults who have special needs find employment and support them on the job site.

Lifesteps is a non‑profit human services organization which has been serving Western Pennsylvania for over 100 years by “helping individuals and families with life's changing needs”. The Agency provides programs and services to help those with special needs live to their fullest potential. If you have a passion for helping others and serving the community, this is the right opportunity for you.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Special Education Employment Specialist role provides support to workers with disabilities in obtaining employment, and once employed, supports them directly at their worksite.

The Employment Specialist (also known as Job Coach or Supported Employment Job Coach) provides instruction and guidance to the individual at the work location, in coordination with the requirements of the position, as well as monitors their progress to ensure a successful fit for them and the employer.

Specific job duties may include:

• Support individuals through the employment process, including developing a resume, applying to jobs, and interviewing with potential employers
• Teach individuals independent job skills and requirements utilizing job task analysis and job specific supports, including assistive technology and personal assistance
• Work with individuals at their job to assist with analyzing tasks, breaking tasks down into manageable components, and completing their assignments
• Identify and help solve problems before they become a crisis for the individual, employer, or coworkers
• Work independently in the community
• Partner and interact with employers to development and maintain working relationship in a professional manner
• Provide ongoing updates to the employer, family, staff, and management
• Ensure required documentation is completed accurately and timely

This is a part‑time position, Monday through Friday with day hours (up to 20 hours per week). Applicants may be asked to work evening and/or weekend hours, as needed, to meet the needs of the worker(s) in their caseload.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• High school diploma/G.E.D.
• Ability to multi-task, work in a team environment, and possess strong verbal and written communication skills able to communicate information to a diverse audience
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and vehicle to travel independently between locations

Preferred:

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation, Special Education, Transition Programming, Transition Specialist, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation Counseling, or related Human Services field.
• One-year experience working with individuals with disabilities. Helpful experience includes Direct Care Staff, DSP, Residential Living Associate, Day Program Assistant, Employment Specialist, or similar.
• Previous Job Coaching experience helpful

Lifesteps is an Equal opportunity Employer!

Drug‑free Workplace