Job Coach – Newark, NJ
The Job Coach I at Confidential Client provides direct vocational support to individuals with disabilities, assisting them in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment through on-site and community-based coaching. This role involves close collaboration with employers, funding agencies, and support teams to ensure compliance and successful employment outcomes, requiring strong organizational and communication skills along with the ability to travel frequently within Northern New Jersey.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Healthcare & Nursing.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What 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 and community partners.
- Support participants in achieving independence and long‑term job retention.
- Facilitate natural supports and fading strategies when appropriate.
- Ensure 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 phase.
- Monitor participant progress and communicate concerns to supervisors and funding agencies.
- Participate in service team meetings, case conferences, and employment planning.
- Complete Individual Service Plans within required timeframes (2 weeks of intake; semi‑annual and annual reviews).
- Maintain accurate, audit‑ready documentation in Foothold and other required systems; complete daily progress notes and monthly summaries on time.
- Maintain monthly communication with DVRS counselors and upload DVRS correspondence and supporting documentation to participant records.
- Verify wages and hours worked; obtain and upload participant paystubs monthly.
- Identify barriers to employment retention and develop intervention strategies.
- Meet agency productivity standards and other program requirements.
- Participate in supervision, staff meetings, trainings, community events, and other activities that support program growth and participant success.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support participants and program objectives.
Qualifications
- 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 plus a minimum of two (2) years' experience working with individuals with disabilities, vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, supported employment, or human services.
- Experience building and maintaining employer and community partnerships.
- Strong time management, communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems (Foothold experience preferred).
- Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel throughout the service area.
- Ability to maintain accurate, audit‑ready records and meet funding source documentation requirements.
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 disorder, mental health conditions, or other employment barriers.
- Knowledge of Supported Employment (SEMP), DVRS, DDD, TLJC, and LTFA program requirements.
- Comfortable working independently in community settings.
Working Conditions & Schedule
- Community‑based and site‑based role requiring frequent travel throughout Northern New Jersey.
- Work schedule may include evenings, periodic weekends, community events, and coverage assignments.
- Worksites and community environments will vary based on participant and employer needs.
- Must be able to stand, walk, travel between sites, and lift up to 30 lbs occasionally.
Compensation & Benefits
- Estimated annual pay (source estimate shown on original posting): $32,673 per year.
- Generous time off policy.
- Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision) and company‑sponsored life insurance.
- Parental leave and other paid leave options.
- Retirement matching programs and employer contributions.
- Transit and commuter benefits.
- Health, wellness, and financial resources to support employees.
Legal & Accessibility Notes
Careertakes and our client comply with applicable federal, state, and local hiring laws. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities — if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please let Careertakes know.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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