Educational Coach (Full-Time) [Monday-Friday (8:00am-4:30pm)] [College To Career Programs]

AbilityFirst • Pasadena, CA

12d • $20 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Educational Coach will provide coaching, training, and guidance to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in skills needed for successful post-secondary education or other community integration experiences. Assisting individuals to complete college-level or vocational training with the goal of transitioning into community employment. Approximately 75% of time will be coaching and supporting college/vocational/post-secondary education activities, with the remaining 25% directed to community integration activities, including volunteerism.

Requirements

• A High School diploma or equivalent is required.
• 3 years of college experience is required.
• Ability to use computers including word-processing, data entry, and spreadsheet utilization is required.
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities and sexual orientations in a multicultural environment is required .
• Valid Driver’s License is required.
• Ability to work nights/weekends as needed.
• Successful completion of background (LiveScan) check.
• A working knowledge of development and implementation of person-centered plans for adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities.
• A working knowledge of methods transition and integration of adults with disabilities into community settings.
• Case management skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and team building skills, with ability to influence without authority.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution/problem-solving skills.
• Personal computer skills including database and word processing.
• Very effective oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to work independently.

Nice To Haves

• A Bachelor’s Degree in any related field or equivalent experience is preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience providing case management services to individuals with disabilities is preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience planning, developing, and implementing activities for individuals with disabilities is preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience of strong office management skills is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support volunteerism, access, inclusion, transportation skills, and relationship building.
• Establish positive, supportive, respectful relationships/interactions with clients.
• Become knowledgeable about the clients interests, unique abilities and support needs, and use the insights gained to help clients develop plans, set goals and create solutions.
• Demonstrate motivation and enthusiasm in all interactions with clients.
• Encourage active participation of clients in all activities with a strong emphasis on promoting independence (allow them to do as much for themselves as possible).
• Interact with community members in a way that encourages respectful, age-appropriate treatment of clients, and the building of mutually respectful relationships.
• Maintain a calm, supportive and professional presence when interacting with clients, co-workers, and community members.?
• Clearly communicate with supervisors/co-workers, and pro-actively address questions/concerns.
• Develop positive/respectful relationships with families, and outside agency staff. This includes the ability to be empathetic and sensitive to issues, stressors and external factors, which may impede the parent and care provider’s ability to support clients in a way which matches AbilityFirst’s philosophy. This also includes the ability to be assertive, and strongly advocate for client needs/rights without being aggressive or unprofessional.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the big picture and long-term outcomes for clients, with an understanding that an intensive intervention process may need to be implemented, rather than settling for a quick fix.
• Demonstrate an ability to assess and problem-solve a situation in the moment, using good judgment, common sense and respect for individual rights and preferences, without having to rely on immediate guidance/advice.
• Accept, and effectively process directions, constructive feedback, and training from any leadership/mentor staff, then demonstrate in action and by written product that this was internalized.
• Assist in the development/implementation of an Individual Service Plan for each client based on information gathered through Person Centered Planning meetings.
• Plan, implement, and support activities/routines with clients, which will assist them in achieving their Individual Service Plan objectives
• Document client progress through assessment/data collection instruments.
• Maintain and turn in complete, accurate and timely data, progress notes, schedules, and client attendance.
• Maintain conscientious, responsible level of supervision for clients to ensure their safety.
• Respond appropriately and within AbilityFirst’s policies and procedures to medical, behavioral, and other client emergencies.
• Respectfully assist clients with personal care/mobility/toileting/feeding needs as applicable.
• Encourage age-appropriate dress, grooming, and hygiene, including coaching on how to meet community employment standards.
• Facilitate client self-advocacy and choice-making opportunities, including appropriate risk-taking.
• Assist clients in safely accessing a variety of school, volunteer and community locations using public transportation, company, or personal vehicles.
• Uphold our commitment as a Mandated Reporter, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.

Benefits

• Ability First offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage, 403b with agency contribution, and vacation/sick time.
• We also offer unique perks including weekly meditation/mindfulness and professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED