*Starting rate $21.50*

 The Employment Coach is responsible for assisting individuals with a range of intellectual, developmental and behavioral disabilities to secure and maintain employment in the community.  The Employment Coach will guide individuals through the job placement planning process.  This includes the assessment process, job readiness activities, the integration of the employee into the workplace, and the provision of on-site job support as needed. The Employment Coach is responsible for maintaining ongoing verbal and written communication with the employer, employee, and with each individual’s support team. 

Advocates promotes a healthy work-life balance and offers many generous perks of employment and room for advancement.  We are a tight-knit community that values the ideas and contributions from our staff.

• Provide job readiness and skills training in one-on-one and group settings. This includes working with local schools, employers, and training programs. 
• Assist in developing and implementing job placement plans for program participants.
• Facilitate the job interview process for individuals and prospective employers.
• Develop and maintain relationships with employers located in service region. Seek to create new employment opportunities through workplace development efforts. 
• Work with employers, individuals, and support teams to identify training and support needs; provide on-site job supports as needed to remove any barriers to successful employment.
• Assist individuals with skills coaching around psychiatric symptoms as needed. Coordinate peer mentorship with Advocates Peer Support Team.
• Maintain open communication regarding program services with individuals, their families, funding source representatives, and other community partners.
• Maintain close coordination of services with Advocates Behavioral Health Residential and Adult Community Clinical Services (ACCS) management and clinical staff for individuals receiving supports through monthly team meetings.
• Participate in quarterly ACCS, Community Integrated Employment Services (CIES) meetings alongside MassAbility and the Department of Mental Health.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of work incentives and laws influencing employment for people with disabilities.

• Must possess basic, intermediate, or advanced knowledge of American Sign Language
• Either a BA/BS degree in a related field with 1-year experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, brain injury, or behavioral health issues -or- 2 years’ experience working in a behavioral health setting with individuals within DS/BI or mental health field
• High energy level, excellent interpersonal skills, and ability to function independently and in a team atmosphere
• Strong computer knowledge.
• Must be able to multi-task with frequently changing priorities.
• Strongly prefer that a candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations
• Must hold a valid driver’s license.  Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport consumers.
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.