A Carousel job coach will engage in a person-centered exploration to determine job themes and possible work sites. This will include sharing about the participant’s interests, skills, and work or volunteer history; situational assessments to assess the participant’s interest in a particular job; identifying jobs and exploring “warm leads” in the community, as well as customized employment options that might involve self-employment; developing a STEP plan to create a sensory and communication profile.

Coaches will also provide outreach, orientation, resume preparation (on paper and digital) and interview assistance. Practice in a variety of settings also provides experience for next steps and task analysis.

And then what happens after hiring? Celebration! Job coaching involves training the participant on role tasks, follow up, creating tools (task lists, social narrative, role plays, expectations, etc.), coordination of accommodations, ensuring assistive technology is available, travel training to and from work, and review of effective work habits. Often the social components of being on the job benefit from support -- job coaches focus on curriculum related to healthy relationships and social expectations when working.

Through the experience, the natural support of other colleagues are identified and the job coach encourages and assists with advocacy and self-determination.