Things To Keep In Mind When Doing Job Development

When a consumer has worked somewhere for a long time, we as a job coach tend to get comfortable in that setting, almost like one of the employees-this is a good thing. At the same time, we need to always remember that we are there: A) to assist our consumer whenever needed, and that remains our primary focus; B) we are not an actual employee, and need to make sure we are respecting their property, time and employees; C) to maintain a representation of the company as a whole. The job coach is the liaison from the company to the employer, and we want to maintain a friendly and professional image.

Be willing to assist the employer. Our job is not to become an employee, and there does need to be a clear line drawn on that. The employer needs to know that you are going to be working in the area your client is working in, not in another department of the store when they need help! However, to build and maintain that partnership-HELP! Assist your client by doing the job alongside them (MAP method). Even after they’ve worked there for months, or even years, if you see that the employer is having a rough day with production and falling behind, if it’s the area your client is in, jump in and help them out. Not only will they appreciate it that day, but it builds a trust that will allow for more working partnerships in the future.

Cold calling is not always the answer. When doing JD, the easiest thing to do is to stop in, ask for the hiring manager, and then give them the quick 30-second commercial for our consumer and what we do. At times, this works well; other times, the employer is busy and becomes annoyed that we’re taking up their time. So, schedule a meeting.

Briefly explain that you have some potential employees, tax incentives, etc. that you would like to discuss with them, and ask when a good time is for them to discuss it. This shows that you value their time and they might be more willing to talk with you. Job Coaching is the same way. If your consumer is having an issue, do not run to the manager’s office to discuss it immediately; ask them when you can sit down with them-and your consumer-to discuss any issues or problems that may be going on.

Know your stuff. Sounds simple, right? Make sure you are confident in your abilities to convey not only our services, but in explaining tax incentives and in promoting your specific consumer to the employer. The more confident and knowledgeable you appear, the more they are going to listen.

In job coaching, the same principle still applies. Does your consumer need an accommodation? Have some ideas ready to present to the employer before bringing the issue up (especially if the ideas are at low cost to them!) If the employer or other employee at the job site asks a question you do not know the answer to, let them know you’ll find the answer, and bring it back to them the next time you are there.

Also, be realistic. Don’t over-promise what your consumer or our services can provide for them.

Be creative! Use your own personal resources and networking. The phrase ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know’ applies greatly in this area. Do you have a friend who owns a business? Talk to them. They may not have openings, but I bet they have other friends who also own businesses. Do you frequent a specific coffee shop, store, etc. (so much that they may or may not know you by name)-throw out the idea of supported employment next time you’re in; you might be surprised by their answer! (Hint: you can also bill for this! Score.)

On the job, continue with your creative genius. Finding accommodations for your consumer may actually result in you finding a more efficient way for the employer to achieve their goal. They will thank you for this!

Marketing. Also known as bribery. (Kidding!) But in all seriousness, sometimes, all it takes to get your foot in the door is a little something extra. If it’s a potentially great job placement, don’t be afraid to ask us if you can take them to lunch, or bring them a dozen donuts (we know a great place to get those!). If it’s something that is feasible for us as a company, and that will result in additional great placements for our consumers, we’ll do everything we can to make it happen.

Be yourself! In JD, and on the job, sometimes just using your own personality and little quirks that we all have can be all you need to build that great employer relationship. We all get along with different people and ‘click’ better with some than others-build on that! Your personal style and approach may be what wins one employer over, and someone else’s may work with a different employer.

On the job, this still applies. You may build a better working relationship with a specific manager over another; that’s OK. We still need to respect and work with all of the managers, but to have one person you can consistently go to and talk with about consumers, our services, how you help them, etc. will make things flow more smoothly for the employer, and for you