Week in the Life of a Job Coach

Sometimes one needs the support from another to remind themselves they can do it. “I started job coaching with Dungarvin Oregon last July,” said Job Coach Veronica Fehlberg. “As a former gymnastics coach and Registered Behavioral Technician, I find job coaching to be a great fit. It allows me to help persons supported set goals and encourage them as they achieve those milestones.”  

A Job Coach primarily works with individuals who have an Intellectual/Developmental Disability (I/DD) and aids individuals who need support in their place of employment, an essential part of supporting integrated employment in a community. Some examples of job coaching include supporting an employee in a new job, supporting an individual to identify and develop needed adaptations in a new role, coordinating with others who provide supports such as behavioral or medical supports, assisting an employee to develop better communication with supervisors and coworkers and so much more. In short, this job is not a “one size fits all” role. 

“One of the best parts about my job is that no two days are the same,” shared Veronica. “Some days, persons supported may be settled into their jobs with no issues whatsoever, while other times they could be taking on new tasks and need a little extra help navigating these transitions,” shared Program Director Krista Tjossem-Freier.  

Our Job Coaches typically work any time between 7 a.m. and as late as 10 p.m. seven days a week depending on the work schedule for the individual supported,” shared Nermina Cehic, Area Director. “Job Coaches drive to their place of employment, so reliable transportation is required. The Supported Employment team is a cohesive unit. Our Program Directors are constantly checking in and offering support to Job Coaches to ensure that our individuals’ needs are being met.” 

Here are some examples of a typical Week in the Life of a Job Coach. Veronica visits the different individuals she supports at their job sites throughout the week. A Job Coach typically has multiple persons on their caseload. 

(From left to right)  

Photo 1: Person supported working at thrift store loads truck for recycled clothes and shoes. Throughout the shift, Veronica is there if they need anything, reminding them of best safety practices.  

Photo 2: Employee mopping up water from a burst pipe at his workplace. “I helped wring out water and soak it up with towels,” said Veronica. “Just part of a typical workday!” 

Photo 3: Person supported working at MOD pizza wraps Valentine’s Day cakes. Veronica performed a quick visual inspection for unwrapped bits then added ingredient stickers to assist.  

(From left to right) 

Photo 4: Veronica helped employee locate items for returns at a grocery store.  

Photo 5: Veronica prepares snack for employee on a well-deserved break. 

“A Job Coach is an incredibly rewarding career,” said Krista. “We help support individuals to integrate into a community that hasn’t always been available to them, supporting their managers to learn accommodations for the I/DD community, and mentoring others on how they can best offer support as coworkers.” 

“My favorite thing about my work is the secondhand joy I feel,” shared Veronica. “The persons I support enjoy their jobs and love their coworkers. I am grateful to help facilitate that through my role as a Job Coach.” 

If you are interested in joining the Dungarvin Oregon team as a Job Coach, apply today at: https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/Dungarvin/744000037096800-job-coach-employment-services.