Job Coach

Helen Keller Services•Sands Point, NY

21h

About The Position

Are you ready to make a difference in your community? Do YOU want to work on a team that is committed to empowering individuals? At Helen Keller Services, our employees work in an environment that is more than just a workplace, it’s a community. Since 1967, Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are DeafBlind or have a combined hearing and vision loss. HKNC is dedicated to working with each person to achieve their desired goals towards independence, employment, and quality of life, based on their talents, preferences and aspirations. We currently have an exciting career opportunity available to join the HKNC team as a Job Coach supporting our Summer Youth Vocational Program. The Summer Vocational Youth Job Coach will play a critical role in supporting transition-age youth (ages 16–24) who are DeafBlind as they participate in HKNC’s Summer Youth Vocational Program (SYVP). This position focuses on providing individualized guidance and hands-on support to ensure participants gain meaningful work experience, develop workplace readiness skills, and build confidence for competitive integrated employment. The program runs from July 6- July 31st, Monday-Friday from 8am- 3:45pm.

Requirements

Minimum of an Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred in Special Education or in the education of individuals who are DeafBlind, blind, deaf or have intellectual disabilities or related field, or active enrollment in an accredited program, with experience working with individuals who are Deafblind or with combined hearing and vision loss.
Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to adapt to diverse communication methods (ASL, tactile sign, spoken language, etc.). ASL proficiency preferred.
Basic knowledge of vocational rehabilitation principles and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) under WIOA.
Must demonstrate patience, flexibility, and creative problem‑solving, with a strong commitment to empowering youth through hands‑on, experiential learning
Knowledge of MS Office and Internet required

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals who are DeafBlind or with combined vision and hearing loss preferred.
Familiarity with assistive technology and accessibility tools to support inclusive participation highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervise and mentor participants at assigned work sites.
Provide on-the-job training, modeling, and feedback to reinforce workplace expectations.
Assist participants in practicing job tasks, problem-solving, and adapting to workplace culture.
Support participants in developing time management, punctuality, and professional behavior.
Facilitate communication strategies, including assistive technology and accommodations.
Encourage self-advocacy by guiding participants to express needs and request accommodations.
Participate in daily planning sessions, activity debriefs, and group classes.
Reinforce learning from STEAM projects, adaptive sports, and advocacy workshops.
Promote independence by coaching participants in executive functioning skills (e.g., organizing schedules, planning meals).
Work closely with HKNC staff, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and employers.
Document participant progress, challenges, and successes for program reports.
Communicate effectively with team members to ensure individualized support plans are implemented.
Responsible for other duties as may be assigned or requested by his/her immediate supervisor and/or the Director of the Department.