Life Scholars Job Coach (Position 2)

LIFE Scholars is a 3-year, fully inclusive, non-degree certificate program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students audit 1-4 classes each semester to gain knowledge in their chosen career path, engage in extra-curricular campus activities to develop social networks, and participate in campus and community internships to develop job skills and explore careers. The goal of the program is to prepare graduates to obtain meaningful, competitive employment and live full, independent lives.

Duties and Responsibilities
Individualized Support and Training:
Provide one-on-one support to students during their internships and part-time work experiences to meet individual needs.
Assist students in understanding job tasks, developing workplace routines, and adhering to workplace policies and procedures.
Offer guidance and feedback to students to improve job performance and build confidence in their abilities.
Collaborate with the Career Coordinator and employers to identify reasonable accommodations and modifications to support student success in the workplace.

Skill Development and Goal Setting:

Assess student skills and capabilities on an ongoing basis.
Assist the Career Coordinator in developing individualized goals and action plans, in collaboration with students, focusing on building job-specific skills, employability skills, and increasing independence in the workplace.
Implement identified strategies and interventions to support students in achieving their goals and overcoming barriers to success.

Communication and Collaboration:

Maintain regular communication with students, Career Coordinator, employers and program staff to ensure alignment of goals and expectations.
Collaborate with Career Coordinator and employers to facilitate open communication and address any concerns or issues that arise during student placements.
Maintain regular communication with the LIFE Scholars Director and the Career Coordinator, providing updates on student progress, challenges, and programmatic needs as appropriate.

Career Portfolio Development and Resume Building:

Collaborate with students to document their skill sets, experiences, and achievements in a comprehensive career portfolio.
Assist students in articulating their strengths, accomplishments, and transferable skills to prospective employers.
Offer personalized feedback and suggestions for enhancing resumes to showcase students' qualifications and potential contributions to the workforce.
Work in collaboration with the Career Coordinator to empower students to take ownership of their career development journey by equipping them with the tools and knowledge to effectively market themselves to employers.

Supporting overall LIFE Scholars mission:
Collaborate with the LIFE Scholars team to facilitate the integration of students into the campus and community.

Required Qualifications

• Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

High School diploma and related experience working with or teaching diverse populations, especially individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to convey complex tasks and concepts in clear, concise language understandable to diverse audiences.
Demonstrated experience prioritizing tasks and exercising adaptability to changing priorities while maintaining a positive, effective, and professional attitude.
Proven competence in building successful relationships, networking, and creating inclusive communities, with a commitment to promoting diversity and equity.
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and proactively complete tasks, coupled with advance problem-solving skills. 6
Proficiency in using computers and various software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, electronic calendars, and email.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Bachelor's degree in special education or related field.
Knowledge and experience in providing job coaching support and career planning.
Experience with supporting underrepresented populations and creating inclusive communities.

The Successful Candidate Will

Thrive in an "open door" environment and possesses an ability to foster an inclusive and supportive atmosphere. Demonstrate a genuine commitment to creating a welcoming space for students, parents, colleagues, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
Exhibit outstanding written and verbal communication abilities, adept at conveying complex information with clarity and empathy. Capable of building rapport and establishing meaningful connections in both individual and group settings.
Display advanced interpersonal skills, fostering positive and constructive relationships.
Show dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion as well as a passion for creating inclusive communities.
Exhibit a high degree of self-motivation, exercising sound judgement and initiative in managing tasks and projects to completion.
Possess strong organizational skills and adeptness at prioritizing responsibilities effectively to meet deadlines.
Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and integrity, demonstrating a keen sense of ethical responsibility.
Represent the Dean's Office and College of Education, Health and Human Development (EHHD) and MSU as a diligent and courteous ambassador. Upholds the values of the institution through professional conduct.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

Continuation of employment is contingent upon program needs.This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties?
No