Job Description

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

MINDS has been caring for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PWIDs) and their families since 1962.



Grounded in the belief that all PWIDs have innate abilities and talents, MINDS is committed to empowering them and enhancing their quality of life, while advocating for greater inclusivity for PWIDs as a nation.



MINDS is today one of the largest charities in Singapore employing more than 850 staff. With the key focus to expand community-based services, improving the employability of PWIDS, strengthening education, and engendering inclusive community living, MINDS offers a holistic range of services and programmes across the PWIDs' lifespan.



These include schools, employment and training development centres, home-based care services and community-based services to cater to the physical, psychological, environmental and social needs of PWIDs. For more information, please visit www.minds.org.sg.



DESIGNATION : Vocational Coach



RESPONSIBILITIES

The Vocational Coach is responsible for providing individualized support and guidance to clients to help them identify, pursue, and achieve their vocational training goals. This role involves assessing strengths and interests, developing personalized vocational training plans, providing job readiness training, assessing new project skills requirements, facilitating client-project matching, managing job trials and attachments to different work types and offering direct support to ensure successful integration and retention in different vocational training pathways. The Vocational Coach works collaboratively with clients, their families, employers, AHPs, TOs and other stakeholders to foster vocational skills development to allow clients to achieve their vocational aspirations.

Individualized Assessment and Planning

Work closely with OT to conduct comprehensive vocational assessments to identify clients' skills, interests, aptitudes, preferences, and support needs. Develop vocational goals in clients' individualized development plans (IDPs) in collaboration with clients, their families AHPs and Tos, outlining realistic and achievable vocational goals, action steps, and timelines. Maintain accurate and timely client vocational training data, including goal progress tracking and other vocational assessment outcome data. Assess and address barriers to successful vocational training outcomes (e.g., transportation, assistive technology).

Job Readiness and Training

Provide one-on-one and group coaching in essential work readiness skills, according to different vocational training pathways (e.g. contract work, enclaves, supported employment, open employment) including both soft and hard skills. Facilitate workshops on workplace etiquette, time management, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and self-advocacy. Work with Job Placement and Job Support (JPJS) to assess the training and coaching needs of clients in or waiting to be in the open employment setting.

On-the-Job Support and Retention

Lead (supported by TOs) the intensive on-the-job coaching and support to clients in enclave/supported employment/contract work type settings, including task analysis, skill training, and adaptation strategies. Lead (supported by JPEs) the intensive on-the-job coaching to clients in the open employment type setting, including task analysis, skill training, and adaptation strategies. Monitor client progress and job performance, offering ongoing support to ensure job retention and career advancement. Assist with the fading of on-site support as clients gain independence, while remaining available for follow-up support








QUALIFICATIONS

Diploma/Degree in any relevant discipline e.g. Special Education, Disability Studies, Social Work, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy.




OTHER INFORMATION

Minimum of 2-3 years of experience working directly with persons with disabilities in a vocational, employment, or rehabilitation setting. Experience with job development and on-the-job coaching highly desirable. Strong understanding of ID/ASD, their impact on employment, and effective support strategies. Knowledge of vocational rehabilitation principles, theories, and best practices. Excellent interpersonal, communication (verbal and written), and active listening skills. Ability to build rapport and establish trusting relationships with Persons with ID/ASD. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. * Problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing client needs and work environments.