What Is a Job Coach? And Who Might Hire One

A job coach supports people with disabilities as they prepare to enter the workforce. They may work with a person individually or in a group setting, either in or out of the workplace, as they build the skills and habits necessary for success in a specific job function.

Learn more about a job coach’s responsibilities, skills, qualifications, and where to find a job coach.

What is a career coach vs. job coach vs. career counselor?

People seeking support with their careers have a few different options. If a job coach doesn’t sound right for you, you may be interested in finding a career coach or career counselor.

A career coach supports individuals as they navigate their career path, offering guidance through job changes, the application process, or settling into a new role. A career counselor, who may have a background in psychology or human development, supports individuals as they assess their career goals and desires.

What does a job coach do?

Ultimately, a job coach aims to enable and empower people to fulfill their job function without persistent one-on-one assistance. Some key responsibilities of a job coach include:

• Connecting an individual’s capabilities and interests to potential jobs within their community

• Coordinating with employers to secure employment and negotiate customized job responsibilities on behalf of the individual

• Facilitating job training for tasks specific to the individual’s job function

• Working with the individual as they adjust to their new role

• Advocating for the individual throughout their employment period

Hear more about the day-to-day tasks of a job coach from Toni Voliton, a Career Navigator with Goodwill Industries:

Who might work with an employment coach?

Broadly, a job coach may support any person with a disability. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) offers some examples of people who benefitted from working with a job coach, including [1]:

• An individual with an anxiety disorder gets a job in a restaurant's kitchen.

• A person with Down Syndrome working in customer care at a grocery store

• A person with a cognitive disability working as a janitor

• An individual on the autism spectrum finding a job at a fast food chain

• A military veteran with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) working as a customer service representative 

Job coach qualifications

Although they work closely with various personality types and job functions, job coaches often don’t require extensive qualifications. Typically, a job coach will need a high school diploma and strong interpersonal skills, and they’ll receive role-specific training upon their hiring.

Job coaches often find employment with government agencies or help networks that serve people with disabilities. Some employers may look for job coaches with experience working with people with specific disabilities, knowledge of government support services, and established connections with local businesses. Specific requirements will vary depending on the employer’s needs.

Job coach vs. occupational therapist

While a job coach helps individuals prepare for a specific job, an occupational therapist treats patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities as they recover or develop the physical ability to accomplish daily tasks. You will typically need a master’s degree in occupational therapy, as well as a state-issued license to practice.

How to find a job coach

Many search for a job coach by contacting their state’s vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency. VR agencies both facilitate programs for people with disabilities and work with non-profit organizations that may be able to provide more specialized services.

If you already work with a non-profit organization for other services, they may also be able to provide job-specific support or refer you to an organization that can.

Build skills to become a professional job coach.

A career as a job coach will allow you to help others find successful employment. If you want to explore your own career success potential or help others discover theirs, consider the Career Success Specialization from the University of California, Irvine’s Division of Continuing Education, available on Coursera. Work through each online course at your own pace from anywhere with an internet connection.