Working With A Job Coach
 

Many of our Facility Support Associates have the assistance of a Job Coach as they go about their daily routines in our stores. Misunderstandings about the role of the Job Coach have prompted many questions from management. The following should address those questions.
Job Coaches, also referred to as Employment Specialist help individuals with disabilities integrate into the workplace and become successful on the job. When an associate is hired through the assistance of a Vocational Rehabilitation agency, it is typical for the agency to provide the associate with a job coach to assist them in learning their new job. The job coach works at the store/site with the associate until the associate can successfully perform their job duties alone. Home Depot only pays the associate, not the job coach.


Role of the Job Coach

* The Job Coach works individually with the associate and the management team to help the associate develop proper work behaviors, social skills, and to adjust to the work environment. The assistance is available for short or long term depending on the needs of the associate.
* The Job Coach may initially spend significant time at the store/site. However, the intent is that the job coach will spend just enough time (and no more) to support the associate.
* The Job Coach should help supervisors and managers learn how to work most effectively with the new associate and educate them about the role of the job coach.
* The Job Coach should discuss with Home Depot any requests for reasonable accommodation and work with Home Depot to arrive at the best solution for the associate.


Follow-Up Support

* As the associate becomes more independent on the job, the presence of the job coach gradually decreases. To assure continued success, periodic follow-up support usually continues.
* The job coach should be available for consultation on an on-going basis as requested by Home Depot or the associate. This consultation may include assistance with additional training or retraining, or assistance in addressing work performance or behavior issues.
 

Role of Home Depot Management

* Although the associate is assigned a job coach, the goal is for the management team to do as much of the training and support as possible. However, if an individual has significant challenges and needs an extended training period, which is beyond the resources of the store/site, the job coach may do more of the one-on-one training.
* Management is responsible for monitoring associate performance and using the Performance Management Process for reviewing associate performance or addressing any performance issues. Conversations should take place directly with the associate. However, it may be necessary to have the job coach present when addressing performance concerns.


For further information about accommodations or how to work with a Job Coach, contact The Associate Services Department at the Atlanta SSC extensions 13158, 13159, or 13026.