SIP 2025 - Job Coach (Off Campus) at Linking Employment Abilities and Potential (LEAP)

Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP) is an agent of positive change, working to advance participation and equality in society for people with disabilities in Northeast Ohio.

Founded in 1981 by people with disabilities, LEAP serves over 1,500 individuals annually and works to promote social change to enhance their quality of life. Through a comprehensive array of services, LEAP assists people with disabilities in living independently in their own homes, participating in community life, and finding and maintaining stable employment.

For more information about LEAP, visit leapinfo.org and learn how you can empower persons with disabilities.

Note: In-person interviews will be conducted on Feb. 28, 2025, at West and Metro. These interview fairs are your only opportunity to meet and interview with hiring supervisors.

Supporting LEAP consumers (high school youth with disabilities) during their summer job exploration and job experience is a valuable and important role. Here's how you can use your skills and expertise to help them learn and grow.

1. Create a Positive Learning Environment: Foster an inclusive and supportive environment for LEAP consumers to feel comfortable and empowered. Encourage open communication and a sense of belonging.
2. Individualized Coaching: Recognize that each student has unique abilities and challenges. Tailor you’re coaching to meet their specific needs, ensuring that they can effectively complete job tasks and develop as productive employees.
3. Job Exploration: Assist students in exploring various job roles and industries to help them discover their interests and strengths. Provide guidance on how to research different career paths and evaluate their compatibility with individual skills and preferences.
4. Workplace Culture and Social Skills: Help students understand and navigate the social dynamics and work culture of a job site. Teach them effective communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution skills. Encourage professionalism and respect for diversity in the workplace.
5. Daily Feedback: Offer constructive, written feedback on their performance. Highlight their achievements and areas where they can improve. Encourage self-assessment and reflection to help them develop a growth mindset.
6. Skill Development: Identify the specific job skills needed for their chosen field and provide hands-on training and practice opportunities. Help them build their technical and soft skills, such as time management, problem-solving, and adaptability.
7. Goal Setting: Collaborate with students to set realistic and achievable goals for their summer job experiences. Encourage them to track their progress and make adjustments as needed.
8. Advocacy: Support students in advocating for any necessary accommodations or assistance related to their disabilities, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to succeed in the workplace.
9. Empowerment and Confidence: Foster self-confidence and a sense of self-worth in each student. Celebrate their successes and help them overcome challenges. Encourage them to believe in their abilities.
10. Collaboration with Employers: Work closely with employers to create an inclusive and supportive work environment. Communicate with supervisors and colleagues to ensure a positive experience for the students.

By using your powers for good in this role, you can make a significant impact on the lives of LEAP consumers, helping them build the skills and confidence they need to pursue successful and fulfilling careers. Your support will contribute to their personal and professional growth, and ultimately, their independence and self-sufficiency.

The qualifications and requirements listed are crucial for someone working in a role that involves supporting LEAP consumers. Here's a breakdown of how each requirement is important in ensuring the successful support and development of the consumers:

1. Ability to Function Independently and Reliably: This is essential to carry out responsibilities consistently and effectively, providing a stable and dependable presence for consumers.
2. Establishing and Maintaining Boundaries: Proper boundaries help create a healthy and respectful relationship between the support provider and consumers, ensuring their well-being and safety.
3. Communication with LEAP Staff: Keeping colleagues informed about consumer progress enables a collaborative approach to support and ensures that consumers' needs are met.
5. Verbal and Written Communication: Clear and effective communication with consumers, employers, referral sources, and team members is necessary for effective coordination and support. Daily written feedback is valuable for tracking consumer performance and providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth.
6. Problem-Solving and Time Management: The ability to problem-solve independently and collaboratively is crucial for addressing challenges and finding solutions to benefit consumers. Demonstrating effective time management skills ensures that support needs and multiple priorities are handled efficiently.
9. Diversity and Inclusion: Working effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and disabilities is essential for creating an inclusive and respectful environment.
10. Computer Proficiency: Proficiency with software tools like Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook is essential for administrative tasks and communication.

These qualifications and requirements collectively contribute to the success of your role and the positive impact you can make in the lives of LEAP consumers. Your role will ensure that consumers receive effective support and assistance in their job exploration and experience.

Career Readiness Competencies

• Equity and Inclusion
• Teamwork
• Communication

Program Requirements

• Must be enrolled in current semester (Spring 2025)
• Must enroll in a minimum of one Summer 2025 course
• Must be returning to Tri-C for Fall 2025 Semester
• Must have a declared major on record

This position is part of the Cuyahoga Community College Summer Internship Program. 

Note: International students are eligible for employment with on-campus/ internal Tri-C departments only.

Pre-employment criteria: All employment offers will be contingent on results of pre-employment background check.