Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Job Coach

🎯 Role Definition

A Job Coach supports job seekers and employees in developing employability skills, securing and retaining employment, and advancing career pathways. Typical duties include individualized career planning, resume and interview coaching, on-the-job training, employer engagement, and case management. This role often works within workforce development agencies, non-profits, vocational rehabilitation, community colleges, and employer-based programs to improve placement outcomes and job retention.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Employment Specialist / Job Developer
Career Counselor or Academic Advisor
Vocational Rehabilitation Technician or Case Aide

Advancement To:

Senior Job Coach / Lead Employment Specialist
Workforce Program Manager or Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor
Career Services Director or Employment Program Director

Lateral Moves:

Career Counselor
Talent Development Specialist
Employer Relations Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive intake assessments and vocational interest inventories to determine each client’s employment goals, strengths, barriers, and support needs; develop individualized employment plans with measurable outcomes and timelines.
Provide one-on-one career coaching including resume writing, cover letter development, job search strategies, LinkedIn profile optimization, and targeted application support to increase client employability and match quality.
Deliver structured interview preparation: mock interviews, behavioral interview coaching, STAR technique training, and negotiation strategies tailored to the client’s target industry and role.
Facilitate soft skills and workplace readiness training (communication, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, punctuality) through group workshops and individualized coaching to meet employer expectations.
Design and implement job development strategies, cultivate relationships with local employers, and proactively market clients to identify open positions and create job opportunities aligned with client goals.
Provide job matching and placement: screen job descriptions, refer qualified candidates, coordinate interviews, and prepare both employer and client for successful placement and onboarding.
Support job retention through follow-up coaching, workplace mediation, accommodation coordination, and periodic check-ins for the first 90–180 days to reduce early turnover and address emerging issues.
Coordinate with vocational rehabilitation counselors, mental health providers, housing services, and other community partners to address non-employment barriers (transportation, childcare, benefits) that impact work readiness and retention.
Develop and maintain individualized employment records, case notes, progress reports, and documentation for funders and compliance with programmatic or regulatory requirements.
Use data-driven approaches to track outcomes (placements, retention rates, wages, hours, credential attainment) and adjust coaching strategies to improve program metrics and ROI.
Provide supported employment and on-the-job training (OJT) when appropriate, including job shadowing, workplace accommodations, task analysis, and gradual skill-building for individuals with disabilities or limited work experience.
Conduct labor market research to identify growth industries, in-demand skills, apprenticeship opportunities, and regional wage trends to inform client career plans and employer outreach.
Prepare clients for credentialing and certification pathways, including enrollment support, study strategies, and connections to training providers, apprenticeships, and stackable credential programs.
Facilitate group workshops on career mapping, career transition (e.g., military to civilian employment), entrepreneurship basics, and navigating career ladders within specific industries.
Develop employer-focused materials (talent briefs, job-ready candidate summaries, accommodation plans) and provide consultation to employers on inclusive hiring practices and on-boarding best practices.
Advocate for clients with employers, case managers, and funding agencies to secure necessary supports, reasonable accommodations, or wage subsidies that enable successful employment.
Supervise or mentor junior coaches, volunteers, and work experience placements; provide feedback, training, and performance evaluations to build team capacity.
Design and iterate curriculum for career readiness programs, including learning objectives, activities, assessments, and evaluation criteria aligned to local employer needs.
Manage employer placements, wage subsidy agreements, and contracts for transitional employment programs, ensuring contractual compliance and positive employer relationships.
Lead outreach and recruitment efforts to attract diverse candidate pools, including targeted strategies for veterans, individuals with disabilities, young adults, and long-term unemployed individuals.
Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards while assisting clients in navigating benefits planning, understand Work Incentives, or coordinate with Social Security, TANF, or other public benefits systems when employment impacts benefits.
Prepare clear, professional reports and presentations for stakeholders, funders, and community partners that communicate program impact, participant success stories, and areas for improvement.
Implement digital tools and case management systems (e.g., CRM, ATS, ETO, Salesforce for Nonprofits) to streamline referrals, track client progress, and automate reminders for coaching activities.

Secondary Functions

Support program intake events, job fairs, employer hiring events, and community outreach activities to boost placements and partnerships.
Contribute to curriculum development for job readiness bootcamps, virtual learning modules, and micro-credential offerings.
Provide ad-hoc labor market snapshots and employer feedback summaries to program leadership to inform strategic priorities.
Ensure data quality and timely entry of client outcomes into program databases and funder reporting systems.
Coach clients in digital literacy and remote work skills, including virtual interviewing, email etiquette, and collaboration tools (Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, quality assurance reviews, and outcome-based evaluations to refine coaching practices.
Maintain professional development by attending conferences, local employer roundtables, and certification trainings relevant to workforce development and career coaching.
Assist with grant writing support by providing programmatic input, success metrics, and client stories that demonstrate impact.
Provide short-term crisis support and referrals for clients who experience sudden housing, health, or legal challenges that affect employment status.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Case management and documentation: proficiency with case management software (e.g., ETO, Apricot, Efforts to Outcomes) and accurate, timely reporting for funders and compliance.
Applicant tracking and placement systems: experience using ATS platforms or employer recruiting portals to submit and track candidate referrals.
Resume and career document development: advanced skills in crafting resumes, cover letters, federal resumes, and LinkedIn profiles tailored to industry keywords and ATS parsing.
Interview preparation techniques: expertise in behavioral interviewing frameworks, mock interview facilitation, and interview coaching for diverse industries.
Labor market analysis: ability to use public labor market resources (BLS, state LMI, O*NET) to advise clients on growth sectors, salary expectations, and credential needs.
Supported employment and accommodations: knowledge of ADA accommodations, workplace adaptations, supported employment models, and benefits counseling basics.
Training and facilitation: experience designing and delivering curriculum and workshops for adult learners using blended learning modalities (in-person, virtual, self-paced).
Data literacy: competency with Excel, Google Sheets, and basic data visualization to report outcomes, calculate placement metrics, and measure ROI.
Digital literacy: comfortable coaching clients in digital tools, email, virtual interview platforms, and basic software suites (Microsoft Office / Google Workspace).
Credentialing pathways: familiarity with local community college programs, apprenticeships, industry certifications, and the steps clients need to achieve them.

Soft Skills

Empathy and active listening: ability to build trust quickly with diverse clients, demonstrating patience, respect, and nonjudgmental support.
Communication and presentation: clear, persuasive verbal and written communication; comfortable presenting to employers and community stakeholders.
Problem solving and creativity: resourceful in identifying non-traditional placements, resolving workplace conflicts, and creating individualized employment solutions.
Coaching and motivational skills: adept at behavior change techniques, goal-setting, accountability frameworks, and maintaining client motivation through setbacks.
Cultural competence and inclusivity: sensitivity to cultural norms, trauma-informed practices, and working effectively with clients from varied backgrounds.
Time management and organization: manage multiple caseloads, prioritize urgent needs, and meet reporting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Negotiation and advocacy: skilled at negotiating job duties, accommodations, and wage discussions on behalf of clients while maintaining employer relationships.
Resilience and stress tolerance: remain calm under pressure, manage emotional labor, and support clients experiencing setbacks.
Collaboration and teamwork: work cross-functionally with case managers, training providers, and employers to coordinate supports and placement plans.
Attention to detail: maintain accurate records, follow program rules, and ensure documentation meets funder quality standards.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Associate degree OR high school diploma with equivalent relevant experience in workforce development, human services, counseling, or related fields.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Workforce Development, Education, or related field.
Certifications such as Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP), Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF), or Workforce Investment Act (WIA) training are a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Human Services / Social Work
Psychology or Counseling
Workforce Development / Career Services
Education / Adult Learning

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–5+ years of direct experience in job coaching, employment services, career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, or workforce development programs.

Preferred:

2+ years of demonstrated success in job placement and retention outcomes, employer engagement, or supported employment.
Experience working with priority populations (veterans, individuals with disabilities, justice-involved, youth, long-term unemployed) and familiarity with public benefits systems is highly desirable.
Track record using data to drive decisions and meeting or exceeding program KPIs (placement rate, retention rate, average wage).