Job Description

About PDI:

Progressive Directions, Inc. (PDI) is a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with over 45 years of service in Middle Tennessee. We provide meaningful, rewarding work that makes a lasting impact, supported by a compassionate team and strong leadership. We are currently seeking dependable and empathetic Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to assist persons supported in residential settings, promoting independence, inclusion, and dignity. To learn more about PDI, visit https://progressivedirections.org.

What We Offer Our Employees: At PDI, we value and support our employees by offering health, dental, and vision insurance to full-time staff, along with paid time off and sick time for both full-time and part-time employees. All team members receive paid training, access to our Employee Assistance Program, and the opportunity to participate in our Employee Referral Program with incentives. We foster a supportive team environment and provide meaningful opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

What does a Job Coach do?

As a Job Coach, you will provide direct support to individuals with developmental disabilities to help them succeed in competitive, community-based employment. You’ll work one-on-one to teach job tasks, provide transportation and coaching as needed, and foster skills for long-term success and independence in the workplace.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Learn job tasks and train the person supported to perform them correctly.
• Provide on-the-job supervision, gradually reducing support as independence increases.
• Teach job-related and independent living skills, including public transportation use and personal grooming.
• Provide transportation to and from work as needed.
• Advocate for persons supported in the workplace and the community.
• Use sound judgment to address issues, informing the Supported Employment Coordinator (SEC) of significant concerns.
• Maintain written documentation of areas of concern or progress.
• Follow the person-supported work schedule and report to the SEC on a weekly basis.
• Participate in annual work plan meetings.
• Attend required agency training.
• Assist with job search efforts under the direction of the SEC.
• Support person supported with additional services such as Community Integration, Personal Assistance, and Supportive Home Care, as outlined in their Person-Centered Support Plan (PCSP).

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Directly supervises persons supported within the Supported Employment program.
• Responsible for training, task delegation, performance feedback, and resolving concerns in accordance with organizational policies and legal guidelines.

Please note: This above is a general summary and is not all-inclusive. Additional duties may be required and assigned based on the needs of the persons supported and the agency.

Requirements

To be considered for the Job Coach position, all candidates must meet the following requirements:

Experience & Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Minimum six (6) months of experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (employment setting preferred but not required)
• TB test within the last 12 months (provided if needed)
• Satisfactory criminal background check
• Satisfactory driving record

Licenses & Certifications:

• Valid Tennessee, Kentucky, or Alabama driver’s license (military exemptions available)
• CPR and First Aid certification (provided upon hire if needed)
• Must successfully complete all required training by DDA, PDI, TennCare Employment Community First, and the TRN Job Coaching & Consulting competency-based course (for ECF clients)

Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to read, follow instructions, and communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
• Comfortable interpreting safety rules, procedure manuals, and operating instructions
• Capable of writing routine reports and professional correspondence
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division using U.S. money and standard measurements)
• Strong reasoning ability with the capacity to follow detailed but straightforward instructions and handle routine problem-solving

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to stand, walk, and use hands frequently during shifts
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Driving required

Make a difference. Build a career. Change a life. Apply today.