The vital role of job coaches in supporting persons with disabilities

May 2, 2019

Healthcaretoday, autism spectrum disorder, ASD, job coach for autism, Mazayu Kasan, Disability employment, Autism support, Inclusive workplace, PwD, Job placement for autism, Sustainable employment for autism, Autism awareness, Disability rights, living with autism, autism adult,

Mazayu Kasan (right) with her trainee Joshua Teow, an autistic individual who has been working at Uniqlo since 2014.

In today's inclusive workforce, the role of a job coach or job placement officer is crucial in training and assisting persons with disabilities (PwD), particularly those on the autism spectrum. These professionals serve as guides, mentors, and advocates, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can thrive in their workplaces and contribute meaningfully to society.

The importance of supportive resources
A job coach acts as a bridge between PwDs and potential employers, providing essential resources and guidance. Manuals serve as informative guides for both PwDs and their co-workers, while tips and materials help simplify tasks and enhance work performance. By tailoring support to individual needs, job coaches facilitate a smoother transition into the workforce.

Psychological and social support
During workplace shifts, job coaches provide not only practical assistance but also psychological support. This dual approach helps develop self-confidence and self-reliance in PwDs. By fostering appropriate social skills, work ethics, and interaction abilities, job coaches create a more inclusive environment.

Mazayu Kasan, a qualified job coach, explains, “Natural support means support provided by co-workers in the workplace in the absence of a job coach to promote sustainable employment. Support might include work performance, break time, interacting with others, and promoting community.” This natural support system is vital for long-term success and independence.

Gradual transition to independence
One of the key strategies employed by job coaches is the process of tagging and follow-up. This involves gradually reducing the level of support provided to PwDs while simultaneously increasing the natural support from co-workers. Such an approach not only promotes sustainable employment but also benefits everyone involved, as it encourages collaboration and community building in the workplace.

Real-life success stories
A prime example of successful job coaching is the case of Joshua Teow, an autistic individual who has been working at Uniqlo since 2014. Thanks to the guidance of his job coach and placement officer, Mazayu Kasan, Joshua was able to secure a position that suited his strengths.

“When we assessed him, we realized the workplace needed someone who spoke English, as the manager was from Korea and spoke little Malay. Joshua was an ideal fit because he is friendly and enjoys talking to others,” Mazayu recalls. Initially skeptical about Joshua's ability to work independently, she decided to give him a chance.

“I started teaching him how to take public transport and guided him through his work tasks. The manager loved him so much that he was transferred to another outlet in Subang Empire to keep him on the team,” she adds.

Building connections and community
Before her role as a job coach, Mazayu worked with Cheshire Home Kuala Lumpur, where there was an Economic Empowerment Program (EEP) for students with disabilities. This experience allowed her to build relationships with parents and schools, increasing awareness and support for job coaching in the community.

Mazayu advises parents seeking job coaching services to visit the Department of Social Welfare (Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat) and request support. “All Program Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PDK) teachers have undergone training to be job coaches, and each PDK has at least one dedicated coach,” she explains.

Accessing support services
While there are numerous job coaches throughout Malaysia, it's essential to understand the process of accessing services. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to obtain a PwD (OKU) card, which facilitates access to various support services. Job coaches must report their activities to the Department of Social Welfare to meet their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which require supporting a minimum number of PwDs each year.

The role of job coaches in assisting persons with disabilities is invaluable. By providing tailored support, fostering natural workplace relationships, and promoting independence, job coaches help individuals with autism and other disabilities navigate the workforce successfully. As society continues to embrace inclusivity, the efforts of job coaches will remain essential in empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

The vital role of job coaches in supporting persons with disabilities

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