Title

Factors Contributing to the Attrition of Supported Employment Job Coaches

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of Rehabilitation

Volume

57

Issue

2

Publication Date

1991

First Page

47

Last Page

50

Abstract

Rehabilitation facilities try to integrate individuals with disabilities into community life. Supported employment programs, which provide ongoing support for disabled persons working in the community, are an important component of rehabilitation services. Research has shown that financial benefits to disabled workers can be significant. Job coaches provide on-the-job support, and their presence is critical to the success of such programs. Job coach turnover, however, is a major problem for the disabled worker and in terms of the cost of recruiting and training new coaches. Thirteen job coaches were surveyed to assess working conditions and job coach attitudes during the eight months of this study. Of the 13, six did leave - four resigned, and two were fired. Through personnel records and personal interviews, it was determined that all job coaches who left did so within seven months of when they were hired. It is possible, therefore, that this duration is a threshold of sorts, after which longer-term employment is more probable. Job coaches reported that they had little or no peer support or supervision. Most reported that they left their jobs for one of three reasons: personal and family circumstances; inadequate training; and lack of on-site support at times when they felt unable to meet the demands of the role. While the sample size of this study was very small, the information provided should be useful to those involved in planning supported employment programs and retaining job coaches. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

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