Paraprofessionals as Job Coaches in Community-Based Work Experiences for Students with Extensive Support Needs

Paraprofessionals are often responsible for providing job coaching for students with extensive support needs (ESN) during community-based work experiences (CBWEs). Little is known about how paraprofessionals engage in job coaching and the practices they utilize to help students with ESN gain work skills during CBWEs. The purpose of this exploratory qualitative study was to understand how paraprofessionals support students with ESN during CBWEs. Five paraprofessionals were each observed three times at a community worksite and participated in pre- and post-observation interviews. Inductive qualitative analysis using constant comparative methods was used to analyze observation field notes and supporting interview transcripts. Paraprofessional job coaches primarily supported students during CBWEs by (a) using instructional strategies, (b) promoting independence and efficiency, (c) helping students meet social/behavioral demands, and (d) providing supplementary supports. Findings have practical implications for schools’ preparation and training of paraprofessional job coaches for CBWEs.