How We Support
Career Candidates:
The ASpectrum team works with our Neurodivergent Career Candidates to ensure a confident start on the job and a successfully maintained employment opportunity.
Our Secret Sauce:
ASpectrum’s magic comes from our uniquely skilled Job Integration Coaches. Many of our coaches identify as being Neurodivergent themselves or having extensive lived experience supporting loved ones who are Neurodivergent. We embody, “Nothing for us, without us!”
What Job Integration Coaches Do:
Coaches provide a free (30 minute) Discovery Call to see if you both click. Once matched with a coach, you’ll work together to build a Success Strategy* that highlights your strengths and identifies any challenges you might anticipate- as you start your new job.
Coaches can support virtually, in-person or a bit of both-whatever will make you confident and set you up for success when you start your new job.
*Success Strategy: Uses a strength based approach which involves identifying an individual’s strengths, setting goals that align with those strengths and developing strategies to leverage them.
Job Integration Coach Support Programs:
Job Integration Coach supports onboarding by attending work (either virtually or in-person) with the Career Candidate, aiding in training, providing introductions to supportive colleagues, clarifying job tasks, and ensuring a clear understanding of accommodations. This can include recording training, reviewing manuals, facilitating introductions to coworkers, and providing ongoing assistance on the job. Workplace mapping is done pre-start to familiarize the Career Candidate with the workspace. Debrief after the first shift includes a check-in call with the Integration Coach and reporting for the caseworker.
Job Integration Coach meets with Career Candidate at convenient/accessible locations for them, exploring diverse worksites such as malls or retail streets. Coach reports Career Candidate’s preferred employers and rationale to Caseworker/Job Developer to assist with career mapping and targeted applications.
Job Integration Coach conducts safety education and awareness, route mapping and practice transit runs with Career Candidate.
Job Integration Coach develops a comprehensive examination of workplace accommodations to support Career Candidates. Coaches assess the requirements of employees and explore potential adjustments in work tasks, schedules, or physical environments. The service relies on collaborative planning to implement personalized accommodations, ensuring an inclusive and accessible workplace. The goal is for coaches to create a uniquely tailored support plan for the employee to successfully navigate the work environment.
Our 'Remote Shift Check-Ins' service is designed to support Neurodivergent individuals, whether working remotely or in a traditional setting. Through pre-shift check-ins, we understand their unique needs and concerns, tailoring onboarding for a comfortable transition. Post-shift check-ins gather feedback, address concerns, and make necessary adjustments, ensuring an inclusive and supportive work environment for Neurodivergent professionals, regardless of their work setting.
Communication Support: The Job Integration Coach can help facilitate effective communication between the Neurodivergent Career Seeker and the interviewer. This ensures that the candidate’s unique strengths and qualifications are clearly expressed. This support can help the candidate present themselves in the best possible light and accurately convey their unique skills and experiences.
Understanding & Advocacy: Job Integration Coach can provide insight into the specific needs and strengths of the Career Candidate, helping the interviewer understand how to create an inclusive and supportive work environment.
Stress Management: The presence of the Job Integration Coach can substantially help alleviate potential stress or anxiety for the Career Candidate providing reassurance and support during the interview process. This support can make all the difference in how the candidate is able to focus on showcasing their abilities and qualifications, ultimately increasing their chances of success.
Our Job Integration Coaching overview goes beyond traditional workplace assessments. Our coaches conduct walkthroughs, accompanied by or personally tailored to the support needs of Neurodivergent new-hires, assessing factors such as lighting, noise levels, scent, and colour schemes. The goal is to provide feedback and recommend adjustments for a sensory-friendly workspace. The outcome is a detailed report of suggestions, aimed at creating a work environment that accommodates the unique sensory preferences and challenges of Neurodivergent employees.
What to Expect:
In-Person Coaching
Coaches will work with you on your job to develop your *soft and *technical skills and identify ways for your employer to create an even more inclusive work environment, if necessary. (Advocacy with you and for you is our passion and our coaches are the BEST at it!)
*Soft Skills - Soft skills are tools used to work with others and navigate interpersonal situations. These tools include: communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving. They play a crucial role in effective collaboration and overall job performance.
*Technical Skills - Technical skills are the hands-on abilities and knowledge needed for a job. They involve using tools, software, or machinery to get the job done.
Virtual Coaching
Coaches schedule recurring check-ins via phone or video conference to address whatever your priorities are. These can look like:
- A Wake Up Call – (GET Up, Get UP, GET UP)
- Pre-Shift Check-In – (You ready? Alarm set, phone charging, outfit ready, lunch packed, route planned?)
- Post-Shift Check-In – (You DID it!!!! How did it go, tell us everything)
- Orientation Support – (See you online, partner!)
- Contract Negotiation – (You’d rather have a transit pass instead of a gym membership and need a few more scheduled breaks in your day? Let’s make it happen)
- Accommodation Planning and Implementation – (Need headphones or a quiet space to decompress?)
- Remote Work Support – (Let’s get you feeling confident and your remote workspace organized)
- Mental Wellness Check – (Let’s be mindful for a minute…together)
- Regular Strategy & Performance Planning Calls – (Building the foundation together)
- Check-Ins with Supervisory Team to Provide Feedback – (Input/output vibes)
- Career Advancement Mapping – (Movin’ On Up…)
Both virtual and in-person coaching models include strong advocacy for an inclusive work environment which our coaches practice with you and your employer on a regular basis.
Often, people benefit from both virtual and in-person coaching. Customize what works for you!