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.
“Nothing for us, without us!”.
Job Integration coaches bring a variety of specialized educational and professional backgrounds. Coaches are strategically matched with employee needs and relevant work experience, whenever possible. Our coaches bring to the table their aligned lived-experience, diverse cultural and professional backgrounds and of course, their unique personalities and passions!
Coaches provide employment candidates with a free (30 minute) Discovery Call to see if there is synergy between them. Once matched, they will work together to build a Success Strategy* that highlights the candidate’s strengths and identifies any challenges they might anticipate- as they start their new job.
Through the development of the Success Strategy, incorporating insights from the employee, employer, the referring agent and Job Integration Coach, ASpectrum facilitates an action plan informed by understanding the employee’s experiences, current skill set and future goals, in addition to employer requirements.
A direct outcome of this combined effort is the creation of meaningful career paths- as opposed to short term work assignments. This supports retention and growth for both employers and career candidates.
Coaches can support virtually, in-person or utilizing a hybrid model based on career candidate and employer preference..
All of our coaches have passed a Vulnerable Sector Check and are covered under ASpectrum Errors & Omissions and Professional Liability Insurance.
*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.
What Job Integration Coaches Do:
Coaches provide employees with a free (30 minute) Discovery Call to see if they both click. Once matched with a coach, they will work together to build a Success Strategy* that highlights the employee’s strengths and identifies any challenges they might anticipate- as they start their new job. Coaches can support virtually, in-person or both.
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 Career Candidates on the job to develop *soft and *technical skills and identify ways for the employer to create an even more inclusive work environment, if necessary.
*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 specific hands-on abilities and knowledge needed to do a job. These skills can involve using tools, software, or machinery.
Virtual Coaching
Coaches schedule recurring check-ins via phone or video conference to address whatever the established priorities are. These can look like:
- A Wake Up Call
- Pre-Shift Check-In
- Post-Shift Check-In
- Orientation Support
- Contract Negotiation
- Accommodation Planning and Implementation
- Remote Work Support
- Mental Wellness Check
- Regular Strategy & Performance Planning Calls
- Check-Ins with Supervisory Team
- Career Advancement Mapping
Both virtual and in-person coaching models include strong advocacy for an inclusive work environment which our coaches practice with the participant and employer on a regular basis.