Paraprofessionals as job coaches: Supporting students with extensive support needs during community-based work experiences

Paraprofessionals who serve as job coaches play a critical role in helping students with extensive support needs (ESN) access community-based work experiences (CBWEs); however, little research has been conducted on paraprofessionals’ involvement in these experiences. Therefore, the purpose of this exploratory qualitative study was to understand what paraprofessionals view as their role with CBWEs and how they support students with ESN during CBWEs. Five paraprofessionals each participated in two interviews and were observed three times while supporting student(s) with ESN at a community worksite. Inductive qualitative analysis using constant comparative methods was used to analyze interview transcripts and observation field notes. The following four themes were generated regarding paraprofessionals’ perceived roles with CBWEs: (a) instructor, (b) supervisor, (c) conduit, and (d) improvisor. Paraprofessional supports for students during CBWEs include (a) use of instructional strategies, (b) promoting independence and efficiency, (c) helping students meet social/behavioral demands, and (d) provision of supplementary supports. Findings from this study demonstrate that paraprofessionals view their role with CBWEs positively and believe that they can make a strong impact on students by supporting them during work experiences. Findings also have practical implications for schools’ designation of paraprofessionals for CBWEs and particular areas for training to promote the use of effective practices and workplace supports during CBWEs.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Special Education

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• Brenner, Hannah Rose

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dymond, Stacy K
• Strauser, David R
• Schutz, Michele
• Tarconish, Emily

• Community-based Work Experiences
• Paraprofessional
• Job Coach
• Extensive Support Needs
• Transition To Work

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2024 Hannah Rose Brenner

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/124260

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F124260