Starting a new job or volunteer role is a big step for anyone. For people with intellectual disabilities, having the right support in place from the beginning can make all the difference. Support might be needed in the early stages to help build confidence, learn routines, and navigate the workplace. The ultimate goal? Greater independence and inclusion.

What Does a Job Coach or Support Staff Do?

A job coach (also known as support staff) works alongside a person with a disability to support them in the workplace. Their role is to help the person learn how to do their job, understand workplace expectations, and build natural relationships with coworkers.

This support can include:

• Helping the person learn tasks by breaking them down step-by-step
• Supporting time management and routines (e.g., start/end of shifts, breaks)
• Encouraging communication with coworkers and supervisors
• Ensuring the person knows how to ask for help when needed
• Supporting travel to and from work if required
• Promoting safety and self-advocacy at work
• The job coach’s support is tailored to the individual’s needs, strengths, and goals.

When Does Support Start to Fade?

Good job coaching isn’t meant to last forever. In fact, part of the coach’s role is to “work themselves out of a job.” As the person grows more confident and capable, the coach gradually steps back, giving space for independence and growth.

This “fading” process:

• Builds self-confidence and self-reliance
• Encourages natural workplace relationships
• Reduces reliance on paid support

There’s no set timeline for fading support—it depends on the person, the job, and the environment. The key is to observe when the person starts mastering tasks and interacting comfortably with others.

How to Step Back (Without Stepping Away)

It can be tempting to step in too quickly, especially when you want to be helpful. But too much support can hold someone back. Learning comes through doing—even if that includes mistakes along the way.

Here are some ways support staff (and family members) can step back to promote independence:

• Use verbal prompts instead of physical ones
• Allow space for problem-solving before offering help
• Let the person interact with others without stepping in
• Encourage them to ask coworkers for help instead of always relying on you
• Teach phrases like, “Thanks, I’d like to try it myself”
• Celebrate effort and independence—even when things aren’t perfect

Remember: stepping back allows the person to step forward.

Natural Supports: The Key to Long-Term Success

A natural support is someone already working or volunteering at the same site—like a coworker, supervisor, or regular volunteer—who becomes part of the person’s everyday support system. These relationships are important because:

• They reduce dependence on job coaches
• They promote belonging and team inclusion
• They help the person feel more like “just another employee”

Job coaches can play an important role in helping to build and strengthen these connections early on.

What’s the Role of a Family Member?

Family members often play a vital role in preparing someone for work—but it’s usually best if a job coach provides direct support in the workplace.

Here’s why:

• It helps the person feel more independent and confident
• Boundaries are easier to maintain between work life and family life
• It reduces stress on family relationships
• Professionals are trained in job coaching, advocacy, and workplace communication

Families can still offer huge value by:

• Encouraging and celebrating success
• Helping the person reflect on their workday
• Supporting with routines and preparation at home
• Staying connected with employment support teams when needed

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to support someone at work. Some people will need support for a short time; others may benefit from longer-term coaching or check-ins. What’s important is that support leads to increased confidence, connection, and independence over time.

Whether you’re a family member, job coach, or employer, your role is not to lead—it’s to walk beside the person as they build their path in the workplace.