One of the top priorities of the California Department of Developmental Services (“DDS”) is ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities receive care in their communities, as opposed to away from their communities in an institutional setting. Providing care in this way fosters independence and allows individuals to remain active parts of their families and the communities where they already live. In particular, employment is one of the key components of DDS’s focus on community-centered care. To give DDS participants the best chance of getting and keeping a job, DDS offers specialized job coaching services.

California’s Employment First Law

California is an “Employment First” state. Simply put, Employment First is a law that prioritizes employment for individuals with developmental disabilities. The Employment First law was passed in 2013. It includes several important features:

• Most immediately, the law prioritizes helping developmentally disabled people find employment.
• Additionally, employment must be within the community where the person already lives.
• Finally, developmentally disabled individuals must be paid roughly the same amount as others doing the same job.

DDS and Job Coaching

Before job coaching actually begins, DDS regional centers have professionals to help people find employment. Once a person gets a job, DDS continues supporting them through job coaching.

Job coaching typically begins once a person is hired or placed in a job. through DDS regional center services. A trained job coach works alongside the individual to help them learn tasks, understand workplace expectations, and adapt to the new work environment. Coaches also help with building soft skills, such as interpersonal communication, time management, and problem-solving.

As the individual becomes more confident and independent, the job coach gradually reduces the amount of hands-on support they provide. Ultimately, the goal is for the person to work with as much independence as possible while still having access to backup assistance anytime it’s needed. In some cases, ongoing job coaching remains available for more complex roles or to help navigate workplace changes.

Job coaching through DDS not only benefits the employee but also supports employers. The program accomplishes this by improving retention and productivity. By fostering skills and independence, job coaching empowers individuals to achieve meaningful careers and greater self-sufficiency.