You get a call from a job coach on behalf of a job applicant with a disability.   Your first thought might be that this individual can’t talk for himself so he’s obviously not a good fit for the position.

Don’t hang up the phone!  You may be missing out on a great match.

Here is what you need to know:

• What is a job coach?  A professional who will assist a candidate with a disability through a interview and then help the employee with a disability learn and perfect his or her job.  The job coach can make your job easier!

• Why would a job coach make the call to you instead of the candidate?  Often, a job coach helps facilitate communications for the candidate during the interview process.  A job coach has pre-screened the candidate and knows the candidate’s skills and abilities well.  Many individuals with disabilities are a perfect fit for the position you need to fill, they just use support for phone interviews (and in-person interviews).  The job coach makes the interview and screening experience much more effective and productive for you, the employer!

• What should you ask a job coach?  Ask the job coach the questions you would ask the interviewee.  The job coach may answer on behalf of the candidate or facilitate the answer.

Remember, if the job you need to fill doesn’t require talking on the phone, don’t let the phone interview determine your decision.  That job coach on the other end of the line may have the candidate you’ve been looking for!

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Benjamin Lachman is the Business and Community Engagement Coordinator for JJsList.com