John is motivated by people, but his current task doesn’t fit. The solution is job carving, structured supports to manage distractions, and transition planning toward customer-facing roles that match his strengths.
Possible Solutions:
Match Placement to Interests:
Explore checkout, greeter, bagger, or customer service helper roles — even short trial shifts — since John thrives on social interaction.
Use job carving: combine limited stocking with short bursts of customer-facing tasks to keep him motivated.
Teach Work-Readiness Skills:
Create clear expectations: “work first, socialize later” with visual reminders or task checklists.
Teach strategies for politely limiting conversations with customers while working (e.g., brief greeting, then returning to task).
Reinforce on-task behavior with short, scheduled social breaks.
Environmental Adaptations:
Place John in lower-traffic aisles to reduce distractions while stocking.
Use a visual timer or productivity tracker so he can see progress and stay focused.
Structured Social Opportunities:
Give John roles that allow safe interaction: restocking near the register where brief interactions are natural, or helping customers find products.
Allow end-of-shift “customer interaction time” as a reward for staying on task earlier.
Coach & Employer Collaboration:
Train the placement coach to prompt and reinforce appropriate customer interactions.
Communicate with the store about John’s strengths so they can consider flexible roles (e.g., bagging, carry-out assistance).
Future Career Planning:
Incorporate John’s long-term career goal (customer-facing roles) into his IEP transition plan.
Build toward certifications or experiences that align with cashiering or service industry work.
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