Employment Services

Services that help a person gain a better understanding of competitive, integrated employment opportunities in their community. Exploration activities and experiences strengthen a person’s knowledge, interests, and preferences so they can make informed decisions about competitive employment. It includes the following service categories:

• Educational visits to community businesses to learn about various companies, products, services, and employment opportunities
• Career education activities to learn about specific types of occupations, job positions, and work opportunities
• Ongoing educational information and counseling assistance about jobs and careers that interest the person
• Peer-to-peer mentoring opportunities to meet and learn from people with disabilities who are employed in competitive, community jobs
• Job shadowing and try-out experiences for work involved in different occupations
• Individualized work experiences, including volunteer work experiences
• Education about post-secondary educational opportunities that enhance employment, community employment resources and use of transportation services
• Progress review and reporting meetings

Individualized services designed to help a person achieve competitive, integrated employment, become self-employed or establish a microenterprise business in their community. It includes the following service categories:

• Individualized, strengths-based assessments, and employment opportunity discovery strategies
• Skills training to find and succeed in a job
• Employment search assistance and support
• Help with negotiating and finalizing terms of employment
• Development of job applications, resume, and cover letters
• Outreach with community businesses about available employment opportunities
• Help to determine the type of business the person wants to establish
• Write a business plan, find sources of start-up financing

Individualized services and supports that help people maintain paid employment in businesses settings. Employment Support Services occur in integrated community settings. It includes the following service categories:

• Job analysis, job re-design
• Coaching and supporting acceptable workplace self-care, proper dress, personal hygiene, and grooming
• Ongoing analysis and consultation to identify needed supports
• Training, coaching, and support services for helping with effective day-to-day operations of all aspects of the business
• Data collection, documentation, and progress reports on a person’s work performance