Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Competitive Employment is employment:

1. in the competitive labor market that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis in an integrated setting
2. for which an individual is compensated at or above minimum wage, but not less than customary or usual wage paid by the employer for the same or similar work performed by individuals who are not disabled.

Employment opportunities are available within community businesses. The Employment Specialist locates jobs within the community, matches and trains individuals for the jobs, and provides ongoing services, which allow the worker to sustain employment. The individual could have the support of the trained job coach supervisor 100% of the time initially with support gradually fading as the individual becomes more independent or the employer could provide the training. If an individual should require long-term job coaching; long-term funding must be secured prior to placement.

The Employment Specialist locates jobs within the community, matches and trains individuals for the jobs, and provides ongoing services, which allows the worker to sustain employment. The individual has the support of the trained job coach for a short time or the employer could provide the training themselves.

An individual is deemed eligible for this service if they are "job ready." Job readiness will be determined in collaboration between the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and our Employment Specialist. Job ready could mean the individual has secure transportation, childcare issues are resolved, impact on benefits has been considered, health related issues are resolved, the individual's attitude and aptitude are suitable for employment, etc.

All staff working in this program will attend training and become certified as Employment Specialists, as well as, other trainings such as CPR, First Aid, Abuse/Neglect, etc. The Employment Specialist's primary objective is to match people's skills with the employer's needs. Employment Specialists provide individualized job placement based on the individual's employment interests and strengths and on employer need.

The Employment Specialist responsibilities include:

• cultivating job opportunities with employers
• assisting in resume writing
• performing job searches
• helping to improve job and interview skills
• providing on-the-job coaching
• maintaining ongoing support through periodic visits on and off the worksite

Individuals needing services are generally referred through on of the following agencies:

• Department of Mental Health
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
• Public Schools

However, individuals may also refer themselves.