Community Employment

Community Employment’s staff of experienced Employment Specialists and Certified Work Incentives Practitioner provide one-on-one employment services to assist each individual in reaching their employment goals in the community. Our Community Employment staff provide the following Individual Supported Employment services once we receive a referral and service authorization from referring agency:

Intake

Community Employment staff meet with you in the community to create an employment plan based on your individual needs. The goal is to understand your job goals, disability, education, and work skills. During this part of the process, you and your employment specialist work together to figure out:

• What job may be right for you?
• What services do you need to get and keep a job?

Situational Assessments

Community Employment participants complete Situational Assessments to test their skills and interests in a real work setting and participate “hands-on” in sample job tasks. Over a period of 2-3 months, you work one-on-one with your Employment Specialist to gain experience and learn more about different types of jobs in your community.

Employment Specialists focuses on learning about:

• What you like to do.
• What you are able to do.
• What additional skills or supports you may benefit from.

When the assessments are complete, you, your DARS counselor, and your family members, caregivers, or support providers meet to talk about your employment options and next steps.

Job Development Services

Job Development is the process of marketing an individual to employers, including informing employers about what the individual can accomplish. Communication is the key to successful job development. It is important to have regular meetings to share information and discuss your progress.

Your Employment Specialist may support you with:

• Writing a resume and obtaining references
• Searching for a job – online and in-person
• Interview preparation and dressing for success
• Understanding employer expectations

Job Placement & Training Services

Once an individual obtains employment, the Employment Specialist accompanies them to work and assists them in learning about their job by working side-by-side with the individual until they are comfortable working independently. Services can include assistance with the company orientation and onboarding, supplemental job skills preparation, and travel training. Your Employment Specialist works with you and your employer to identify needed accommodations and natural support.

Specialized Support Services for Employment Success

Your DARS counselor may provide referral and service authorization for additional support services to help you get a job or keep your job. Community Employment provides the following Support Services:

Community Support Services:

Areas of your life that may be impacting your ability to get a job or stay employed. Community Support Services may include help with organization, time management, health and wellness, resource coordination, assistive technology training, travel training, and social and vocational skill development.

Ongoing & Follow-Along Support Services:

Our Employment Specialists provide ongoing and follow-along support, even after job placement and training are complete. The Employment Specialists remain in contact with both the individual and employer, providing on- or off-site support as needed, for as long as the individual has employment.

Work Incentives Planning and Benefits Counseling:

When you are receiving social security benefits and decide to enter or re-enter the workforce, this decision affects your social security benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has developed work incentives for people with disabilities who want to work. Your local social security office can also answer questions about employment and your benefits.

Community Employment’s Certified Work Incentives Practitioner(CWIP) provides Work Incentive Planning and Benefits Counseling Services through one-on-one sessions. Our CWIP helps you understand how the hours you work and the wages you earn at your job may affect your federal and state disability benefits. These services are helpful when starting a new job, returning to work, seeking a higher paying job, or starting your own business.