Education, environment, and personal choice often lead people to choose community-based employment at a competitive wage. While the opportunity to work is not always readily available, CR’s Employment Services Program provides the assistance and guidance that enable people to identify their strengths and personal preferences, develop a work ethic, prepare for the job search process and be successfully employed.
Pathway to Employment is the discovery phase and the first step in an individual’s career path. Assisting each individual to develop a one year vocational training plan to discover the career path of their choice, the Job Coach arranges and accompanies each person to various community businesses so that, on a volunteer basis, they can gain valuable work experience. As part of the twelve month program, classroom tutorials and motivational guidance are provided on all aspects of working in the community including focus and task formation, self-advocacy and confidence, communication skills and the importance of a strong work ethic. The ultimate goal is to match the training and acquired skills with each individual’s choice of an independent career path.
Supported Employment is the experience phase of Employment Services in which each individual becomes ready to transition into the workforce. The Job Coach will assist in resumé development, on-line job search skills, interviewing skills, and securing and maintaining employment of choice. Hands-on, guided assistance is provided in the job search, accompaniment to all interviews, and advocacy on behalf of the candidate. Once employment is secured, each individual will have a specialized Job Coach to ensure that job responsibilities are clearly understood and being fulfilled and to assist with any challenging situations.
Access-VR offers intensive supported employment services to individuals who require more training and education to successfully enter the workforce. Once employed, the EPT Program component provides intensive on the job support for each individual’s entire shift for up to six months.
Please contact Claudia Acevedo, Director of Community Services, for more information and/or to arrange a tour at 718-447-5200 ext. 269 or c.acevedo@cr-si.org
