Employment Services
Pathway to Competitive Employment
Employment services cover a comprehensive range of activities and support to ensure that individuals with disabilities not only find employment but also thrive in their chosen careers. The person-centered approach underscores the commitment to recognizing and addressing the unique needs and aspirations of each individual.
Individuals with disabilities aspire to join the mainstream workforce, yet they may feel uncertain about its feasibility or lack the necessary resources for employment. OCS is dedicated to assisting people with disabilities in securing competitive and integrated job opportunities.
OCS Offers three different types of Employment Services:
Employment Development Services:
- Objective: Employment Development Services aim to assist individuals in achieving competitive, integrated employment or support them in becoming self-employed or establishing a microenterprise business in the community.
- Activities:
- Developing individualized employment plans.
- Job readiness training.
- Assistance with resume building and interview preparation.
- Job placement and employer engagement.
- Support:
- Ongoing support during the job search process.
- Collaboration with employers to create inclusive work environments.
- Entrepreneurial guidance if pursuing self-employment.
Employment Exploration:
- Objective: The goal of Employment Exploration is to help individuals with disabilities assess their skills, interests, and preferences in a person-centered manner.
- Activities:
- Tailoring experiences to individual needs.
- Identifying strengths, skills, and career aspirations.
- Exploring various employment options.
- Providing exposure to different workplace environments.
- Support:
- Personalized guidance from employment specialists.
- Skill assessments and career counseling.
Employment Support Services:
- Objective: Employment Support Services focus on providing individualized support to help individuals maintain paid employment in community businesses or settings.
- Activities:
- On-the-job training and coaching.
- Accommodations coordination for workplace needs.
- Skill development to enhance job performance.
- Problem-solving for workplace challenges.
- Support:
- Continuous support to address workplace challenges.
- Advocacy for reasonable accommodations.
- Monitoring progress and adapting support as needed.
Eligibility
To receive Employment Services, a person must:
- Be eligible for Brain Injury (BI), Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI), Community Alternative Care (CAC) or Developmental Disabilities (DD) waiver services.
- Have employment services as an assessed need in their support plan.
- Not have access to the same services through Vocational Rehabilitation Services/State Services for the Blind (VRS/SSB) or Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
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