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FAQ’S pathways
Frequently Asked Questions
Most commonly asked questions
Supported Employment services seeks to achieve the following outcomes:
An opportunity to earn equitable wages and other employment-related benefits, development of new skills, increased community participation, enhanced self-esteem, increased consumer empowerment, and quality of life. The types of supported employment services used depend on the needs of individual consumers. The following are the basic components of supported employment:
Paid Employment:
Wages are a major outcome of supported employment. Work performed must be compensated with the same benefits and wages as other workers in similar jobs receive. This includes sick leave, vacation time, health benefits, bonuses, training opportunities, and other benefits. Employment must be for at least 18 hours per week.
Integrated Work Sites:
Integration is one of the essential features of supported employment. Individuals with disabilities should have the same opportunities to participate in all activities in which other employees participate and work alongside other employees who do not have disabilities.
Ongoing support:
A key characteristic which distinguishes supported employment from other employment programs is the provision of ongoing support for individuals with severe disabilities to maintain employment.
Supported services:
Job development and placement; intensive job-site training; facilitation of natural supports; special skills training; supplementary assessment; contact with employers, parents, family members and advocacy organizations; teaching compensatory workplace strategies.
Extensive support services:
Support services needed on an ongoing basis to support and maintain a person in competitive employment, provided at no cost to the employer.
Employment Specialist/Consultant (Job Coach):
A person employed by a job training and placement organization serving people with disabilities who matches clients with jobs, provides necessary supports during the initial employment period (such as specialized on-site training to assist the employee with a disability in learning and performing the job and adjusting to the work environment) and then facilitates the transition to natural workplace supports while deducing his or her role.
Natural Supports:
Consumers get support from supervisors and co-workers occurring in the workplace to assist employees with disabilities to perform their jobs, including supports already provided by employers for all employees.
These natural supports may be both formal and informal, and include mentoring, supervision (ongoing feedback on job performance), training (learning a new job skill with a co-worker) and co-workers socializing with employees with disabilities at breaks or after work.
Natural supports are particularly effective because they enhance the social integration and acceptance of an employee with a disability within the workplace. In addition, natural supports tend to be more permanent, consistently and readily available, thereby facilitating long-term job-retention.
These natural supports may be both formal and informal, and include mentoring, supervision (ongoing feedback on job performance), training (learning a new job skill with a co-worker) and co-workers socializing with employees with disabilities at breaks or after work.
Natural supports are particularly effective because they enhance the social integration and acceptance of an employee with a disability within the workplace. In addition, natural supports tend to be more permanent, consistently and readily available, thereby facilitating long-term job-retention.
Carving & job creation:
The process of breaking down jobs into their key components and assigning them to employees based on the company’s efficiency in operations and joint customization to meet the skills of the employee with a disability. This process results in either job restructuring or job creation.
Job Development:
Our job development manager creates relationship with various companies and business entities and locates jobs for people with disabilities through networking with employers, businesses and community leaders. The use of Business Advisory Councils is an excellent way to develop contacts that lead to employment for people with disabilities.
Mobile Work Crew:
A small crew of persons with disabilities (up to 6) works as a distinct unit and operates as a self-contained business that generates employment for their crew members by selling a service. The crew works at several locations within the community, under the supervision of a job coach.
The type of work frequently includes janitorial or grounds keeping. Consumers (individuals) with disabilities work with people who do not have disabilities in a variety of settings, such as offices and apartment buildings.
The type of work frequently includes janitorial or grounds keeping. Consumers (individuals) with disabilities work with people who do not have disabilities in a variety of settings, such as offices and apartment buildings.
What are the steps involved in helping an individual secure employment through Pathways:
Individuals complete meet and greet with employment liaison. An individualized employment plan will be completed identifying individuals’ work goals, steps to complete goals and how to successfully obtain employment.
On an individual’s first day in the program, a job trainer assists individuals with creating and completing a professional resume. Job trainer ensures that the individual understands the importance of a resume and all information is correct and up to date.
Job trainers assist with the application process, making sure the individual understands the position, employer and each section of the application being filled out.
Pathways provides hands-on training and lesson plans based on a curriculum that goes over workplace etiquette, the importance of punctuality, conflict and problem solving in the workplace, to name a few. This ensures the individual understands the workplace environment and is better prepared for his/her first day. Pathways also provides mock interview training which better prepares the individual for their interview with the employer. This has proven to be beneficial for the individual and aids them with successfully acing their interview and being extended a job offer.
Pathways provides support once the individual has successfully obtained employment. A job coach ensures the individual understands tasks assigned and facilitates their first day at work. A job coach continues to provide support throughout the individual’s work course, with the goal of weaning them off, assisting them with gaining independence in the workplace.
On an individual’s first day in the program, a job trainer assists individuals with creating and completing a professional resume. Job trainer ensures that the individual understands the importance of a resume and all information is correct and up to date.
Job trainers assist with the application process, making sure the individual understands the position, employer and each section of the application being filled out.
Pathways provides hands-on training and lesson plans based on a curriculum that goes over workplace etiquette, the importance of punctuality, conflict and problem solving in the workplace, to name a few. This ensures the individual understands the workplace environment and is better prepared for his/her first day. Pathways also provides mock interview training which better prepares the individual for their interview with the employer. This has proven to be beneficial for the individual and aids them with successfully acing their interview and being extended a job offer.
Pathways provides support once the individual has successfully obtained employment. A job coach ensures the individual understands tasks assigned and facilitates their first day at work. A job coach continues to provide support throughout the individual’s work course, with the goal of weaning them off, assisting them with gaining independence in the workplace.
Are participants provided with training or skill development before they start interviewing for jobs:
Yes. Pathways provides hands-on training which allows the individual to experience and have a better understanding of how to complete a task. We have a fully equipped computer lab where individuals can sharpen or gain hard skills. Job trainers provide guidance and support to our individuals while navigating their way around the computer and web. Pathways also provides interactive workplace lesson plans, reviewing various lessons based on tasks that are in a workplace setting. I.e. The importance of punctuality, communication in the workplace, problem solving, workplace etiquette, how to compose a professional email, workplace attire.
Are job placements based on the individual's interests, or is there a predetermined list of potential employers?
Job placements are determined based on the individual’s interest and skill set. It is important to ensure that the individual is seeking employment of his/her desire but is also able to complete the requirements. Pathways also provides information regarding the various employment opportunities, partnerships that match the individuals interest and skill set. Pathways ultimate goal is to ensure the individual finds employment in the area he/she is most interested and strives.
Does Pathways keep records or reports on the job search activities and outcomes for each participant?
Yes, Pathways keeps all records and reports of job search activities and outcomes. Pathways have an employment/ job application tracker where each employment application and outcome is tracked. Pathways also keep track of job offers extended with detailed information such as the employer’s address, date of job offer and a signature from the individual. Daily notes are completed for each participant where all their day-to-day training, applications and outcomes are discussed in detail.
If a participant is dissatisfied with their job placement, is there an option to switch to another job?
Yes, Pathways provides alternative employment opportunities if a participant expresses they are dissatisfied with their current employer. Pathways continuously follows up with individuals to check in on how employment is going and if any additional support is needed. Pathways strives on communication and ensuring each individual is comfortable expressing their progress, and workplace experience.
Are parents or guardians given updates on the participant’s progress, and if so, how frequently (e.g., every 3 months, 6 months)?
Parents/ guardians and all support systems are provided updates and progress regarding the participant. These are provided on a frequent basis and as needed. Pathways also provides SCLARC with quarterly reports where all progress, difficulties and accomplishments every 3 months in a year.