Supporting people with disabilites to realize their employment Educational and Community Volunteer goals.
The Supported Employment Program builds partnerships with the business community to create jobs. We actively seek out opportunities for individuals to contribute to their community and economy.
Job Development
The Supported Employment Program develops employment opportunities in the community through a number of ways. We work one-on-one with the individuals we support, and develop a plan together to move towards employment. Some ways in which we find employment in the community is through:
- Customized Employment
- Community Employment Opportunities
- Social Enterprise
- Earth Matters Recycling
- Community Partnerships
- Weekly Pennywise Delivery
- Postering Service
Job Site Training
The Supported Employment Program provides training opportunities for individuals to learn relevant work site skills.
Our current training opportunities include:
- Office Cleaning Training Site at Nelson CARES Society
- Individual on-site skills training
Job Supports
The Supported Employment Program supports individuals at their work site.
Some services we offer:
- As needed, custom job coaching
- Ongoing job coaching at our Social Enterprises
- On call job coaching
- Follow up on job placements & periodic check-ins
- Support for employment (task lists, consulting)
- Community recognition and education
– Photo courtesy of Della McLeod
While our participants are primarily individuals with disabilities who are seeking employment, volunteer or training opportunities, we also serve many business owners and organizations who offer opportunities to our participants. Our Staff worked with employers to secure work placements, assist with creations of customized employment, orient new employees, create job descriptions, conduct task analysis and offer ongoing problem solving and support. In the last year there were 55 local businesses, including six new partnerships, to provide volunteer and training employment opportunities for Supported Employment Program participants.