Supported Employment Program

Supported Employment Program

The Supported Employment Program aims to facilitate the identification and fulfillment of self-directed vocational goals for adults with developmental disabilities who want to integrate into the workforce. We provide an experienced job coach for each placement.

This coach will assist the employee and business owner or manager in whatever way they need in order to train the employee to perform the job. Each individual client is assessed and monitored to ensure compliance of their placement with the requirements of the Employment Standards Act Matrix.

Individuals accepted must have a vocational goal, and demonstrate skills that indicate he or she may be able to attain their stated vocational goals. Individuals must be independently mobile, with or without aids, and self-administer their medications. The Supported Employment Program charges no fee for its service to employers or job applicants.

Take a closer look at the Supported Employment Program by watching this video with Mike at Wal-Mart. Click here.

Services for Program Participants

• Self-directed planning
• Detailed vocational skills assessments
• Individualized, active job search
• Coaching and counselling in job search techniques, work attitudes, and social skills
• Individualized, on-the-job training, for up to three months, to support participants in meeting the employer’s job performance expectations
• Follow-up support to ensure long-term success
• Retraining as necessary
• Personal advocacy for employment related matters

There shall be a current, written plan developed and implemented for each individual receiving services. Plans are reviewed annually, but can be reviewed at any time, as requested by an individual. A Vocational Action Plan will be written with each client after an assessment of their vocational interests and work history.

Individuals are supported in contributing to their community through work and volunteer placements.

They will be given the opportunity to participate in a Job Club to further their understanding of health and hygiene as it relates to employment needs, how to get along with co-workers and supervisors, work safety issues, exercising their rights as employees and members of the workforce, and how to maintain a volunteer placement or employment.

Individuals are also encouraged to learn about a variety of community resources. Trained staff are employed to provide quality service.

Services for Employees

• All services are free of charge
• Pre-screening of our clients for specific skills and aptitude
• Assistance, as needed, in the hiring process
• Individualized, on the job, training for the employee
• On-site support teaching work attitudes, social skills and other work ethics
• Follow up support or re-training as necessary
• Flexible work schedules that accommodate your staffing needs
• Disability Awareness training for current employees
• Qualified job coaches have WCB coverage, health and disability, and liability insurance up to $2,000,000 provided through the Society

Resources for Employers

• The Association’s employer package and website
• The BC Human Rights Brochure (for both employer and employee)
• The Cowichan Valley Employment Community Agencies resource list
• Employment Standards Act and Regulation information.
• Wage subsidy and variances as alternatives to traditional wages

Who is Eligible for Supported Employment Program

Any resident of the Cowichan Valley who is nineteen years old, has a developmental disability, and is seeking a vocational placement or employment can be referred to the Supported Employment Program through the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s Community Living Services.

Some program participants will have attended high school and college programs, through which they participated in “work experience” placements. Others have worked in paid jobs, and some are seeking the opportunity to take volunteer or job-readiness training in order to apply for their first job.

Waitress

Can People with Disabilities Really Handle a Job?

Some of the people we recruit are already able to perform a full-time job with multiple responsibilities and job pressures present in any type of work. Others require modifications in order to maintain community placement.

A Supported Employment job coach assists all newly placed trainees and their co-workers on-the-job. We believe there is a place for everyone to participate in and contribute to their community.

What Is the Employer’s Liability?

An employer’s liability for an employee with a disability is no different than any other employee. National studies have shown that workers who have a disability have no more accidents or injuries than other workers, and have a lower turnover rate.

The Supported Employment Program expects that employers will afford the same employment benefits to an employee with a disability as they do other employees performing similar work.

Real Work for Real Pay

Some current SEP participants:
Josh, Wal-Mart
Christine, Amber, and Ryan, M’akola Housing Grounds Crew
Amber, London Drugs

Christine, Tim HortonsCindel Brudy

We Would Like to Thank

Tim Horton’s
Wal-Mart
London Drugs
M’akola Housing
Shawnigan Lake RCMP
Boys and Girls Club

Contact Information

For more information, please contact the Supported Employment Program at sep@clementscentre.org
Or Call 250-746-4135 ext. 230