The League’s Vocational Services Program provides a wide range of services designed to prepare individuals with disabilities for return to productive employment in the community. Utilizing a supported employment philosophy, we promote the achievement of independence for each of our clients. Through the use of technology, individual support and person-centered planning, our program has places individuals in successful positions. Services offered include Career Assessment, Employee Development Services, and Employment Services including Job Development, Job Placement, Job Coaching and On-Going Supports.
1) Career Assessment is a resource offered at The League to assist individuals with disabilities in identifying skills, interests and abilities. The information gathered as a result of the assessment can be used for future vocational planning. As with all services offered by The League, emphasis is placed on the individual’s abilities and preferences. Often, career assessments uncover aptitudes and interests, previously overlooked or unknown. These often become the keys to vocational success.
The League’s Vocational Evaluator works closely with referring agencies and organizations in providing assessments that meet set standards. There are five assessment types provided.
The League is unique in its career assessment services in that it providesone-on-one evaluations, flexibility in scheduling, and timely provision of services rarely found elsewhere. The program is dynamic, growing and continually seeks to discover new and innovative ways of assisting individuals in realizing their potential.
back to top2) The Employee Development Services program offered at The League assists individuals in developing pre-employment and employment retention skills. The program provides from four to twelve weeks of training tailored to suit each individual including:
3) Employment Services are provided with a supported employment philosophy. Job Development is performed to meet each individual’s specific need. The League offers both long-term and short-term job coaching, on and off site, to ensure successful transition into the workplace.
Job Development is a process used in working with employers to identify various tasks and needs within their business that could be modified and combined to create a job for a specific individual. This process of job carving and modification involves the individual, agency staff members, family and friends. Generally placements occur within 90 days following completion of Employee Development Services.
Once a job has been found, the individual accepts employment and on the job training begins. The individual will be supplies with all the details of the job either in written form or verbally. This will include company information, benefits and transportation information. The job coach will be present during the first weeks of employment to assist in orientations and training. After that period of time, the individual, employer and job coach work together to ensure training and progress continues. Job Coaching fades gradually until independence is achieved. For some, on-site assistance will always be necessary to maintain employment and will be provided.
Ongoing supports continue for as long as a person is employed. On and off site visits continue to encourage personal development and success. Follow up services include assistance in managing a personal budget, ensuring work transportation, and providing additional training. We also teach employment retention skills, which includes instruction in problem solving, communication skills, attitudes in the workplace, time management, listening skills, appropriate work habits, workplace rules and conflict management.
Individuals referred by the Developmental Disabilities Administration has a plan which is reviewed yearly using a team approach. The individual receiving services selects the members of the team to include family, service providers, employer and friends. This gives the individual an opportunity to discuss his or her views and satisfaction with services. It also is the time to discuss long and short-term goals to achieve continued success.
Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Vocational Services at The League teaches individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing the fundamental pre-employment skills to prepare them for competitive employment in the community. Moreover, The League offers employee development services, referral, placement and retention services for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
We provide qualified staff who are proficient in American Sign Language (ASL) and competent in the issues concerning the Deaf community. Additionally, The League provides accomodations such as TTY access, visual emergency alarms and captioned TV.
For more information about the program please contact Jennifer Curran, Deaf Services Coordinator at (410) 323-0500 ext 343 or TTY (410) 435-5592. Jennifer may also be reached at jcurran@leagueforpeople.org
FAQ’s Vocational Services Program
No, services will be paid for by the Division of Rehabilitation Services or Developmental Disabilities Administration. League staff will assist in setting up an appointment with representatives of either of these agencies to pursue funding if you have not already applied.
A job coach is assigned to assist you in learning your job at your job site. The coach will work with you and assist you in learning your job and developing the speed and accuracy your employer desires.
Employee Development Services consist of classes and work experiences designed to assist you in your goal of obtaining and maintaining employment. Classes include Interviewing Techniques, Application Completion, Employer Expectations, Problem Solving, Interpersonal Skills and Conflict Resolution. Each individual receiving EDS Services also attends computer skills training and has access to the Wellness Center. Each individual is also assigned a work experience for which they are paid.
Yes, while attending EDS and Assessment Services. Following successful completion of the courses, you need not come to The League each day. You will have scheduled appointments with your Job Coach.
No, at this time, The League does not provide transportation, however, we are able to assist you by working with you to use Mobility and/or MTA Services. Staff is available to train you on using these services.
No, it is acceptable to seek part-time employment.
