Main Area
VOCATIONAL AND EMPLOYMENT DEPARTMENT
Training and Employment are the focus of individuals with one or more of the following disabilities: developmental disabilities, mental health concerns, visual impairments, hearing impairments, physical disabilities as well as substance and alcohol addictions.
In addition vocational rehab provides supports to individuals who are in a Long Term Sheltered Employment program. These individuals are provided with the opportunity to do meaningful work and earn wages, while gaining a sense of accomplishment and improved self worth.
Training is provided to ACCESS-VR sponsored individuals who may be able to achieve competitive, gainful community-based employment in one of our many training programs: Janitorial/Maintenance, Retail, Assembly, Food Service, Shipping and Receiving.
Our Staff consists of a Coordinator/Intake Specialist, Vocational Counselors, and Employment Specialist, and the Director of Employment and Training as well as the Managers in each training program. Our department provides the highest quality services to those in need.
Evaluation: Our Vocational Evaluator/Intake Specialist provides the Valpar 3000 computerized assessment to all referrals. Each individual is observed in training areas for three weeks, allowing each individual the opportunity to choose an area that meets their interests and career objectives.
Vocational Counselors: Our team of Vocational Counselors assists all individuals in meeting their personal and work related goals. Examples of the services provided are: Vocational Goal Planning, Case Management Services, Job Readiness Skills, Benefits Advertisement, Consumer Satisfaction, Work Related Issues, and Linkages/Referrals.
Employment Specialist
Our Employment Specialist works with Work Readiness Trainees, who have a goal of competitive employment. The Employment Specialist provides vocational counseling and job development services as well as teaching Job Club. Job Club is a mandatory program within a classroom setting. In one week, trainees learn how to become “employable” and “work ready” with intensified instruction on job applications, resume writing, interviewing techniques, workplace ethics, sensitivity training and sexual harassment training.
Following Job Club, these trainees maintain contact with the Employment Specialist and their counselor, who assist them in the search for competitive employment and reinforces the skills that are needed in order to maintain employment. Also see heading for Job Club for more information.
Referrals: Please contact the Coordinator of Employment and Training/Intake Specialist
Phone: 716-833-3231, ext. 232
Fax: 716-833-3343