Services Available From Our
Employment Services
Supported Employment
For individuals who require help finding
employment, training (job coaching) to learn the tasks, and ongoing support
to maintain the job, The Arc has professional staff who develop jobs in the
community, coach, and “follow-along” for job retention.
Individuals who need more supervision than
most worksites can provide, may be eligible for placement in an Arc enclave.
Out in the community, but more sheltered, employees in enclaves usually work
at their own pace and are paid piece-rate.
Transitional Employment
This program is for individuals who need
assistance finding work, and who need some training (job coaching) as well,
but do not need ongoing follow-along support.
Direct Placement
Person who are referred to
this program typically need help only in finding the right job in the
community. Once they are hired, they are on their own.
School-To-Work Program
Referrals from BOCES who want work
experience in the community will benefit from this service. This is part of
a plan to transition from school to a real job. The program includes
pre-employment skills training in a classroom setting, the local school
districts.
College
Works
College Works is a program established to
improve student transition from high school to employment, is a
collaborative project between MVCC and the Arc Oneida-Lewis Chapter.
Welfare-To-Work Program
Individuals referred to The Arc by the
Department of Social Services (DSS) in this program, need job-seeking skills
training, help with job placement, and also life skills. Their barriers to
employment may not be physical or mental disabilities.
Partners At “One Stop”
The Arc has been a charter member and full
partner at the area’s One Stop employment program. This means access to the
New York job bank, to the various services offered at One Stop (formerly the
Department of Labor), and a cooperative relationship with other area
agencies involved in employment and vocational services.
Other Services For Individuals
The Arc also offers a wide variety of
services for individuals and their families. These include Transportation
(may not be available to all), Career Exploration, a weekly Job Club,
training on both job skills and social appropriateness, and advocacy to meet
vocational-related needs.
Some Jobs In
Employment Services
Housekeeping
Food Service
Stocking
Shipping & Receiving
Assemblywork
Payment Processing
Supermarket Clerk
Projectionist
Kitchen Aide
Recycling
WHAT IS
V.E.S.I.D.?
(WE CAN HELP YOU APPLY)
V.E.S.I.D. stands for Vocational and
Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities. (It was previously
O.V.R. – the New York State Education Department’s “Office for Vocational
Rehabilitation.”)
VESID helps people with
disabilities to find suitable employment. One way that VESID does this, is
by referring individuals to The Arc’s Employment Services. In fact, if you
want to work with The Arc, you first need to apply to VESID, to see if you
are eligible.
We can help you apply. We
have applications and staff who are familiar with the form, who can assist
you in completing it. All information you provide is confidential. You will
be asked to provide references so that VESID can learn more about your
disability. You will be asked if you have any work limitations. And you will
asked about your employment history.
Then you will meet a
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor from VESID, who will get more
information and learn more about you, so that they can help make the best
decision about your future. They will discuss your goals, your interests,
education, work history, financial situation, and your health. They will
then counsel you and help you plan your career. They will also inform you
about the many other services VESID can provide, according to your personal
situation and needs.
There is no cost for VESID
services or for meeting with a VESID counselor. Any testing they require, is
also free of charge.
We can help put you in
contact with VESID. Or you can visit their District Office on the 8th
floor of the New York State Office Building, 207 Genesee Street in downtown
Utica. You can call them at (315) 793-2536. If you communicate with a TTY,
call (315) 793-2667.
JOB CLUBS
The Arc offers to those anticipating
employment, the opportunity to prepare for their next job, by participating
in one of two Job Clubs. Both are offered weekly, one in Utica and one in
Rome.
Persons referred to the
Arc’s Employment Services are eligible for Job Club, the Cubs are not open
to the general public or to walk-ins.
The Utica Job Club meets
Tuesdays at 2 PM in the conference room at One Stop, on the 2nd
floor of the New York State Office Building.
In Rome, the Job Club
meets on Thursdays at 2 PM in a classroom at the BOCES building, 214 West
Liberty Street.
Participants are
encouraged to attend five different sessions, each intended to teach and
motivate, to increase the chance for success in the workplace. The sessions
will include discussions, viewing videos, and active involvement in job
hunts. Participants will write resumes and cover letters, learn how to
complete applications, and brush up their interviewing skills and
techniques. Appropriate behavior and grooming tips are also covered.
After the sessions are
completed, participants are given a mock interview, and then feedback on how
they might improve their performance.
The Job Clubs are designed
to fine-tune skills for job candidates who are competing in a very tough
market.
HOW TO
CONTACT US
If you live in Oneida County, contact
Employment Services at (315) 735-6477 extension 1654, or stop by our offices at 243 Genesee
Street in downtown Utica.
In Lewis County, contact
Options Unlimited at (315) 348-5372, or visit our office at 6560 West Main
Street in Turin.
