Jobs & Training

 Pre-vocational training is designed to meet the vocationally-minded individual to learn skills that are focused on building physical skills that are required by jobs identified by the person’s interest inventories. Specialized activities include fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, tolerance for sitting or standing, and/or sorting, matching, as defined by the chosen career focus. All activities feature a theme for consistency in job performance and understanding the elements of successful job-related activities.  

 Work habits and technical skills are the key focus areas for Life Skills and Vocational Training.  Job skill development, job interest inventories, job exploration, transitioning to work, personal hygiene, and interpersonal communication skill development are all part of the learning experience persons served receive.  Crafting Enterprises is part of this area that provides opportunities for persons served to create quality craft items for sale.  The Center’s document shredding operation provides paid work experience combined with valuable vocational training. Paid work experiences in-Center and in the community along with visits to community establishments provide a methodology for individuals to learn in “real time”. 

 Supported employment provides persons served opportunities for paid work, with the support of trained staff to further skills and stresses quality on the job. Supported employment provides supports that are individualized based on the amount and type of support needed. Persons served may work independently at community businesses with an occasional check-in from a job coach, or may work in small groups with a job coach to meet the needs of community businesses.  Primary supported employment opportunities include receptionist, cleaning/janitorial, housekeeping, dish washing, retail/point of sale, food service, business associate, inventory management, merchandising, and stock clerks.