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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.
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
- Assistance with individualized, active job search
- Coaching and counseling in job search techniques, work attitudes, and social skills
- Individualized, on-the-job training 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 placements.
Individuals are also encouraged to learn about a variety of community resources. Trained staff are employed to provide quality service.
Services for Employers
- 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 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.
Who is Eligible for the 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 Community Living British Columbia (CLBC).
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.
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 to other employees performing similar work.
Real Work for Real Pay
Our current SEP participants fill positions at Walmart, M’akola Housing Grounds Crew, and London Drugs. Check out these manager insights:
Allen Peabody, London Drugs, Store Manager says: “London Drugs enjoys a very satisfying partnership with Clements Centre Society, and everyone has benefited from the employment placement opportunities.”
Tim Horton’s Manager, says: “Christine is a valued member of the Tim Horton’s team. It has been our pleasure to work with her.”
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 250-597-3306