Group Employment

Overview -
Lakeside Curative Services’ Group Employment Program encourages people to work within their communities and encourages social interaction and integration. It is designed to facilitate competitive work in integrated community work settings for individuals with developmental disabilities for whom competitive employment has not traditionally occurred, and who, because of the nature and severity of their disability, need ongoing support services in order to perform their job. LCS’ Supported Employment Program utilizes on-site job coaches and natural supports for successful transition and long-term job retention.  In addition, LCS provides assistance with transportation, assistive technology, specialized job training, and individually tailored supervision.

Job Site Training -
Job skills’ training is provided on the job site; this training includes the teachings of appropriate work related behaviors, including social skills. As the employee gains skills and confidence, the job coach gradually spends less time at the worksite.  LCS’ vocational rehabilitation staff is always available to the employer for retraining for new assignments, assisting in dealing with challenging behaviors, supplying periodic consultations with co-workers and employer, and/or giving orientation and training for co-workers.

The Group Employment Program Program is consumer driven; each consumer determines his/her successful community placement and the type of work desired.  The development of various work sites enhances the person’s ability to obtain his/her ideal job.   These sites are in the form of enclaves, mobile work crews, supported work, and independent sites.  Volunteer sites and work experience sites are also developed for use in training.

Placement Methods & Parameters -
A successful placement consists of 20 work hours per week, with a consumer earning at least minimum wage.  Consumers can work less or more than this if requested by the consumer and/or his/her guardian.

LCS’ Placement Specialist will provide information to employers and civic groups about potential employees looking for jobs.  LCS will coordinate solutions to problems with transportation or Social Security benefits.  LCS will also help the consumers use community resources for leisure, recreation, and educational activities outside of work.

Every six months a staffing will be held to determine progress that the consumer is making.  The consumer, HSD staff, family or caregivers, and any other interested parties will attend these staffings.

Termination summaries will be provided to HSD managers/administrators within sixty days of the end of services.  A closure is made after successful employment on the job has been achieved.

Featured Benefits:

• Consumers develop marketable work skills.
• Consumers have greater opportunities for working in the community.
• Consumers develop increased independence.
• There are concrete measurements of consumer progress.
• Because consumer development takes place on the job, there are increased linkages    and exposure with business and the community.
• Consumers naturally progress to placement within community employment.
• Consumers are transformed as a result of this total development.
• The consumer's skills, interests, and abilities are matched to a job within the community.