Supported Employment

Curtis Martinson started his first community job in Newton on March 22, 2011 at the Four Seasons Golf Practice Center in Newton. Curtis works every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and is responsible for janitorial duties to maintain the facilities for its patrons. Curtis will also collect golf balls from the outdoor driving range; a job that is never ends. Due to a hearing impairment, Curtis communicates primarily through sign language and hand written notes but that didn't deter business owners, Dawn and Dave Peters, from recognizing the skills and abilities Curtis has to offer to their business. Prior to securing community employment, Curtis received pre-vocational work training services from Progress Industries. While in the pre-vocational program, Curtis also worked with a P.I. Employment Consultant to identify his vocational interests and skill level to begin actively seeking community employment.

Kirk is working with P.I. direct support staff, Renee Manly, in meal preparation. Renee provides support to Kirk in his own home each week focusing on independent living skills such as cooking, cleaning and budgeting.

Progress Industries job placement program provides individualized services to persons with various disabilities. A P.I. Employment Consultant is assigned to work with each individual to instruct them in preparing for employment that includes:

• Developing Job Seeking Skills: completing job applications, developing resumes, interview skills, appropriate hygiene and attire.
• Skills to Maintain Job Status: once the job is obtained, employment consultants will work with the individual in maintaining the job.

Specific responsibilities of the individual and the employment consultant are spelled out in a placement plan. The placement plan may be modified during the job search to maximize job search opportunities.

Individualized follow-up services are provided to all individuals who are employed in a competitive employment situation. Follow-up services usually include assisting with initial training on the job and ongoing support for as long as needed to enable the individual to be successful in the community.

 

For more information, please e-mail Pam Herrema at: pam.herrema@progressindustries.org

 

Click for our Supported Employment brochure