For many years, Networks has been involved in efforts to support people with developmental disabilities to find and maintain paid employment in typical community businesses. These efforts include involvement with individuals with disabilities themselves, non-profit organizations that provide direct employment support services, governmental agencies responsible for funding employment support services, schools, families of individuals with disabilities, and community businesses. This work is based on the belief that all people, no matter what label, type of disability, or educational / employment experience, can make a valued contribution through meaningful work and gainful employment. Employment Related Services are offered in two broad areas: Training and Organizational Development, and Direct Employment Support.

Training and Organizational Development

Networks offers vocational and employment support agencies, governmental agencies, and schools a variety of Training and Technical Assistance services designed to increase overall knowledge, skills, and experiences with contemporary and innovative employment support strategies. Specifically, we assist individual and organizational growth by providing small and large group training for staff, families, people with disabilities, and others interested in contemporary trends and best practices in employment support. We work directly with human service organizations, governmental agencies, schools, and businesses by offering strategic planning and consultation services in the areas of systems change and innovative service design. We also provide direct technical assistance to individuals with disabilities, families, and staff to improve their specific employment outcomes.

Direct Employment Support

Networks currently provides direct employment support services for a small number of individuals based on our experiences with operating a demonstration grant funded by the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). Direct employment support is provided for three individuals with significant disabilities per year who typically are not considered candidates for paid integrated employment. The Philadelphia OVR makes referrals to Networks and provides funding for these services.

We recognize that there are many factors that contribute to successful employment. To assist people in finding and maintaining employment our direct employment support incorporates individually tailored assessment; job development, job carving and job creation; workplace support including systematic instruction, accommodations, and job redesign; and ongoing follow along and/or transition to natural and/or long term supports.

What We Offer / Employment-Related
Services Available

• Both small and large group training in today's trends and options in community integrated employment,
  
• Direct assistance to people who are currently employed to figure out job modifications/adaptations, workplace technology, and support strategies for more effective, efficient, and independent work,
  
• Direct assistance to families, support providers, and teams who are having difficulty accessing employment,
  
• Individually tailored assessment to determine employment preferences and skills,
  
• Assistance to employers looking to diversify their workforce,
  
• Assistance to employment provider agencies to develop personalized job development strategies and individualized employment support,
  
• Assistance to teams in career planning for individuals in transition from school to adult life or other life changes or circumstances,
  
• Consultation and direct assistance with strategic planning, innovative service design, and organizational development.

To request Technical Assistance, click here Training and Technical Assistance Request Form or call Rosa McAllister at 610-935-6627 or 1-866-683-3651.

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