Employment Options & Services

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CRITERIA

The person must have established eligibility for OPWDD waiver services. The individual must have expressed interest in obtaining a job in the future. Additionally, the person must have an employment-related goal outlined in their Life Plan, aligning with career planning objectives. The person must be willing to be trained to travel in the community using public transportation, Access A Ride, car service, etc. Alternatively, the individual should have their transportation arranged to the community hub or job site where they will receive these services. If the person takes medication during the day, they need to be able to take it independently, or they should refrain from taking it while receiving services. If the person is enrolled in Day Hab Services five days per week, they must be willing to reduce some days to accommodate any participation in employment-related activities or services.

SUPPORTIVE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES (SEMP) ETP- Employment Training Program

Supportive Employment Services is designed to assist individuals in obtaining and maintaining employment in the community, with a strong focus on job development. Individuals ready for employment will receive continuous support to ensure they meet their employer’s expectations and learn additional skills necessary for advancement in their careers. They must provide their own transportation or be willing to be trained in travel skills. During this period, interns are classified as temporary state employees, earning minimum wage and covered under New York State's workers’ compensation and general liability insurance. Individuals are supported by Lifestyles for the Disabled, as approved by the OPWDD Regional Office- ETP Supervisor, in Career Discovery, Job Development, and Intensive Job Coaching, which are vital components of vocational training. Those with exposure to vocational training during High School and some work experience are ideal candidates for this service. An ETP application must be completed collaboratively with Lifestyles for the Disabled and submitted to the OPWDD Regional ETP Supervisor for approval prior to starting services.

JOB COACHING / JOB RETENTION

Supportive Employment offers job coaching services to individuals in the community. Job Coaches assist employees with training, address conflicts with employers, and support job retention and maintenance. Additionally, they provide training focused on skill development outside of the workplace, helping employees advance in their current roles or explore other job opportunities.

SERVICES

Community BASED Pre-vocational Services

Community-Based Pre-Vocational Services are person-centered services that prepare individuals for paid employment or meaningful unpaid activities within the community. This program focuses on teaching pre-employment skills to help participants become as independent as possible on their path to future employment. Individuals must provide their transportation or be willing to be trained in travel.

PATHWAYS TO EMPLOYMENT

Pathways to Employment is a one-on-one employment planning support service lasting one year. During this time, individuals receive exposure to, training in, and assessment for their career interests, ensuring they receive the necessary support to meet their employment goals.

ENROLLMENT PROCESS

The Care Manager will contact Lifestyles to express their client’s interest and provide the following documents:

- Copy of OPWDD Waiver Services Notice of Decision (NOD).

- Annual Physical Exam with PPD and a full blood panel conducted within the past year.

- Psychological Evaluation completed within three years.

- Psychosocial Evaluation conducted within three years.

- Most Recent Life Plan.

- LOC completed within the past year.

- Copy of Social Security Card.

- Copy of Medicaid Card.

- Copy of Birth Certificate.

Once the required documents are received, the Director will meet with the individual and their team to initiate the enrollment process for each requested service.