Employment Supports

Employment Supports provides work-related and social skills training to individuals with developmental disabilities that results in meaningful paid work and volunteer placements. We help individuals develop their potential and become contributing members of their community.

Individualized employment plan
First we assess an individual’s aptitude and interest in a variety of career options. Then, based on their specific needs and talents, we develop an individualized plan that includes skills training along with work and volunteer placements that ensure success at work and in the community.

Individualized daily assignments
Employment Supports creates different assignments depending on the skill levels of each person. Individuals work in the community in both paid and volunteer positions. They also attend The Greenfield Center for skills training and adult enrichment. The fully accessible facility has a kitchen, an art area, exercise space, a walking trail, a basketball court, and computer stations. Biking, skating, and gardening are also available at nearby locations.

Job placements in paid settings
Employment Supports provides individuals with a variety of employment opportunities. These opportunities are structured in different ways, depending on the skill level and support needs of each person. Enclaves, job crews, and periodic job coaching are examples of the support options available. (people click on words above and definitions below appear)

• Enclaves are teams of several individuals who work at a specific job site. The particular individuals vary from day to day depending upon their own needs and schedules, but the employer is guaranteed that a certain amount of work will be done on a regular schedule.
• Job crews are specialized work units composed of people who have mastered a specific task that they can perform at a variety of sites.
• Job coaching provides direct support at individualized job sites and is available as frequently as needed to ensure a person’s success at their job.
• Job placements in volunteer settings Volunteer placements provide opportunities for community involvement that match the ability and interest of individuals like those who volunteer twice a week at the Pioneer Valley Humane Society in Greenfield. There they relieve staff from some of their regular duties and provide help with dog walking and socialization for the animals.

Employers benefit
The individuals we place in a work or volunteer setting are dependable and get the job done. If a person is unavailable, then Employment Supports will find a substitute to complete the job. When an employer works with an individual, they also have the support of the agency available.

Individuals benefit
Whether individuals secure jobs or volunteer placements, they benefit. Utilizing their unique set of skills, they learn responsibility, dependability, and pride in their accomplishments, and they grow through involvement in the community.

Everyone benefits
People from Employment Supports become involved in their communities in important and meaningful ways.

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