JVS helps youth and adults with developmental, emotional, physical, hearing, visual and other disabling conditions achieve long-term success and fulfillment in work and life. Our comprehensive services enable individuals to become more fully integrated into their community and maintain their independence by through a person-centered planning process whereby individuals make their own choices and decisions.
JVS coordinates and supports participants’ engagement in meaningful, ongoing community activities of their choices to promote more meaningful community participation and integration. Activities range from volunteering in non-profit settings to targeted skill development needed for success in work and recreational pursuits. Individuals skills are evaluated through a number of activities:
Vocational Profile – JVS Vocational Specialists evaluate participants in their home and community and speak with family members, interview significant people in the participants’ lives, to develop a vocational profile.
Community-Based Situational Assessments - Participants try out real jobs at job sites in the community in order to identify work skills, preferences and develop realistic employment.
Computer/Clerical Assessments - JVS conducts a variety of assessments to evaluate participants’ skills in the areas of data entry, word processing, telephone answering, filing, bookkeeping, computer repair, web development, networking and desktop publishing.
Employment Competency Sampling - Individuals participate in structured and simulated assessments and training in the areas of retail, stock, customer service, cashiering, food preparation, janitorial, patient intake and route driver.
Job Training
JVS offers community-based training and supported employment services which help individuals acquire and maintain paid employment in the community. By providing skills training at actual job sites, long term success is better achieved and businesses have a “partner” in the JVS professionals who help with skill mastery and quality assurance at no expense to the employer. Specialized training programs include:
Janitorial Training Program - Participants learn custodial skills at the JVS facility and/or at community-based sites and receive job readiness preparation and related skill development.
Computer for Work and Structured Software Applications Training - Individuals learn Microsoft Office applications in our computer lab during one-on-one and group sessions to learn computer skills for work and leisure.
Soft Skills Training - A
series of targeted seminars and practice sessions teach job seekers to be
effective in their job search and successful on the job. Emphasis is on helping persons with
disabilities develop and practice workplace soft skills that meet common
employer expectations. Areas emphasized
are appearance, communication and interpersonal skills, workplace expectations,
problem solving and coping with change.
Customer Service Training - A five-part program that teaches the soft skills above as well
as verbal and non verbal communication; customer service, face-to-face and
telephone skills; how to handle difficult customers, and computer and other
important skills for success. Following
training, individuals shadow a mentor in the workplace, participate in an
on-the-job tryout or internship and are assisted in identifying and contacting
employers as well as preparing for interviews.
Job Search Assistance
Individuals with specific job targets receive individualized training in job seeking techniques as well as guidance and support throughout the job search process. Employers are contacted on participants’ behalf and JVS staff assist individuals in completing applications, resumes, and references.
Job Retention Services
Designed to help people maintain employment through regular contact and the development of natural supports in the workplace, this service directly helps participants develop techniques for coping with the on-going stressors of employment. Job accommodations are negotiated as needed and advocacy is provided – all with the goal of supporting the person and the employer in retaining employment and a qualified workforce.
Adult Day Care
The Caring Companions Adult Day Care Program is dedicated to enriching the lives of adults with developmental disabilities who have Alzheimer’s disease or other related disorders. The safe, secure and caring environment is designed to enhance the self esteem, well being and dignity of each participant while maintaining their highest level of independent functioning. View brochure>
Adult Day and Work Activity Services
JVS provides opportunities for individuals with severe disabilities to learn work, social and community living skills in more supervised settings.
Therapeutic Work Services - Individuals with traumatic brain injuries receive support services and compensation for work performed in this post-intensive rehabilitation program.
Pre-Vocational Training - Participants with severe disabilities develop skills to function more independently within a work environment.
JVS Work Center - In a supportive work environment, participants perform a variety of paid assembly, packaging and collating jobs to help develop and refine their work skills and practice behaviors necessary for workplace success.
Activities Program - Individuals with chronic mental illness or developmental disabilities participate in community-integrated recreational activities to keep them active and engaged.
Social Security Consultation Services
Individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income and/or Social Security Disability Insurance gain an understanding of the work incentives program and how employment may affect their benefits.
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