Job Support Services

Job Development is a process used in working with employers to identify various tasks and needs within their business that can be modified and combined to create a job for a specific individual. This process involves the individual, agency staff members, family and friends. Assistance in gaining knowledge, skills, abilities, 1:1 support and guidance; which can lead to an employment outcome. Support and guidance can include: resume development, interview skills, assistance and support in job searching/seeking activities, aide in completing employment applications as well as 1:1 support in speaking with potential employers.

Job Placement is a process where a NMDVR participant is placed into competitive integrated employment that aligns with the participant’s agreed upon vocational goal, hours and wages.

An appropriate employment goal is consistent with the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice of the eligible individual. It should also result in employment in an integrated setting. Identification of an appropriate employment goal and agreement between the participant and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) on the employment goal is key to successful rehabilitation. In determining where the individual possesses the strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities and capabilities needed to perform the desired employment goals, the VRC may acquire performance-based data through evaluations such as situational assessments, intelligence or aptitude evaluations, and other essential information utilizing any appropriate methods available. These factors include but are not limited to the followings:

• transferable skills
• educational, academic achievement
• financial situation/resources
• level of independence
• motivation to work
• personality
• physical/mental limitations
• talents
• aptitudes
• work behaviors
• intelligence
• attitudes
• interests
• transportation
• job accommodations
• assistive technology
• accessibility

Job Retention has been successfully achieved when the participant has reached 90 days of successful employment and job stability, as defined by Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). An array of individualized services can be provided by the NMDVR Vendor, at least weekly, while working with the participant and employer to discern issues, problems, and solutions on the job to ensure successful employment. Job retention is not job coaching. See definition for job coaching.

Job stability is where the participant and employer agree that the job is satisfactory and that the participant is adequately performing the duties of the job to the participant’s and employer’s satisfaction. The job must continue to match the vocational goal and number of hours as listed on referral, and long term supports, if needed, have been defined and are in place.

Once a job has been found, the job coach provides one-on-one onsite training to assist an Individual with Disability (IWD) in learning or performing a job and adjusting to the work environment. The individual receives details of the job either in written or verbal form. The job coach will be present during the first weeks of employment to assist in orientations and training. After that period of time, the individual, employer and job coach work together to ensure training and progress continues for the newly employed NMDVR participant. Job coaching fades gradually until independence is achieved. For some, on-site assistance will always be necessary to maintain employment and will be provided

OJT includes both formal and informal training activities for the purpose of acquiring skills specific to a particular job or occupation. This is a precursor for Job Development Placement Services.

CE is a job that is individually negotiated and developed. It is based on an individualized determination of the strengths, needs and interests of the person with a disability, and also is designed to meet the specific needs of the employer.