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Customized Employment Program
Workforce Diversity—Expanding Opportunities for People with Disabilities
Meaningful employment is the main part of inclusion. People with disabilities desire to be included in work they can feel productive, fulfill their potential, be paid real wages and feel valued as employees at work they enjoy. Community work sites that reflect and include the full demographic of the people who live in the community in employment opportunities create business and individual success. Community Living BC (CLBC) and community Customized Employment programs are committed to working with businesses to promote and engage inclusive employment.
Why should employers hire people with disabilities?
People with disabilities represent an untapped resource of talent for employers. The job performance of persons with disabilities has proven to meet or exceed that of employees without disabilities. Co-workers often report a more positive workplace when a person with a disability is part of the workforce. A network of agencies and service providers are available to help businesses hire people with disabilities.
Customized Employment Demonstration Project
In July 2008, the Ministry of Housing and Social Development (MHSD) and Community Living BC (CLBC) announced the awarding of contracts worth $1.1 million annually for three years to deliver Customized Employment services to British Columbians with developmental disabilities. In January 2011, MHSD and CLBC announced an extention to contract funding for an additional until May 2012.
The Customized Employment Demonstration Project will work with individuals with developmental disabilities who typically find that the traditional labour market approach of matching people to existing job openings is not effective.
Customized Employment is real work for real pay. It is an individualized employment relationship between employees and employers that is designed to meet the needs of both. It is based on an individualized determination of the strengths, needs and interests of each person, and is also designed to meet the specific needs of the employer.
Our Goal
The goal of Customized Employment is to assist persons with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining community integrated competitive employment through specifically planned supports.
Semiahmoo House Society will provide the 1:1 orientation job training support for each individual at no cost to the employer.
Benefits for Employers:
- High retention of employees
- Positive public relations image
- Visibility as a business community leader
- Qualified, loyal and productive employees
- A diverse work site equals a dverse customer base
- Improved customer service and market penetration
- A qualified Vocational Counsellor for job training your new employee
The Job Coach's Role
Job Coaches work closely with the individual, employer, co-workers, family and caregivers, providing as much assistance as the individual requires to accomplish his or her identified goals. Job Coaches support the successful relationship between the individual and employer. Job Coaches will:
- Create a client profile and resume
- Assist clients with career development
- Match clients skills with employment opportunities
- Provide job-site task training and support for one month
- Provide long-term support and services for the client and employer
Our Values
- Competitive Employment—Employment occurs within the local community.
- Presumption of Employment—Everyone, regardless of the level or type of disability, has the capacity and right to a job.
- Importance of Relationships—Community relationships both at and away from work leads to mutual respect and acceptance.
- Focus on Capacity & Capabilities—People with disabilities are viewed in terms of their abilities, strengths and interests, rather than their disabilities.
- Commensurate Wage & Benefits—People with disabilities will earn wages and benefits equal to that of co-workers performing the same or similar jobs.
Contact
For more information and to hire an individual from the Customized Employment Program, please contact our office at: 604-536-1242 ext. 233 or email: ce@shsbc.ca.
To view community employment of individuals from Customized Employment click here.
