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Customized Employment Program
Workforce Diversity—Expanding Opportunities for People with Disabilities
Meaningful employment is a big part of inclusion. People with disabilities need to work at jobs they enjoy, be paid real wages and feel valued as employees. Community workplaces should reflect the makeup of the people who live in the community and inclusive employment means that every person with a disability who wants employment is employed. CLBC and community employment agencies are committed to working with the business sector to foster and promote 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 and co-workers often report a more positive workplace when a person with a disability is part of the workforce. There is a network of agencies and service providers 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 announced the awarding of contracts worth $1.1 million annually for three years to deliver customized employment services to British Columbians with developmental disabilities.
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 training support for each individual at no cost to the employer.
- Benefits for Employers:
- Positive image in public relations
- A qualified job coach for training at No Cost to the Employer
- Qualified, loyal and productive employees
- Low turnover and high retention of employees
- Improved customer service and market penetration
- A diverse workforce = a diverse customer base
- Setting an example of diverse employment practices for the future—be an innovator!
The Job Coach's Role
Job Coaches work closely with the client, employer, co-workers, family and others, providing as much assistance as the individual needs to accomplish his or her identified goals. They support the successful relationship between the client and employer. Job Coaches will:
- Create a customer profile and resume
- Assist clients with career development
- Work to match clients skills with employment opportunities
- Provide on-site job training and support
- Provide long term support and extended services for the client and employer
Our Values
- Presumption of Employment—Everyone, regarless of the level or type of disability, has the capacity and right to a job.
- Competitive Employment—Employment occurs within the local labour market in regular community businesses.
- Focus on Capacity & Capabilities—People with disabilities should be viewed in terms of their abilities, strengths, and interest, rather than their disabilities.
- Commensurate Wage & Benefits—People with disabilities should earn wages and benefits equal to that of co-workers performing the same or similar jobs.
- Importance of Relationships—Community relationships both at and away from work leads to mutual respect and acceptance.
Contact
If you would like more information about the Customized Employment Program or about hiring a participant from Semiahmoo House Society, please contact Kyli Lum, Program Co-ordinator/Job Developer at 604-836-0197 or email to k.lum@shbca.ca. For a look at a real-life example of a customized employment position click here.
