SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT

LifeSong Inc. provides Supported Employment Services in 4 counties, Saratoga, Schenectady, Rensselaer & Albany. Our Supported Employment Services assist people with differing abilities in developing work related skills, pursuing job opportunities and retaining employment.

The Supported Employment Services Department exists to make it possible for people with varying levels of abilities to become active, wage-earning contributors to their local communities. We strive to generate positive, successful employment opportunities as well as provide on-going support for effectiveness in the workplace. Given proper supports and resources, any person with differing abilities can be successful at their place of employment.

Core Values

  • Coaching Opportunities: Life is full of choices and employment coaching aids in the success of each individual.
  • Mentoring Relationship: The relationships we build with our job seekers allow us the ability to navigate the journey together.
  • Business Relationships: The relationships we have with various businesses within the community provide us opportunities for employment and growth.
  • Professional Skill Development & Presentation: Gaining the necessary skills for employment can be challenging, yet rewarding. Learning employment skills is essential for growth towards independence.

AREAS OF SUPPORT

  • Job Preparation– Job Seekers attend regular, monthly job readiness trainings designed to prepare them for the transition into employment. LifeSong staff assists in skill development such as mobility training, mock interviews, and preparing professional resumes.
  • Job Searching– Job Seekers work with their Employment Specialist to determine realistic goals and objectives to address any factors such as transportation issues ensuring a useful and meaningful job search.
  • Job Placement– The Employment Specialist and Job Seeker work together to locate appropriate opportunities, submit applications and attend job interviews. Upon gaining an interview, our job coaches work to ensure the candidate has proper interview attire and will assist as necessary with the job interview. Upon hire, Employment Specialists support the new employee with completing paperwork and obtaining items necessary for the job.
  • Job Coaching– The Employment Specialist supports applicants through job training until the employee/employer feel comfortable at which time a task analysis is completed to determine which aspects of the job will require more support.

 

For more information about LifeSong Supported Employment Services, please contact Jocelyn Hart, Employment Services Manager at: jhart@lifesonginc.org