Allies is pleased to announce that the agency has earned approval to deliver short and long-term Supported Employment Services in two states – New Jersey and Delaware.
Luke J. Washack, Sr. Director of Vocational Services, remarked, “Expanding our vocational rehabilitation services across two states is a very special milestone for Allies. By extending our reach, we will be able to improve and enrich the lives of more individuals with special needs and help them reach their employment goals. I’m extremely proud of our various departments for collaborating and working hard to make this achievement possible.”
Supported employment refers to service provisions wherein people with disabilities, including intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health, and traumatic brain injury, among others, are assisted with obtaining and maintaining employment. These services may vary depending on the unique needs of each individual.
The State of New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (NJDVRS) has approved the agency to provide Pre-placement, Time-Limited Job Coaching, and Supported Employment Services in New Jersey in Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Salem and Somerset Counties. In addition, Delaware’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DEDVRS) and the Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services has granted Allies the opportunity to provide Supported Employment services in New Castle County, Delaware.
Luke shared what each of these services provide to individuals served by Allies. “Pre-placement may be used as a diagnostic service that leads to job match placement. During Pre-placement, a comprehensive vocational assessment is conducted to determine a career pathway for an individual. An individual’s interests, skills, abilities and experience are explored to help identify careers that could be a suitable fit. Once this is established, a career selection is made and a comprehensive plan of action is created to support the individual in obtaining the position. The plan may include resume development, completing applications, interview preparation, and other traditional job seeking activities.”
Once an individual secures a job, they receive Supported Employment (SE) Services or Time-Limited Job Coaching (TLJC). Luke said, “They are two very similar services, but with one major difference. The individual receiving Supported Employment is projected to require supports for an extended period of time, possibly for the life of the job.”
While receiving SE Services or TLJC, a job coach helps an individual learn his or her job duties, adjust to their new work environment, and become independent in their job. This coaching continues until job stabilization is reached. If the individual requires long-term support, they participate in a Long-Term Follow-Along program or a similar funding arrangement such as provided for by the Division of Developmental Disabilities.
Luke said, “In addition to Pre-placement, SE Services and TLJC, Allies also offers Small Group Supported Employment and Transition Services in New Jersey and Delaware, as well as Pre-vocational Services featuring our Bake Studio Training Program in New Jersey, and in our Maintenance Crew Training Program. We look forward to helping many more people in the new year become proud members of the workforce.”
Mike Haggerty, President and CEO of Allies, remarked, “This is a very exciting time for Allies. The approval for us to provide vocational rehabilitation services in these two states gives us an even greater opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of people with special needs, and to provide a continuum of care throughout their lifespan.”
For more information about our Pre-Placement, Individualized and Small Group Supported Employment, Time-Limited Job Coaching, and Transition Services, contact Luke J. Washack, Sr. Director of Vocational Services, at lwashack@alliesnj.org or 609-218-0513.
For more information about the Bake Studio Training Program, please contact Joe Gleason, Director of Vocational Services, Northern Region, at jgleason@alliesnj.org or 609-414-6664.
Looking for a new career? Explore becoming an Employment Specialist with Allies, where you can help unlock the door to an individual’s employment potential while earning $20/hour and receiving great benefits. To learn more about the role and how to apply, click here.
Allies’ Supported Employment Services give individuals with special needs, like Kurt Rosengarth and Dan Nilson, a pathway to obtaining meaningful employment and the skills and support to succeed in the workplace. Keep up the great work Kurt and Dan!
Allies, Inc. is a nonprofit agency dedicated to providing housing, healthcare, meaningful employment and recreational activities to people with special needs in the communities of their choice. To learn more, visit www.alliesnj.org.
Contact: Nicole Zamerovsky, Director of Communications, Allies, Inc.
Cell: 609-508-6181
Email: nzamerovsky@alliesnj.org