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Customized Employment

Customized Employment means individualizing the relationship between job seekers and employers in ways that meet the needs of both. It is based on a determination of the unique strengths, requirements, and interests of a person with a complex life. The process is designed to meet the workplace needs of the employer and the discrete tasks of the position. When a customized relationship is developed, a shared employment alliance results.

FOUR STEPS TO SUCCESS

1. Discovery

Job Seekers explore their interests, talents, capabilities, and support needs with the expertise and guidance of AtWork! professional Employment Consultants. During discovery Job Seekers identify which interests and talents have the potential to lead to future employment opportunities. Job Seekers also have the chance to “try on” various work activities through tours, volunteering and job shadowing.

Exploration – Job seeker’s identify their dreams, goals, personal preferences, life experiences, and needs based on the complexities of their lives.

Assessments – AtWork! Employment Consultants work with the individual and their support team to determine job appropriateness.

Volunteering – Job seekers learn about work environments and experience work tasks that give them the chance to identify what they like to do and what work they find exciting and interesting.

Job Tours – Job seekers tour actual employment sites that match the individual’s interests.

Job Shadowing – Job seekers shadow an employee within a business performing the types of tasks and responsibilities to get an in depth view of the job they expect and want to hold.

2. Job Development

Job seekers focus their efforts on finding their future job. AtWork! Employment Consultants, using their knowledge of the job applicant and the information developed during the Discovery Step, approach employers on behalf of the individual being served.

Customized Employment is negotiating job duties or employee expectations to align the skills and interests of a job seeker with a disability to an employer’s needs. This negotiation results in a job description that describes a customized relationship between employer and employee. The goal is to negotiate Customized Employment options that benefit both the employer and the job seeker. The result is a shared employment alliance.

3. Placement

A time for celebration! When it all comes together and the individual is offered a position that matches their needs and the employers needs, it is a time for congratulations.

4. Retention

AtWork! Employment Consultants help the individual keep his or her new found job. The length of time needed will vary depending on the individual’s support needs and funding options.

• Job seekers learn to perform tasks, complete specifics of the job, and understand the culture of the business with training and coaching from the Employment Consultant.
• Employment Consultants ensure that job expectations are clear to employer, employee and support team.
• When needed the Employment Consultant helps communicate the need for reasonable accommodation

When the employee and the employer agree that it is time to transfer responsibility for support from the AtWork! Employment Consultant to the workplace, the consultant will fade from the work site, allowing the employee to gain independence on the job. The consultant continues to check in as needed to ensure that success continues. When job responsibilities change or when there are changes to the normal routine, the consultant can step back in to provide additional training or coaching.

To set up an interview with one of AtWork!’s Employment Consultants please contact our offices by calling (425) 274-4000 or by email . We look forward to helping you discover your talents and realize your dreams as together we explore your unique pathway to a good job in the community.