Services Provided by the
Employment Services Division
Individuals referred to this service will meet with an Employment Specialist to review skills and potential employment assets by using the following techniques:
- Personal interview
- Reviewing work history, skills, and interests
- Reviewing social and life skills
- Creating and facilitating an individualized employment plan
The Employment Specialist will, if necessary, work with the individual to identify assistive technology or specialized devices that will assist the person with a disability in performing tasks in the workplace.
The Employment Specialist accompanies the individual during visits to potential workplaces or on behalf of the individual to assist them with career exploration and job or training site development.
The following is a list of trainings available through Mountain State Centers for Independent Living. To apply for services through this program, in Cabell and Wayne Counties, contact Khelli Caldwell at 304-962-2943 or email at kcaldwell@mtstcil.org. To apply for services through this program, in Fayette and Raleigh counties, contact Olivia Chambers at 304-962-0143 or email at ochambers@mtstcil.org
Community Based Assessment
Community Based Assessment is a 90-hour program that provides individuals with opportunity to explore realistic employment options within integrated community settings. Individuals will develop employment goals and objectives while learning more about their individual skills, abilities, and interests in at least two work settings.
Who is eligible?
Individuals who are referred to the Foundation for Independent Living from the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services.
Work-Based Learning Experience
Work Based Learning Experience is a 40-hour program that provides referred individuals and disabled students (between the ages of 14 and 21) who are currently attending school, with real-world work experience that help develop an understanding of paid work in a community integrated setting. Individuals will work directly with Foundation for Independent Living Employment Specialist, a partner of Mountain State Centers for Independent Living, to receive hands on training. Work hours can be set up to meet school schedules and other schedule requirements.
This service is intended for individuals who need little or no ongoing supervision beyond the weekly visit. Employment Specialists will provide guidance, instruction, and follow-up support on a weekly basis. For students, the Employment Specialist will also provide student oversight and evaluation of students’ work skills daily if required.
Who is eligible?
Students with disabilities in the age range of 14 to 21 and other individuals who are referred to the Foundation for Independent Living from the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services.
Work Adjustment Training
The Work Adjustment Training Program is a paid program that provides individuals with opportunities to acquire job readiness work skills in a structured work setting. This program is designed to assist people in seeking employment who need assistance with establishing or re-establishing effective work ethic, work-appropriate habits, skills, and behaviors as well as interpersonal skills, attitudes, and behaviors.
The length of this training can range between 60-120 days based on the individual’s capacity to work structured hours. This is a paid training that can be facilitated in both integrated, and non-integrated settings. This training is typically delivered on a 1:1 client to staff ratio, however this program can be delivered in a group setting of up to 3 individuals.
Curriculum activities that will be completed by the individual and addressed during the Work Adjustment Training include:
- Completion of Job Readiness and Work Skills training curriculum as outlined by the State of West Virginia Work Adjustment Curriculum Framework.
- Attendance and punctuality.
- Completion of Personal Development classes such as time management, conflict resolution, grooming and hygiene.
- Job Search Techniques (interviewing and completing applications).
- Review skills needed to succeed in the workplace including how to dress, understanding work ethic and related issues.
During these trainings, we will also discuss potential barriers to employment such as housing, childcare, transportation, and health care.
Who is eligible?
Individuals who are referred to the Foundation for Independent Living from the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services.
Employment Readiness and Basic Life Skills Training
Deficits in social and life skills can impact an individual’s ability to obtain and/or maintain employment. With that in mind, Employment Specialists provide training in Basic Life Skills as well as Occupational Skills. Each skills training course has a specific curriculum that includes the planned length of the course, course components, materials, and requirements for completion.
During the course of programming, individuals will be reviewed weekly, both by their assigned Employment Specialist as well as ongoing structured self-evaluations, in order to review progress and be held accountable for their responsibilities during training.
Occupational Skills Training may be provided at the MTSTCIL building, or at a potential employment site.
Occupational skills Training programs include:
- Cashier/Clerk, Stock Clerk
- Office Clerk, Receptionist, Data Entry
- Housekeeping (Hotel/Motel), Laundry
- Fast Food Service (Dishwasher, Kitchen Helper)
- Cafeteria Attendant
- Janitorial, General Maintenance Helper
Basic Life Skills Training courses may be provided 1:1 or in a group setting up to 1:5. These courses focus on self-sufficiency and independent living and include such tracts as self-care, socialization, decision making, money management, etc.
Basic Life Skills Course include (not limited to):
- Education and literacy programs
- Communication
- Transportation
- Self-Care
- Learning how to budget money, set up a checking account and otherwise be fiscally responsible
- Interpersonal / Social skills
- Self-Advocacy / Self-Empowerment
The Employment Specialist will also work with the individual to complete a Daniel Memorial Assessment to help identify individual areas of need. Employment Specialist may also assist individuals with community supports and resources such as the local employment office, support groups, supports available through WV Department Health and Human Resources and referral to other independent living services.
Who is eligible?
Individuals who are referred to the Foundation for Independent Living from the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services.
Direct Placement
Direct Job Placement is services that assist work-ready individuals obtain and retain competitive, integrated employment.
The Employment Services Department will assist the individual in career exploration, job search and development, and the employment application process. Once the individual obtains gainful employment, 90-day retention services such as job coaching, and milestone tracking are provided.
Who is eligible?
Individuals who are referred to the Foundation for Independent Living from the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services.
Supported Employment and Extended Supported Employment Services
Supported Employment Services are designed to assist most significantly disabled individuals who desire competitive, integrated employment. Eligible individuals will receive on site job coaching/training and ongoing support services beyond 90 days once they have secured a job. Employment Specialists will provide onsite, 1:1 training to assist the individual in building proficiency. Employment Specialist will work with both the employer and the individual to help them work together more effectively and efficiently.
Extended Supported Employment and Job Coaching services may also be provided as needed. Read more about Supported Employment and Job Coaching services.
Who is eligible?
Most significantly disable individuals who are referred to the Foundation for Independent Living from the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services.
School to Work Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
School to Work Transition services are designed to assist students with disabilities in the transition from school to work and into adult life. Staff will work closely with the student, family members, school personnel, employers and agencies that assist students to transition.
Transition services include working with the student to identify their abilities, skills, needs, and interests with the goal of employment. Services could include, but are not limited to:
- Evaluation and Assessment
- Disability Awareness
- Vocational counseling
- Career exploration
- Community Work Adjustment Opportunities
- Employment Readiness
- Job Placement
- On-the-job training
- Supported Employment and Job Coaching
- Follow-up services
Basic Life Skills Training
Life Skills Training is tailored to the needs of the individual to assist job seekers develop or restore effective work behaviors, personal characteristics, and/or functional capacities; and, to achieve and maintain positive employment outcomes.
Who is eligible?
Students with disabilities in the age range of 14 to 21 and other individuals who are referred to the Foundation for Independent Living from the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services.