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A Starting Point for New Beginnings
Finding Disability-Friendly Employment
Sometimes, the most motivated and reliable employees are overlooked due to their disability. Many employers have found, however, that hiring people with disabilities is both the right thing to do and a smart business decision.
Need help finding employment in PA that is both fulfilling and disability-friendly? UDS makes the road to employment easier via our Employment Services program. We match qualified applicants with employers who are looking for hard-working full- and part-time employees.
We work with individuals with disabilities including (but not limited to) the following:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Spina Bifida
- Learning Disabilities
- Head Injuries
- Autism
- Mental Health Disorders
Comprehensive Employment Services
Our employment counselors work one-on-one with you through every phase of the employment process. Many people qualify for government assistance and are referred to us by the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR).
Our employment services for adults with disabilities can help you with the following:
- Resume Creation
- Interview Preparation
- Job Skills
- Vocational Skill Assessments
- Transportation Training and Information
- Job Development
- Career Counseling
- On-the-Job Training and Coaching
- Employer Contacts
- Application Help
Our Employment Services Process:
Community-Based Work Assessments
UDS performs community-based work assessments to see if you’re ready and able to return to (or start) working competitively in the community. Our experts observe, monitor, and coach you as you perform your essential work duties and ensure you follow the policies and procedures of your employer.
Choosing an Industry
Our goal is to match your interests with the company to ensure you’re happy with your job. We realize each person’s needs are different, so we customize our services for each client. We can help you find jobs in retail, food service, maintenance, customer service, production, clerical settings, and more.
Starting the Job
Once we’ve matched you with an employer, you’ll participate in a job as if you were an employee. You’ll work for approximately four hours a day and will be supervised by your job coach throughout your shift. This experience gives you the opportunity to see exactly what’s involved in the job. Once the job coach has completed the work assessment, we’ll make recommendations for your next steps in your search for employment.
Eligibility and Scheduling
Any adult with a disability referred by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) is eligible for vocational services at no additional charge. This is typically dependent on OVR funding and UDS staff availability.
Employment Services arranges evaluation and job placement assistance for people with disabilities on an individual basis. We also work on custom programs with private individuals. At this time, only Lancaster County residents are eligible for government assistance through UDS.
Get Job Assistance
How Does It Work for Employers?
We work with your schedule and timetable and how often your company would like to participate. Everything is done at your terms and pace. Each employer has different jobs that need to be completed, and we cater to those needs. We also supply insurance that covers the job coach and the client during the assessment.
All participants are expected to obey the policies and procedures of the company, and you’re under no obligation to hire anyone. Ultimately, the community-based work assessment is designed to see if the individual likes the job and can work competitively.
Our specially-trained counselors work closely with employers and provide free on-the-job training for new employees if necessary. We also offer advice on job accommodations and follow-up reviews to make sure the individual is performing well.
Companies who hire individuals with disabilities may even qualify for a federal tax credit. We can supply you with the necessary paperwork and information on how to file.
Internships
We also offer internships to interested employers. Our clients will work for your company at no cost to you for one to three days a week. One of our professional job coaches will work with the participant on the job to teach them and ensure they’re meeting the job requirements. The coach will also make sure the individual follows the policies and procedures of your company.
UDS provides workers’ compensation for the job coach and the intern, and employment will only be offered if the intern meets the company’s requirements. You’re under no obligation to hire the individual if the internship doesn’t work out.
