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A Starting Point for New Beginnings
Finding Disability-Friendly Employment
Meaningful employment can provide independence, confidence, and opportunities for personal growth. UDS Employment Services helps individuals with disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain employment that aligns with their skills, interests, and career goals.
Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time or exploring a new opportunity, our team provides guidance and support every step of the way.
We work with individuals with various disabilities including (but not limited to) the following:
- Autism
- Learning Disabilities
- Head Injuries
- Mental Health Disorders
- Cerebral Palsy
- Spina Bifida
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, Lebanon, and Berks County residents are eligible for government assistance through UDS.
Get Job Assistance
How Does It Work for Employers?
We work with employers to create opportunities that fit their workplace, staffing needs, and schedule. Community-based work assessments give employers and participants the chance to explore whether a position is a good fit in a real-world work environment. UDS provides insurance coverage for both the participant and job coach during the assessment period.
Participants are expected to follow your organization’s workplace policies, procedures, and performance expectations. Employers are under no obligation to hire a participant following a work assessment. The assessment simply provides an opportunity for both the employer and the individual to determine whether the position is a good match.
Our employment specialists are here to support both employers and participants throughout the process. We can provide on-the-job training, guidance on workplace accommodations, and ongoing follow-up to help set everyone up for success.
Employers who hire individuals with disabilities may be eligible for federal tax credits. We can provide information and resources to help you learn more about available incentives.
