For most adults, having a rewarding occupation is an important part of life. It gives us a way to develop skills and abilities, contribute to our community, and develop relationships - often lifelong friendships - with coworkers. We value our jobs. Being employed gives rhythm to our daily life. In many ways, our jobs give us a sense of who we are and who we want to be. The same is true for people with disabilities – and often the right kind of support and training are crucial to employment success.
The Vocational Services at MSS provide paid work opportunities, job training, vocational evaluation, job placement and retention services for adults with a wide range of disabilities and barriers to employment. The goal of Vocational Services is to assist each person in the the program to develop the skills and supports necessary to find and maintain their job of choice with the best pay and benefits possible.
MSS Vocational Services consist of:
• Center-based employment: In center-based employment, clients earn a paycheck while learning and improving basic job skills in a highly supportive environment. Work subcontracted from area businesses provides a wide variety of work opportunities, plus additional training opportunities in warehousing, janitorial services and clerical areas.
• Work Crews: For individuals who want to work in the community but need on-going supports, mobile work crews are the perfect solution. Work crews usually consisting of 3-6 people go to area businesses accompanied by a MSS staff person and perform such tasks as janitorial services, packaging, quality control, fulfillment and light assembly.
• Supported Employment: In supported employment, MSS staff provide periodic and long-term support for someone who is working at a community job. Our staff will assist with adjustments and retraining when changes are made in the workplace, communication difficulties arise between the worker and the employer, or whenever a little extra assistance is needed for success on the job.
• Work Evaluation/Adjustment: This is a short-term program to assist people to identify their vocational interests, strengths, and areas that need improvement. Through on-the-job try-outs, standardized testing, and vocational counseling, clients in the program are able to identify careers and jobs that are a good match with their work interests, skills and abilities.
• Job Placement: When support is needed while finding a job, MSS partners with people in the program to find and maintain competitive employment. Job seekers learn to create a resume, polish interview techniques and refine the job search process. Focus is maintained on developing practical and appropriate employment goals. Job seekers continue with paid on-the-job training in our production facility.
Regardless of services chosen, MSS supports clients through each step in the process to put their best foot forward. After employment goals are achieved - and for as long as chosen - we offer support needed for successful employment.
For more information about Vocational Services, please call Anna MacIntyre, Director of Vocational Services at 651-793-4118 or amacintyre@mwsservices.org
