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Program overview Employment & training

Supported Employment

Employment preparation and ongoing support for success in the workplace.

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A Supported Employment program member with NJFH and ShopRite representatives celebrating a workplace partnership

The essentials

Program at a glance

Whether you’re considering this program for yourself or helping a family member, start here for an overview of the program. Contact the team for current schedules and participation details.

Who it may fit
Individuals, 21 and older, with varying abilities who are interested in, and ready to pursue, competitive integrated employment and enrolled with DDD (Division of Developmental Disabilities) or DVRS (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services).
Program focus
Job search, in-person coaching, accommodations, and long-term workplace support.
Support stages
Exploration of Goals, Employment Attainment, Individualized Job Coaching, and Long-Term Supports (as needed)
Eligibility
DDD eligibility requires a documented developmental disability originating before age 22 that is expected to continue indefinitely and causes substantial limitations in daily functioning, along with NJ residency. DVRS eligibility requires a documented disability, and the individual has a substantial impediment to employment and wants to work at a competitive wage and deemed able to benefit from vocational support services; individuals receiving SSI or SSDI are often presumed eligible.

Program details

What this program offers

Supported Employment

NJFH's Supported Employment program serves individuals through two pathways:

NJ Division of Developmental Disability (DDD) Support Coordination referrals are for program participants and other individuals with DDD supports who are ready to transition into competitive integrated employment.

NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) referrals are for individuals referred directly by DVRS who are deemed eligible for competitive integrated employment.

The foundation of Supported Employment is cultivating partnerships with community employers, opening the door to meaningful job opportunities. Our Job Coaches guide each individual through every step of the journey, from job search to long-term success.

Our Job Coaches provide an individualized employment approach to:

Stage 1 – After discussing and exploring employment goals, Job Coaches assist individuals with creating resumes, completing applications, refining interviewing skills and conducting an employment search to secure an appropriate match.

Stage 2 – After employment is secured, Job Coaches work with individuals at the work site to help them learn specific job duties, build work etiquette and adapt to the workplace environment. If an accommodation is needed, the job coach will ensure needs are met.

Stage 3 – Job Coaches will continue providing support until the individual is confident and ready for a gradual transition to independence.

Stage 4 – To help ensure long-term success, some individuals continue to receive Long-Term Follow-Along support. This generally is 2-3 hours per month where the job coach checks in with both the employer and the employee to ensure performance standards are met and resolve any emerging workplace concerns.

Additional Services

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The Day Habilitation program provides continuation of care for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities in a supportive and caring environment by providing opportunities to allow for their greatest success.

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Project SEARCH

Adult Project SEARCH is a business-led internship program that gives people living with disabilities the opportunity to learn valuable job skills in a real workplace setting.

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CHOP

CHOP

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Your next step

Talk with someone who can help

We can answer questions about fit, eligibility, referrals, schedule, and location for you or the family member you’re helping.

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Mala Spivack

Executive Director of Day & Community Services