Community Employment

Community Employment

Developed in 1988 with the philosophy that all people, regardless of disability, have the right to pursue a community-based work environment, the Metzenbaum Center’s Community Employment Program assists eligible Geauga County adults with developmental disabilities to obtain jobs in their community.  Services available through this program include: 

Community Employment Readiness Assessment is provided to individuals who are requesting community employment, but who either do not have a work history or are unsure of their interests and skills. The assessment can include an evaluation of employment interests, assessments of reading, writing and math skills, computer skills, equipment/machinery skills and/or basic work skills (such as following directions, ability to work with others, etc.).  The assessment may also include mock interviews and completion of employment applications.

Job Development is provided to qualified individuals who are seeking community employment.  Job Development is provided through the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation or through the Metzenbaum Center.  The goal in job development is to assist the individual in obtaining a job that best meets his or her interests and skills.  A job developer will contact a variety of businesses and introduce employers to potential employees.  The job developer communicates information such as work schedule, rate of pay and job duties to potential employees.

Job Coaching/Follow-Along services are provided to individuals who obtain a job in the community.  Services include on-the-job training in which the job coach will work one-on-one with the individual in his or her job setting.  The job coach will assist the individual in completing job duties thoroughly, establishing a work schedule and pacing of job tasks, among other job-related issues.  The job coach will also assist with employer/employee relations to assure job expectations are being met.  The job coach utilizes a variety of methods to communicate with the employer and employee such as in-person visits/observations, phone calls, attendance at team meetings and one-on-one meetings.

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) provides employers with a partial tax benefit for the first year they employ a worker through The Metzenbaum Center.  If you are an employer and would like to know more about the Metzenbaum Center’s Community Employment Program, call 440-729-9406.

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