Supported Employment
NW Works offers supported employment programs to ensure you are successful at work. Our team of Employment Specialists, often referred to as Job Coaches, will accompany you to work as often as you and your support team determine is necessary. Supported Employment opportunities include Individual Supported Employment and Group Supported Employment.
Pictured: Kelly, NW Works Team Member & Plato’s Closet Employee
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In this program, you will be supported in selecting, securing, and sustaining competitive, integrated employment in the community. You will receive ongoing training and assistance from one of NW Works' Employment Specialists to reach your career goals. In collaboration with the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, you will work with a Employment Specialist and a Vocational Counselor to identify the amount of assistance you will need to learn job tasks and meet the expectations of your employer. Once you and your support team determine that you can complete the essential functions of your job, long term follow-along support may be provided as needed, or you can choose to phase out of job coaching services.
Read Kelly’s (pictured) success story of Individual Supported Employment by clicking the button below.
Photo Courtesy of Axalta
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In this program, you will work in a team environment, with both disabled and nondisabled coworkers at one of our partner job sites. An NW Works Employment Specialist will provide support at all times to ensure quality, individualized care even in a group setting. Group Supported sites include production line work, assembly, and other group assignments. As you learn the roles and responsibilities at the group sites, you may choose to transfer your skillset and pursue Individual Supported Employment at any job site you choose.
Maddie’s Promotion
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At NW Works, opportunities for advancement and workforce development are key for the people we serve. Maddie, a Project SEARCH graduate and team member who works in the community earned a promotion that came about thanks to her hard work, diligence, and support from her job coach, Caitlin. Maddie works for the City of Winchester as a Custodian and joined the team in August of 2023.
Employment Success Stories
Caitie’s Advocacy
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In the fall of 2024, Kelly began working at Plato’s Closet Winchester. Store Manager Mac Hall remembers her interview clearly. “Not only was Kelly capable, she was ambitious. She showed an excitement and desire to work and learn that I see less and less of in people today.” During her first few weeks, Kelly, her job coach Caitlin, and the store leadership worked together to adjust training strategies and create resources that made tasks easier to learn. When something felt challenging, Kelly’s response was consistent: “I’ll get the hang of it.”
Kelly’s Dedication
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Peter has been working with us at the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum since September, and he quickly became an invaluable part of our team. During his shifts, he is essential to maintaining a clean and safe exhibit floor by picking up after the children, reminding families of the rules, and cleaning bathrooms. Our staff trust and rely on Peter, never hesitating to ask him to help get a task done.
Peter’s Impact
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Recently, one of the individuals NW Works serves, Caitie, was able to develop her advocacy skills when met with a challenge turned opportunity at her place of employment. Over the course of her career, Caitie has learned what does and doesn’t work for her with the support of a job coach. Caitie requires a specific job to fit her preferences, and with the support of NW Works, was able to find several options. As Caitie began her new job, she was excited about the opportunities that lay before her, but with opportunities also come adjustments.
Why Hire People with Disabilities?
Photo from Aramark at Shenandoah University
Hiring people with disabilities brings a number of benefits, from added diversity in your workplace to government incentives. According to a study by The Institute for Corporate Productivity, individuals with developmental disabilities contributed to higher productivity rates, increased customer loyalty, and lower absenteeism.
To learn more, check out the resources at the Department of Labor’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month website.