Supported Employment Program

PART-TIME JOBS
Goodwill's Supported Employment program provides part-time paid employment for people with developmental disabilities either individually or in a small group (with an Employment Training Specialist (job coach) in Goodwill facilities or at local businesses. Supported employment programs are designed to move people from being dependent on the government or others for financial support to becoming independent via competitive employment.

The program offers support to both the employer and the employee by providing services such as transportation, assistive technology, specialized job training, and individually tailored supervision. Goodwill's Supported Employment program facilitates a high level of integration with non-disabled co-workers within various employer sites.

After the individual becomes job ready within Goodwill's program and has found a regular position within Goodwill or at another business:

The business hires or subcontracts (from Goodwill) the individual or group at a competitive wage based on the level of production.

That individual or group can either become a regular employee of that business, and would receive the same benefits offered to other employees of that business; or the business would reimburse Goodwill for the payment of the worker's wages and benefits and that worker or group remains on the Goodwill payroll.

Regardless of how the individual or group is paid, a Goodwill Employment Training Specialist (ETS) is assigned to the individual (at no charge to the business) and that ETS provides intensive on-site training based on the needs of the business and that individual. The ETS is hired by Goodwill to assist the employee with a disability in learning and performing the job and adjusting to the work environment

Support from a Goodwill ETS is given for the duration of the participants employment . The ETS is able to intervene when new assignments are given or if the participant has difficulties on the job. This helps insure the participant is successful and the employer is satisfied. Employment Training Specialists also provide advocacy and other non-work related support necessary for job retention.

Please contact a case worker at the California Department of Rehabilitation or the San Diego Regional Center for more information on eligibility for this program or hiring an individual or group for your business.