Providing Extraordinary Services for Exceptional People

Typically, a job shadow is an unpaid in-person experience arranged between a job coach and a business during which a job seeker has the opportunity to observe an employee in their workplace and/or try out a certain job task themselves. Job shadows help a job seeker gain insight into job tasks, workplace culture, and the skills required for a certain position. Job shadows are typically scheduled for 1-3 hours, but can be adjusted to suit the business' needs. Job shadows are completed when a job seeker is still exploring potential career paths and not yet applying to jobs. Typically, a job seeker completes job shadows in a few different areas of interest to determine the type of job they want to pursue. There is no expectation of an offer of employment following a job shadow.

An informational interview is a meeting between an employer and a job seeker, usually accompanied by their Job Coach, in which the job seeker asks questions about a certain industry or job. It is an opportunity for the job seeker to gather information regarding the work environment, typical job duties, and necessary qualifications for an industry or specific role of interest. Gathering this information helps a job seeker identify roles that may be a good fit for them and allows for informed decision-making regarding their professional pursuits. These interviews can be conducted in-person, virtually, or through a phone call, and are typically less than 30 minutes. Participating in informational interviews does not obligate the employer to consider job seekers for employment, but exposes the employer to potentially qualified candidates.

The process of hiring a supported employee is largely the same as hiring anyone else, but with a few added benefits! The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), is a federal tax credit that is awarded to employers who hire individuals facing barriers to employment, like disability. Before claiming the tax credit, employers must apply and receive certification. When you hire an individual through MCC, an Employment Specialist or Job Coach is available to help them complete the onboarding process and necessary training for their role. We know it can be challenging to get new hires up-to-speed with the rest of your team, so our coaches can help lessen the burden of onboarding, while providing your new MCC hire with the support they need to hit the ground running!

Like any employee, the employer is responsible for paying the supported employee's wages. If a supported employee requires extra time or employer resources to complete the necessary training for their role, Vocational Rehabilitation will assess the potential for reimbursement of training costs on a case by case basis.

Job Coaches provide a variety of supports to individuals with disabilities. Depending on the individual's needs, coaching support may be in-person on the job site, or outside of work hours. Coaching is free of cost for both the supported employee and the employer. Job Coaches assist supported employees with: - Onboarding paperwork - Completing new hire training and maintaining work-related certifications - New skill development - Time management and building routine - Addressing work performance concerns - Navigating interpersonal dynamics in the workplace - Determining and coordinating accommodation requests - Communicating effectively with supervisors and coworkers - Strengthening self-advocacy skills Just to name a few!