EMPLOYMENT FIRST:REAL WORK FOR REAL PAY

HOW A JOB COACH CAN HELP BY LISTENING AND BELIEVING!

Presented by the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services Self Advocate Coordinators

Making Employment Happen!Steps to Real Work for Real Pay. . Getting Started – Get To Know ME!ListeningJob ExplorationNetworkingCreativity – Thinking Outside the BoxJob SearchFound a JOB!

Getting Started – Get to Know ME!What are my dreams?What do I like to do and what are the

jobs/skills I have done well/have confidence in completing?

What jobs have I held in the past? What jobs worked well for me and what

ones didn’t?

Getting Started – Get to Know ME!What are my job and volunteer experiences?What are my strengths – the tasks I like?What tasks are difficult for me?Develop a Career Plan with ME!Each of us will have responsibilities in my

plan

Getting Started – Get to Know ME!Discuss with me what it means to be a good

employerHelp me develop my own resumeLet’s talk about what it means to be

“professional” at my jobHelp me know what to do if I have a problem at

my job – I want to learn how to be a good problem solver

What resources do you have to support me in my job search?

Getting Started – Get to Know ME!I need to get to work and be on time – I need

a steady form of transportation – Maybe a job on a bus route. . .

Everyone supporting me needs to know my benefits to help me find a job to support me.

Share with me all your knowledge about how to find, get and keep a job!

LISTENING!I need to know you are listening to me!Make eye contact with meDon’t interrupt me when I am talking – be

respectfulLet me talk for myself – help me if I am not

being clearTake time to talk with me Let’s talk about what I really want in my career

LISTENING!Let’s work together to make my dreams

happen and find the right job for me!I need to work with someone who understand

my form of communicationAssist me in expressing myself – I want to be

able to share my own thoughts and ideas at my job!

Work with me to be heard!

Job Exploration – Learning about WorkVolunteer – Help me find a volunteer job that

matches my interests Set up a working interview in a company that

I might be interested in working in – I need experience interviewing

Work with me to find a job that might not be perfect but it could be the first step on a career path to something better!

NetworkingHelp me make a list - friends, family, and other people who

might be able to help me find a job and be my network The more people I know the more contacts I will have to

help me find a job I want - networkingHelp me set up new contacts that might make my network

largerWork with me on how to ask others for help with a job

search Help me get connected and comfortable in asking for

support

Creativity – Thinking Outside the BoxThink about education/training that might help prepare

me for a new jobExplore local community college programs- Gateway,

MCCSet up mentoring opportunities for meGet involved in the National Mentoring Day in OctoberHelp me explore a small business start up – my own

businessLook for jobs in unusual places – I can try anything!

JOB SearchHelp me set up appointmentsPrepare me for the interviews – practice with me and

do some pretend interviews to get comfortablePrepare me for the interview by understanding the

company and what they doPrepare me to be dressed for success – I need to

know what is appropriate clothes for the jobA good job match is the Key to SuccessNever Give Up!

FOUND A JOB!Now Help Me Keep it!Stay focused on making sure the job is working outAssist me in learning and knowing all the functions of

the job Assist me in knowing my new work surroundings –

bathrooms, lunchrooms, Personnel dept, etcMake sure I know my schedule and I can get to work

on time

FOUND A JOB!I need to know if I am getting the pay I deserve – Let me

know if you think the pay is fare As I learn the job, assist me in meeting the other people

at the work place – I need to meet peopleIf I have a problem on the job, make sure I know who I

should talk to Know when it is time to let me do the job on my own!

I appreciate getting support but I want to do the job on my own

Employment First!

Real Work for Real Pay