Career Support Systems, Inc.

Individual Barrier to Competitive Employment

Mr. H. was referred to Career Support Systems, Inc. with a diagnosis of mental retardation and depression/anxiety disorder. He also had a history of substance abuse. His work history consisted of 6 months of employment on a supported employment group-option landscaping crew. He and his Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor worked together with our staff to establish an employment goal of competitive employment in the janitorial /custodial field. In addition to the barriers created by his disability(s), Mr. H. had the following additional barriers:

- No H.S. diploma

- No transportation

- Very limited work experience (6 months on Group Option-Enclave)

- Very rural community with a limited # of businesses and high unemployment

Strategy to Address Barrier

Job carving/job restructuring - Since Mr. H. lived in a very rural area and had no access to transportation, his Employment Consultant knew that his options for finding work close to his home would be limited. There was a nursing home within walking distance of Mr. H.’s house, so she targeted this employer for contact. The Employment Consultant called on this organization to assess the work environment and to identify any opportunities that might exist. While the nursing home did not have any positions open, his Employment Consultant was able to identify a potential opportunity to utilize job carving and restructuring to create a position.

Case Example of Individual Change Strategy

The assigned Employment Consultant noticed during her tour of the facility that in addition to their nursing duties, the Nursing staff also performed general janitorial services for the facility. Upon further investigation she learned that there were no janitorial staff employed at the facility. She then set up a meeting with the facility’s Administrator and discussed the potential for creating /carving a janitorial job for Mr. H.

After interviewing several staff members about their duties, she prepared a sample job description using O*Net and then prepared a job analysis of the cleaning duties performed by the nursing staff. A formal “Employment Proposal” was developed with, and on behalf of, Mr. H. that ultimately led to the creation of his PT Janitorial /Custodial position. The proposal addressed the following topics:

- Rationale: Allowed nursing staff to dedicate more time to core service (patient care).

- Benefits: Time and money saved by reassigning duties to a worker with a lower wage

- Qualifications: Outline of Mr. H’s strengths, abilities and desired outcome.

- Employment Conditions: Details such as hours, wages, and work place supports provided.

- Work Opportunities Tax Credit: Described potential for additional cost savings

- References: Three references were provided

- Approval Signatures: signed by Mr. H.; his Employment Consultant; & Nursing Home

Strategies to address barriers: Organizational | Individual

Allegan County Community Mental Health
The Arc of Stanly County, Inc.
Career Design & Development Services
Career Support Systems, Inc.
The Cobb/Douglas Community Services Boards (CSBs)
HPS, Helping People Succeed, Inc.
KFI
Rise, Inc.
Via of Lehigh Valley