St. John’s Community Services-Virginia

About SJCS Not for profit, 501c(3) Organization Provide services in Washington, D.C., Virginia (Loudon, Annandale), PA, and Tennessee We have been in existence since right after the Civil War CARF Accredited Licensed by DBHDS Contracts in many jurisdictions for services

Core Values At SJCS we believe that each person should: Have a career, have dreams for the future and make meaningful contributions. Be included, respected, and valued Have on-going information, experiences, and expectations from which to make choices Have a variety of relationships Live and participate in the community of his or her choice

Terms you need to know: DARS: Department of Rehabilitative Services Typically offers funding for paid employment and then follow- along services each month Enclave: Individuals are employees of the company hosting the group and earn wages ranging from productivity-based to above minimum hourly wages. The group setting allows individuals to earn money while working on developing the basic work and social skills needed to move on to more independent jobs. Sub-minimum wage: Some agencies hold a special certificate that permits paying people with disabilities less than the prevailing minimum wage. Find out more here: To find out who holds a sub-minimum wage certificate in your area go to:

Continued Center-based employment: offers individuals with disabilities more highly supervised employment options on-site. Typically paid work at the individual’s ability or productivity rate Day-Support, Community Inclusion: Individuals that require specialized supervision in a 1:4 ratio setting and/or want to learn additional skills (social, budgeting, communication, etc.). Done in the community. Typically volunteer base (no pay). CSB: Community Services Board Typically offers long-term services including enclave, day support, supported employment

Definitions Continued… Supported Employment: emphasizes the benefits of individuals with significant disabilities having opportunities for real, integrated work as a primary option. All parties involved benefit from competitive employment. Such employment provides the individual with a disability a real job, benefits, and the dignity that arises from gainful employment.

Programs in Virginia Community Participation Supported Employment Community Living Service In-Home Residential Offices: Fairfax & Loudon Counties Serving: Prince William, Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudon Expanding soon into Winchester

Programs Overview OPCO (Day Support) Volunteer (unpaid) Learn new skills In-Home & Residential Group homes & in your own home Support Employment Paid, competitive salary As much or as little support as you need

What is our role?

10 To help people envision the life they would prefer To promote paid work as a first option as it has the greatest benefits to the individual To assist people to learn about the activities & resources in their communities To prepare school aged students for work starting at very young ages To support people to make informed choices To provide support to make those choices real To make sure that all of the support we can’t directly provide is arranged for.

Residential & In-Home Services We offer residential services in group homes in Fairfax County We offer in-home services in Arlington County and are currently expanding

Supported Employment (SENVA) Paid employment in the community We do NOT hold a sub-minimum wage contract

Employment First SJCS believes that individuals with disabilities should have the same standards, responsibilities and expectations as any working age adult. Employment First means educating people to the benefits of work and encouraging the pursuit of this preferred outcome while respecting the individual informed choices

SJCS’s Employment Philosophy ONE PERSON = ONE JOB 14

Employment First SJCS believes that individuals with disabilities should have the same standards, responsibilities and expectations as any working age adult. Employment First means educating people to the benefits of work and encouraging the pursuit of this preferred outcome while respecting the individual informed choices

Our Commitment Ensuring that people we support to work are employed directly by the business at which they work, not SJCS, unless we have an individualized job that fits the person and that they desire; That people supported are not fitted into jobs that may be available at our convenience rather than customized to their preference; People are always paid at least minimum wage or whatever the prevailing rate for the position is; and We approach job development as a business to business proposition, not a charitable endeavor.

What do we offer? Career Planning: career interest inventories to determine similarities and interests On-the-Job Training: Provide training to individuals on the job about their specific job tasks Travel Training: Navigating public transportation system by riding with you on public transportation and identifying the most convenient route Situational Assessments: on-site, hands on work experience in a career field in which the individual has expressed interest Job Development: assistance in finding a job, including developing resumes, job leads, applications, interviewing, and advocacy. Job Coaching: Extra support with training and settling into a new job. Job coaches can provide on the job training for the employee and education for employer other life skills training.

Our Staff: We have three full-time job coaches on staff at this time and are hiring for a fourth Two have been on staff for more than 14 years with SJCS! All staff are required to complete the employment certification through APSE or ACRE.APSEACRE Part of this process is a 12 week course through VCU.

Funding & Referrals Funding comes from: ID Waiver DD Waiver Local CSB Funding DARS Private pay contracts Where do we get our referrals? Department of Family Service Community Services Boards DARS DFS Private referrals Who is appropriate? Anyone who wants to work

I want employment… what does that mean? We will request a meeting with your Support Coordinator We will work with individuals on their needs which sometimes means: Developing a resume Administering career interest inventories Practicing completing applications Practicing with mock interviews Applying for jobs Attending interviews Getting a job

How long will it take to get me a job? That depends on you. We have been able to get people a job in days and sometimes it has taken months We individualize all services so it truly depends on every individual

What are some of the individuals’ schedules? What are the schedules of individuals? Some people work 1 day per week for a couple of hours Some work almost full-time How much support do you provide? We work with you and your team to determine how little or how much service you need. We support people as little as 2 hours per week or as much as their entire shift.

Where do people work? What else can you tell me? It depends on your interests and what you want! People make different hourly rates and many have full benefits such as health insurance and 401K. Some people have obtained employment at government agencies, the mall, office buildings, and retail stores.

You get a job… Now what? We want to help you maintain your employment We fade our presence over time based on your needs Sometimes, more support is needed and we work with your employer and case manager to achieve your level of support. Long-term follow-along We come out to your job at least two times a month (or more if you need it)

Benefits Counseling We partner with Full Circle who is certified to provide benefits counseling to you at no charge. They will discuss with you various options to help you make an informed decision.

Community Participation (OPCO) Volunteer work Learn new skills Participate in employment or eventually obtain employment

Community Participation People with disabilities become involved in their communities by developing relationships, skills, abilities and an improved sense of personal value. Learn new skills through community activities such as shopping, banking, and using library services, as well as forming relationships through shared interests such as art, writing, computer technology, religion, and culture.

Community Participation We are a program without walls. We do not have facilities. We operate solely out in the community. Two sites: Annandale & Fairfax

Staffing & Sites: Community Participation  Two Program Coordinators  Two team leaders  A staffing ratio of 1:4  More than 20 total volunteer sites that rotate on a regular basis  People do not have to do the same thing day after day if he/she does not want to!

Sites for Community Participation  What are some of the sites like?  We participate at various sites doing activities such as administrative work, food delivery, helping at a homeless shelter, and recreation centers.  What are some of your sites:  Volunteers of America  Food and Friends  Meals on Wheels  Wolf Trap  Shelter House

Community Participation…  Who is appropriate?  People who want to learn skills to better prepare them for the work world.  People who want to volunteer their time.  People who do not want to be in a sheltered setting.  Where does funding come from?  Private pay  ID Waiver  DD Waiver  Local CSB Funding (vocational or high school transitioning students)

Can I participate in both programs? Many individuals participate in both programs at the same time. Some individuals want to try the Community Participation Program first, and then ease in with a couple of hours a month in the Supported Employment Program. We have job coaches that work with people their entire shift We have job coaches that work with people outside of their job due to the person not wanting their employer to know information about their disability We have job coaches that work with individuals a couple of hours per week

Our Numbers We have 42 people in our Community Participation Program daily We have approximately 30 follow-along support cases We have 10 cases open on average that we are looking for jobs

Interested in our services? Complete a referral packet Come for an informational session Determine if St. John’s Community Services is right for you Complete an application and schedule a two day assessment (for Day Services)

Contact Us Visit our website: Program Director, Employment & Day Services Barbara Schultheiss (Direct)

References APSE: support-professional/ support-professional/ ACRE: competencieshttp:// competencies Know your Rights: me.html me.html VA DARS Supported Employment Manual: e11.pdf e11.pdf