SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT

Job Development, Job Coaching, and Long-Term Follow-Along (LTFA) Community Employment Services offer CODI consumers the opportunity to be trained or work in the community while earning a competitive wage and developing job skills.

Job Development, Job Coaching, and LTFA are critical services funded through the NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS). These services are designed to support differently-abled individuals in securing and maintaining employment in integrated settings.

Job Development assists individuals in securing employment based on their skills, interests, and goals. An Employment Specialist works closely with the consumer and prospective employers to identify job opportunities that align with the consumer’s abilities.

Job Coaching is provided after a consumer is hired to help them adjust to the work environment and learn the necessary tasks for the job.

LTFA provides ongoing support after the initial job placement and job coaching phase. It provides continuous follow-up to ensure the individual retains their job and any necessary support is in place for long-term success.

Funding Through DVRS

DVRS funds these services to help individuals with disabilities achieve competitive, integrated employment.

Eligibility and Process

Individuals must be determined eligible for DVRS services, typically based on their disability and employment goals.
DVRS creates a plan outlining the individual's vocational goals and services required.
Funding for job development, coaching, and LTFA is often included in this individualized plan.

When combined, these services offer a comprehensive approach to supporting individuals with disabilities in gaining and maintaining meaningful employment.

For FY24, DVRS referred 22 consumers to supported employment. Of those 22 referrals, 19 consumers were transitioned from supported employment to community employment and the remaining referrals were closed due to consumers stating they were not job ready.

For FY24, consumers and stakeholders reported 100% satisfaction with supported employment services and stated that staff is caring, supportive, and always available.

Tamara Shurig was referred to CODI from DVRS for Supportive Employment Services.

Tamara was proactive in her job search and worked with her CODI employment specialist to find employment at Acme in Mays Landing. Tamara was hired as a cashier in May of 2023. Today, she works part-time, mainly in the self-service area, where management has recognized her excellent customer service skills and friendly attitude.

Tamara was awarded and recognized as employee of the month several times and was told she gets more compliments than any other employee. She is always ready to assist customers by directing them to locate an item or by helping them use the Acme Digital App needed for coupons and discounts.

Tamara is proud of her accomplishments and is a well-regarded employee at the Acme Market in Mays Landing.

In May 2023, Jennifer sought supportive employment services through DVRS and chose to collaborate with CODI. She requested a bilingual job coach, and CODI successfully accommodated her needs. Having recently graduated high school, Jennifer was searching for her first job. With the assistance of her job coach, she secured part-time employment as a Shop-from-Home Associate at the Hammonton ShopRite in September 2023. Jennifer received on-site coaching and travel training to support her transition.

Now employed at ShopRite for over a year, Jennifer has taken on the responsibility of training new hires in her department. She is happy and successfully engaged in meaningful employment within her community.

Career Opportunity Development, Inc. (CODI)

Job Development, Job Coaching, and Long-Term Follow-Along (LTFA) Community Employment Services offer CODI consumers the opportunity to be trained or work in the community while earning a competitive wage and developing job skills.

Job Development, Job Coaching, and LTFA are critical services funded through the NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS). These services are designed to support differently-abled individuals in securing and maintaining employment in integrated settings.

Job Development assists individuals in securing employment based on their skills, interests, and goals. An Employment Specialist works closely with the consumer and prospective employers to identify job opportunities that align with the consumer’s abilities.

Job Coaching is provided after a consumer is hired to help them adjust to the work environment and learn the necessary tasks for the job.

LTFA provides ongoing support after the initial job placement and job coaching phase. It provides continuous follow-up to ensure the individual retains their job and any necessary support is in place for long-term success.

Funding Through DVRS

DVRS funds these services to help individuals with disabilities achieve competitive, integrated employment.

Eligibility and Process

Individuals must be determined eligible for DVRS services, typically based on their disability and employment goals.

DVRS creates a plan outlining the individual's vocational goals and services required.

Funding for job development, coaching, and LTFA is often included in this individualized plan.

When combined, these services offer a comprehensive approach to supporting individuals with disabilities in gaining and maintaining meaningful employment.

For FY24, DVRS referred 22 consumers to supported employment. Of those 22 referrals, 19 consumers were transitioned from supported employment to community employment and the remaining referrals were closed due to consumers stating they were not job ready.

For FY24, consumers and stakeholders reported 100% satisfaction with supported employment services and stated that staff is caring, supportive, and always available.

Tamara Shurig was referred to CODI from DVRS for Supportive Employment Services.

Now employed at ShopRite for over a year, Jennifer has taken on the responsibility of training new hires in her department. She is happy and successfully engaged in meaningful employment within her community.

Jennifer Success Story

Job Development, Job Coaching, and Long-Term Follow-Along (LTFA) Community Employment Services offer CODI consumers the opportunity to be trained or work in the community while earning a competitive wage and developing job skills.

Job Development, Job Coaching, and LTFA are critical services funded through the NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS). These services are designed to support differently-abled individuals in securing and maintaining employment in integrated settings.

Job Development assists individuals in securing employment based on their skills, interests, and goals. An Employment Specialist works closely with the consumer and prospective employers to identify job opportunities that align with the consumer’s abilities.

Job Coaching is provided after a consumer is hired to help them adjust to the work environment and learn the necessary tasks for the job.

LTFA provides ongoing support after the initial job placement and job coaching phase. It provides continuous follow-up to ensure the individual retains their job and any necessary support is in place for long-term success.

Funding Through DVRS

DVRS funds these services to help individuals with disabilities achieve competitive, integrated employment.

Eligibility and Process

Individuals must be determined eligible for DVRS services, typically based on their disability and employment goals.

DVRS creates a plan outlining the individual's vocational goals and services required.

Funding for job development, coaching, and LTFA is often included in this individualized plan.

When combined, these services offer a comprehensive approach to supporting individuals with disabilities in gaining and maintaining meaningful employment.

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For FY24, DVRS referred 22 consumers to supported employment. Of those 22 referrals, 19 consumers were transitioned from supported employment to community employment and the remaining referrals were closed due to consumers stating they were not job ready.

For FY24, consumers and stakeholders reported 100% satisfaction with supported employment services and stated that staff is caring, supportive, and always available.

Tamara Shurig was referred to CODI from DVRS for Supportive Employment Services.

Now employed at ShopRite for over a year, Jennifer has taken on the responsibility of training new hires in her department. She is happy and successfully engaged in meaningful employment within her community.

Jennifer Success Story