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The Arc of Pennsylvania
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Customized Employment Training

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CUSTOMIZED EMPLOYMENT TRAINING

 

The Arc of Pennsylvania partners with Marc Gold and Associates (MG&A) to offer three separate, but interrelated training courses on the core elements of Customized Employment. Each of our courses are 3-day, virtual trainings. These courses are available for certification and meet the training requirements for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s (OVR’s) Customized Employment services and the PA Office of Developmental Program’s (ODP) Advanced Supported Employment services. For each training, those seeking certification will complete additional fieldwork under the guidance of a mentor. Those without the need for certification (school personnel, families, etc.) may also enroll in the courses.

Upcoming Training Dates

Discovery Training – May 10 – 12, 2023
Learn more about Discovery Training

Customized Job Development: May 17 – 19, 2023
Learn more about Customized Job Development Training

Systematic Instruction: None scheduled at this time.
Learn more about Systematic Instruction Training

Customized Employment Training Descriptions

 

DISCOVERY TRAINING – presents an alternative to traditional vocational assessment. The Discovery process focuses on the individual with a disability’s unique interests, contributions, and conditions needed for success. It sets the stage for job development and securing customized employment.
Learn more About Discovery Training/Register

 

CUSTOMIZED JOB DEVELOPMENT TRAINING – teaches skills enabling the job developer to identify, analyze, and conceptualize specific job aspects that meet the needs of both the individual profile and the employer. This training teaches strategies for contacting and presenting to employers on behalf of job seekers.
Learn more About Customized Job Development Training/Register

 

SYSTEMATIC INSTRUCTION TRAINING – Focuses on the skills and knowledge to teach job type tasks to an individual with a disability. The training includes understanding natural supports to perform a job task, conducting task analysis, training a person on job tasks using appropriate strategies, and how to record performance training data.
Learn more About Systematic Instruction Training/Register 

 

About Customized Employment

Customized Employment is designed to support individuals with disabilities who struggle to find employment. Customized Employment works by negotiating customized positions with local employers that align with the job seeker’s interests, skills, and conditions for success. Job seekers benefit by having a flexible position that allows them to be at their best. Employers benefit by hiring an individual that can fulfill a specific need within their organization.

Organizations and individuals in Pennsylvania who want to provide customized employment for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation or advanced supported employment funded by The Office of Developmental Programs need training and certification in these courses. 

In addition to providing Customized Employment Training, The Arc of Pennsylvania also provides direct services. Our trained consultants are able to offer Discovery, Customized Job Development, and Systematic Instruction for people with disabilities through our ADEPT program. ADEPT stands for Arc Discovery Employment Transitions. Click here to learn more about these services. 

For More Information

For more information, please email Program Manager Jen Hipps at: [email protected].

NEW Module Just Arrived - Trauma-Informed Care. Visit our E-Learning Module Series. This series provides information and strategies for teachers, families, and paras to support the education of all students.

The Arc of Pennsylvania’s Making Employment Work course is an ACRE Basic Certification Training. In order to receive certification, participants must attend a 3 day, in-person training and then complete a self-paced, online curriculum. Completing this certification course will qualify individuals to provide Supported Employment services with Pennsylvania’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Office of Developmental Programs. Our training combines lessons learned from traditional Supported Employment and Customized Employment techniques.

Arc Discovery Employment Transitions (ADEPT) is The Arc of Pennsylvania’s customized employment program. The Arc of Pennsylvania supports individuals with significant impact of disability to seek and maintain customized employment in their community. As a result, The Arc of Pennsylvania’s consultants are trained and nationally certified by Marc Gold & Associates, a national leader in customized employment, to provide Discovery, Customized Employment Job Development, and Systematic Instruction to individuals with disabilities in Pennsylvania who are seeking employment. In addition to providing customized employment services, The Arc of Pennsylvania hosts several certification courses with Marc Gold & Associates for individuals and organizations interested in national certification in Discovery, Job Development, and Systematic Instruction.

Include Me is a new model for inclusive education and gaining meaningful employment for Pennsylvania’s students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc of Pennsylvania and Include Me believe all individuals with significant impact of developmental and intellectual disability deserve equal educational and competitive employment rights. Our mission, build and strengthen the inclusive education capacity for all public-school students, and discover meaningful employment opportunities meeting Pennsylvania employee and employer needs. Include Me strives to ensure all impacted students have equal access to all aspects of life and the community throughout their lifespan.

Include Me is an initiative that was part of the agreement on final terms between the plaintiffs and the Pennsylvania Department of Education in the Gaskin Settlement Agreement. We were initially assigned to work with school districts with the lowest inclusion rates. After the initial success, we have grown in reputation among school districts. Currently districts voluntarily chose our services, which are provided free of charge to the district. In addition to our School Age services, we offer transition-age services to help teams plan a path to customized employment for students transitioning from high school.

Donation Refund Policy

We are grateful for your donation and support of our organization. If you have made an error in making your donation or change your mind about contributing to our organization please contact us. Refunds are returned using the original method of payment. If you made your donation by credit card, your refund will be credited to that same credit card.

Automated Recurring Donation Cancellation

Ongoing support is important to enabling projects to continue their work, so we encourage donors to continue to contribute to projects over time. But if you must cancel your recurring donation, please notify us.

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