CAREER DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

3000 Elida Road, Suite #3

Lima, Ohio45805

(419) 222-9877

Fax: (419) 222-9834

E-mail:

MENU OF SERVICES

Mission Statement

“Career Development Company seeks to provide job

placement services and related support programs to help

persons with disabilities identify, obtain and maintain meaningful

community employment that is consistent with

their individual needs, skills, interests and

capabilities.”

CareerDevelopmentCompany

3000 Elida Road, Suite 3Lima, Ohio45805(419) 222-9877 Email:

VOCATIONALASSESSMENTS

FEE: $475.00

Career Development Company utilizes a range of key evaluative instruments to measure and assess consumer job interests, current work readiness, specific vocational competencies, functional academics, cognitive abilities, and relevant attitudes and behaviors. Research in the field of vocational and career planning shows that specific combinations of inventories – those which assess aptitude, interests and work values – are especially important to effective vocational and career planning, and are recommended accordingly.

When scheduled for vocational assessment, consumers complete a comprehensive on-site Pre-Assessment Questionnaire, and participate in one-on-one pre-assessment and post-assessment interviews. A Psychologist on CDC’s staff, with experience in vocational and career planning administers all inventories. A comprehensive report of findings and recommendations is subsequently submitted to the referring agency, usually within about one week following the assessment.

The Work Readiness Profile (WRP) is specifically designed to assist in assessments of persons with disabilities. It seeks to identify what people can do, rather than what they cannot do.

The Standardized Culture-Free Self-Esteem Inventory (CF/SEI-2) is administered to help identify consumers in need of psychological assistance due to self-esteem issues. It is also used to assess consumers’ therapeutic progress and to evaluate post-therapy effects.

The Reading-Free Vocational Interest Inventory (R-FVII) is available to measure vocational likes and dislikes of consumers who may lack effective reading. comprehension or written language skills.

The Harrington-O’Shea Career Decision-Making System Revised (CDM) helps consumers to identify vocational careers that match their interests, abilities and personalities, and provides insights to the basic skills, training or level of education required or recommended for jobs in those career fields.

The Becker Work Adjustment Profile (BWAP) examines work habits, interpersonal relations, work performance skills and cognitive factors related to employment.

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is designed to measure perception, judgment and attitudes.

Differential Aptitude Tests (DAT) measure eight important aptitudes: verbal; numerical; abstract and mechanical reasoning; perceptual speed and accuracy; space relations; spelling; and language usage.

The Wide Range Interest-Opinion Test (WROIT), a vocational and general interest inventory, reveals spontaneous likes and dislikes by reviewing pictures and drawings related to specific jobs.

The Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI), a self-report inventory, is designed to capture the consumers’ perceptions of how they learn and study, and how they feel about learning.

“My Vocational Situation” is an inventory designed to capture the consumers’ perceptions about their vocational identity (goals, talents, etc.), their knowledge of occupational information, and potential vocational barriers.

The Career Aptitudes and Strategies Inventory (CASI) assesses common attitudes, feelings, experiences and obstacles that influence career decision-making.

Val-Par compares results from written assessments to a computer database of jobs contained in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles to create a comprehensive list of possible jobs matching the consumer’s current skill level. The computerized system also creates a list of future job possibilities upon skills the consumer could reasonably be expected to acquire in career areas consistent with his/her long-term goals. Any listing of jobs – present or future – also incorporates data indicating the approximate number of such jobs currently available within Ohio and their respective salary ranges.

Results of these varied assessments can help consumers to establish more realistic – and hence more readily achievable – employment goals. They enable the referring agency to identify – early in the rehabilitation process – behavioral and vocational strengths and weaknesses unique to individual consumers, and relevant education, training or counseling that will help them to improve their competencies.

This information subsequently permits the referring agency and CDC staff to design a more thorough, targeted, cost-effective and potentially successful employment program.

PRE-VOCATIONAL CONSULTATION

FEE: $150.00

Career Development Company offers individualized Pre-Vocational Consultation services to referring counselors for those unique situations where, because of insufficient consumer, career or job market information, the development of a formal IWRP is hindered. When a Pre-Vocational Consultation is requested, appropriate Company staff research the relevant issues; interview consumers, employers, educators, health care professionals and/or other sources as appropriate; and submit to the referring counselor a report detailing their conclusions and recommendations. This information can subsequently help the consumer to complete a more effective IWRP – or provide the basis for determining that a change of consumer status in the rehabilitation process is otherwise warranted.

As examples, a Pre-Vocational Consultation would be useful when there is a need to evaluate the feasibility of a particular consumer’s vocational goal if the nature and scope of the disability might render that goal impractical; when it would be prudent to evaluate local job market conditions to determine if pursuit of employment in a uniquely unusual career makes practical or economic sense; when rehabilitation time-frames suggested by the consumer appear unrealistic or inconsistent with usual standards; etc.

The Harrington-O’Shea Career Decision-Making System Revised can be administered under this service option with authorization of the referring agency.

Career Development Company welcomes the opportunity to provide consultative support to referring agency staff whenever difficult or unusual service issues arise.

CLERICAL ASSESSMENT

FEE: $200.00

Career Development Company offers a Clerical Assessment to evaluate a consumer’s clerical skills and aptitude in an office environment in order to determine current levels of performance, and identify areas where additional classroom and/or on-the-job training might be advisable to help the consumer acquire/improve skills where some deficiency now exists.

The Clerical Assessment begins with an in-depth on-site interview, following which the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Differential Aptitude Tests (DAT) are administered. The MBTI measures perception, judgment and attitudes; the Differential Aptitude Tests measure consumer aptitude in the areas of verbal, numerical, abstract and mechanical reasoning; perceptual speed and accuracy; space relations; and spelling and language usage. Licensed mental health professionals administer both inventories.

This battery of tests is then followed by on-site observation and evaluation of the consumer’s skill levels in the following areas:

COGNITIVE SKILLS

This Company’s fast-paced office environment provides an ideal setting in which to assess a consumer’s ability to satisfy the essential functions of a typical clerical position. The clerical skills and abilities assessed include but may not necessarily be limited to:

Typing – Speed, spelling, punctuation, overall accuracy

Computer Literacy – Knowledge and effective utilization of common office desktop computer software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, data base, etc.; and knowledge and effective operation of such computer peripherals as printers, scanners, back-up equipment, etc.

Filing – Knowledge and effective application of basic filing practices, both numerical and alphabetical, etc.

Telephone Communications – Knowledge and utilization of common business telephone communications equipment; outgoing and incoming call etiquette; telephone voice clarity, diction and projection; and transcription and routing of incoming messages.

Office Equipment – Knowledge and use of common office equipment such as copiers, fax machines, shredders, hole-punchers, etc.

ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOR

Consumer capabilities are assessed as they relate to quality of social interaction among staff and visitors, ability to quickly and smoothly adjust to the sometimes stressful demands of the office environment, ability to accept constructive criticism without defensive response, ability to follow instructions, and overall attitude and level of cooperation.

WORK HABITS

The consumer is evaluated in terms of appropriateness of attire, personal hygiene, punctuality, attention to detail, quality and quantity of output, etc.

A comprehensive report containing testing results, interpretations, general observations and specific recommendations is subsequently issued to the referring counselor.

JOB PREPARATION/JOB SEARCH SKILLS TRAINING (JSST)

FEE: $45.00 per Hour 1:1 $450.00 Groups 2-4 $400.00 Groups 5-6

A job worth finding, getting and keeping requires that the job seeker (1) possess the skills required for the desired work, (2) have a good understanding of effective job search methods and techniques, and (3) is sufficiently prepared for the demands and dynamics of the interview process. The staff of Career Development Company is committed to helping each consumer attain a level of capability in these areas sufficient to promote individual job search readiness and employability. JSST can be provided one-on-one, or on a group basis. Group JSST classes in Lima are generally available the third week of every month (depending upon referring agency demand); group JSST classes can be arranged in other communities serviced by Career Development Company at the request of a referring agency.

Key Service Components

[Including but not necessarily limited to:]

  • Intensive interview skills training, including video-taped role-play and critique
  • Identifying job-related, adaptive and transferable skills
  • Traditional job-hunting techniques
  • The “Hidden Job Market”
  • Attendance and punctuality requirements
  • Personal grooming and hygiene considerations
  • Understanding workplace rules and customs
  • Résumé basics
  • Applicable ADA law
  • Career exploration and goal-setting
  • Job application forms: rules and pitfalls
  • Workplace health & safety issues
  • Career portfolio

JOB DEVELOPMENT

FEE: $45.00 per Hour

The job development process is tailored to meet the specific needs and interests of individual consumers. Some consumers will of course require more assistance in the design and implementation of their job search than will others, depending upon their particular disability, educational background and work history. Career Development Company’s job developers seek to establish a “partnership” with each consumer at the very beginning of the process. This sense of partnership helps to promote a mutual commitment to the task, and a level of job search support appropriate to that consumer’s unique needs, interests, skills, abilities and expectations.

Key Service Components

[Including but not necessarily limited to:]

• Placement plan development• Employer contact methods

• Job site identification and development• Employer research tools (Dun & Bradstreet,

• Job shadowing Internet, library, etc.)

• Establishing job references• 7/14/21/30/45/60/75/90-day consumer/employer

• Completing job applications follow-up

• Employer expectations• Vendor presence during employee performance

• Interview participation evaluations (probationary period)

• Résumés, cover letters, follow-up letters• Job interview practice

• Interview transportation• Dress, grooming and hygiene

• Short-term intervention services (limited to • Employer hiring incentives

issues which could adversely affect consumer • Consumer job-site analysis

job performance and employability)• New job orientation

• Employer handbook review• OBES registration

• Work site health and safety policies and• Employer “new hire” training, evaluation and

procedures supervision (policies and practices)

• Reinstatement to formerly held jobs

JOBCOACHING

FEE: $45.00 per Hour

Each consumer’s first experience with his or her assigned job coach occurs prior to the job start date. This typically includes an informational meeting involving the consumer, the job coach, the job developer and the employer. During this employer orientation, the job description is reviewed in detail, employer needs and expectations are discussed, and job site accommodations (if necessary) are initiated. Additionally, the coach and consumer review in detail the employee handbook, applicable job site health and safety issues and regulations, employee performance and evaluation standards, etc. In follow-up to this meeting, the job coach develops a written task analysis that defines all job tasks and their interrelationship, which determines the on-site training to be provided. All delivered training is consistent with the requirements of the job and that consumer’s individual skills, abilities and limitations.

The job coach works with the consumer at the job site for the period of time authorized. Throughout the job coaching assignment, the consumer is challenged to accept as much job responsibility as possible, as quickly as possible (but always consistent with his or her specific capabilities and limitations). The intent is to help the consumer develop, as soon as practicable, that unique sense of personal independence and self-confidence that is derived from meaningful, productive work... successfully accomplished and appropriately rewarded.

As the consumer and employer’s need for intensive, on-site coaching support diminishes; the job coach begins the “fading process.” This process enables the coach to gradually withdraw from the job site as the consumer demonstrates a level of performance sufficient to the employer’s needs and consistent with the consumer’s capabilities.

Key Service Components

[Including but not necessarily limited to:]

  • Individualized orientation to job site
  • Task analysis
  • Vocational training
  • Natural supports development
  • Job site accommodation analysis
  • Transportation coordination
  • Vendor presence during employee performance evaluations (probationary period)
  • Short-term intervention services (limited to issues which could adversely affect consumer job performance and employability)
  • Work site health and safety policies and procedures
  • Employer “new hire” training, evaluation and supervision (policies and practices)
  • Learning tools such as charts, diagrams, etc. (as may be necessary and specifically authorized)

COMMUNITY-BASED ASSESSMENT

FEE: $48.00 per Hour

A Community-Based Assessment (CBA) can be arranged when there is a need to determine “up-front” (i.e., pre-IWRP) if a consumer possesses the fundamental capabilities necessary to the performance of job tasks in a particular field of employment.

For example, to find out if a consumer who expresses an interest in travel agency work has the fundamental capabilities to do the tasks associated with that job – or can reasonably be expected to learn to develop those capabilities, given adequate time, training and/or work-site accommodation – a CBA could be established at a local travel agency. During the course of the CBA, an assigned job coach would closely observe consumer performance to assess the degree to which job tasks could or could not be successfully completed. Relevant behaviors would also be assessed, i.e., ability to take direction or criticism from others, co-worker and customer interactions, energy level, stamina, etc. On-site barriers to effective consumer performance – barriers which might or might not be addressable via “reasonable accommodation” – would be identified.

A comprehensive written evaluation is subsequently submitted to the referring agency.

Key Service Components

[Including but not necessarily limited to:]

  • Orientation to job site
  • Vocational training
  • Natural supports development
  • Transportation coordination
  • Vendor presence during CBA performance evaluations
  • Short-term intervention services (limited to issues which could adversely affect consumer job performance and employability)
  • Work site health and safety policies and procedures
  • Employer “new hire” training, evaluation and supervision (policies and practices)
  • Identify existing job-related, adaptive and transferable skills

WORK ADJUSTMENT TRAINING

FEE: $40.00 per Hour

Occasionally a consumer may experience continuing difficulties on-the-job for reasons relating to deficits in his or her educational, social and/or daily living skills. Often, these consumers lack even a fundamental understanding of certain skills that are considered “basic” to any employment contract.

Career Development Company offers customized “work adjustment training” designed to help the consumer (1) identify specific areas of concern, (2) understand why it is important that these issues be addressed, and (3) promote – through intensive one-on-one guidance, counseling and instruction – appropriate behavioral changes.

Because lack of a high school diploma can be a significant obstacle to both short-term and long-term employment opportunity, consumers who may be candidates for GED testing can be enrolled for pre-testing in one of several certified GED test centers in the Company’s authorized service area. Where authorized, one-on-one GED preparation tutoring can be provided in any subject area in which the consumer may be deficient. Career Development Company staff will coordinate all associated enrollment, processing and transportation arrangements.

The ultimate goal of Work Adjustment Training is to help the consumer improve long-term employment potential by promoting appropriate personal and “employer friendly” behaviors, conduct, attitudes and success potential.

Key Service Components

[Including but not necessarily limited to:]

  • Daily living skills
  • Job site accommodation analysis
  • Transportation assistance
  • Natural supports development
  • Personal hygiene
  • Grooming and dress
  • Off-site training and education options and enrollment assistance
  • Basic social skills
  • Short-term intervention services (limited to issues which could adversely affect consumer job performance and employability)
  • Educational opportunities
  • Basic living skills
  • Human Services intervention
  • GED tutoring and processing assistance

JOB SHADOWING

FEE: $40.00 per Hour

Job Shadowing services are provided in those situations where a consumer is uncertain about the kind of work he or she wants to do, or if concerns exist about the consumer’s ability to perform specific tasks associated with a particular job. In these cases, they can be given an opportunity to “test” their suitability to the varying demands of one or more vocational options in a “real world” work environment. The consumer is subsequently better prepared to determine if continued pursuit of a given job or career path is realistic. This process can also help the referring agency – and CDC’s job development staff – to apply development time and resources more cost-effectively by targeting more viable employment options.