Employment Solutions

Available only in Rochester

Employment Solutions assists people with epilepsy and other disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment.  One does not need to have epilepsy in order to participate and benefit from these programs and the expertise of our employment specialists.
 
Our programs meet the various needs of working or job-seeking adults as well as high school students who will soon transition to the world of work.

Supported Employment
Individuals with epilepsy and related neurological impairments look to this program to help them obtain and maintain high-quality and fulfilling employment.    Generally, Supported Employment works with individuals after their formal schooling has been completed and offers a job club and an employment club.  

The Job Club is a support program for adults seeking employment.  The Job Club meets every other Tuesday afternoon from 1:00 to 2:30 pm at the Epilepsy Foundation office.  Topics covered include job search strategies, networking, and interviewing skills.  Guest speakers from area companies are invited to speak about employment issues. Practice interviews are often conducted and videotaped for assessing skills and determining what areas need improvement.  

The Employment Club is a facilitated discussion group for clients who are currently employed. The Employment Club meets the second Tuesday evening of every month from 5:00 - 6:30 pm at the Epilepsy Foundation office.  Meetings usually include group discussions facilitated by staff and talks by guest speakers with expertise in a particular area.  Recent topics have included job advancement, communication skills and time management.
 
For more information on the Job Club and the Employment Club and a schedule of meeting dates, contact Rasheem Hankins at (585) 770-1794  ext. 2721.

School to Work
School to Work program is for a select number of high school students who plan to enter the world of work after graduation.  Students may have epilepsy, a learning disability, or a developmental disability, but no matter what the situation, all
participants stand to benefit from their involvement.   
 
After assessing the needs, interests, and abilities of each participating student, staff will provide students with the following:

• A description of their vocational interests, strengths and weaknesses.
• Pre-employment training in interview skills and work attitudes.
• Assistance with job identification.
• Job development for an appropriate 10-week job placement.
• On-the-job skills training and off-the-job support through individual counseling and a Job Club.

In addition, students receive job coaching for the duration of their 10-week job experience and a paid stipend for their work experience while in the School to Work program.

Evaluation of the student's strengths and weaknesses will assist in moving the student into successively more competitive job placements. Carefully structured practice in self-advocacy, effective communications, and successful work attitudes will increase their chances of future success. 
 
Program staff ensures that parents, counselors, case managers, and teachers who constitute the student's "circle of support" are fully informed and committed to the student's participation.

For more information on School-to-Work, contact Rasheem Hankins at (585) 770-1794  ext. 2721 or via e-mail.

For more information or to discuss any employment related issue, please contact a member of the Employment Solutions staff at (585) 770-1794  ext. 2721.