COMPETITIVE INTEGRATED EMPLOYMENT

Focuses on ensuring equal opportunities for employment in the mainstream job market. The primary goal is to promote inclusive employment settings where individuals with developmental disabilities can work side by side with individuals without disabilities, receiving fair wages and enjoying the benefits of community integration.

Here are key components associated with Competitive Integrated Employment policies:

Employment First Philosophy

Competitive Integrated Employment often aligns with the broader “Employment First” philosophy, emphasizing community-based employment as the preferred and first option for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Policies underscore the importance of equal employment opportunities, advocating for nondiscrimination in hiring, promotion, and job retention based on an individual’s developmental disability.

Individualized Placement

That OCSS we promote individualized approaches to job placement, taking into account the unique skills, interests, and preferences of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Minimum Wage Requirements

Competitive Integrated Employment policies advocate for paying individuals with developmental disabilities at least the minimum wage or the prevailing wage for the position, eliminating subminimum wage practices.

Job Coaching and Support

To facilitate successful employment, OCSS supports the provision of job coaching and ongoing support. Our employment support coordinators assist the job seeker in learning job tasks, developing workplace skills, and navigating social interactions.

Access to Benefits

At OCSS we advocate for our job seekers in competitive integrated employment to have access to the same employment benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and other workplace benefits, as their colleagues without disabilities.

Education and Training Opportunities

OCSS supports job seekers in accessing education and training opportunities to enhance their skills and qualifications for competitive integrated employment. (CIE)

Reasonable Accommodations

Opendoor Community support services (OCSS) develop new and creative skills to assist our job seekers to find and develop a unique work opportunity. Our employment Support coordinators use interest-based negotiation techniques to bridge the gap between with Employers to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that job seekers can perform essential job functions effectively. This may include modifications to work schedules, equipment, or communication methods.

Community Partnerships

Policies encourage collaboration between service providers, employment agencies, and local businesses to create partnerships that facilitate the placement of individuals with developmental disabilities in competitive integrated employment.

Career Advancement Opportunities

OCSS supports job seekers in pursuing career advancement opportunities within the workforce. This may involve training for promotions, skill development, and ongoing professional growth.

By promoting policies that support Competitive Integrated Employment, governments and organizations aim to dismantle barriers to employment for individuals with developmental disabilities, foster inclusion in the workforce, and contribute to the broader goal of community integration.