Job Development
Competitive employment services are designed to give an individual the supports he/she needs to work as independently as possible in the community. If someone is interested in this type of employment, a job developer is  assigned to assist with all of the activities involved in securing a new job. This includes developing a vocational goal and résumé, preparing for an interview and assistance during the interview. Once a position is offered, the job developer also assists with the hiring paperwork and assures a smooth transition by coordinating job coaching services.
For additional information about job development services, please contact Mike Jacobs at MJacobs@summitdd.org or by calling 330-634-8144.
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Job Coaching
Once a job in the community is secured, we are there to assist with learning the new responsibilities. Job coaching services are provided by a staff member who works with the new employee and the employer to develop clear expectations of tasks to be performed. These tasks are taught to the new employee by using methods that best meet his/her learning style. We essentially start the new job right along with the new employee.
Once the new employee understands and is comfortable performing his/her work tasks, the staff member fades into services called follow-along supports.
For additional information about job coaching services, please contact Mike Jacobs at MJacobs@summitdd.org or by calling 330-634-8144.
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Follow-Along 
Once a new employee is comfortable on the job, the staff member provides follow-along supports. A staff member checks in with the employee and employer to ensure continued success and to address any potential pitfalls that could lead to the loss of employment. Follow-along services are typically provided twice a month.
For additional information about follow-along services, please contact Mike Jacobs at MJacobs@summitdd.org or by calling 330-634-8144.
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Enclave/Workstation Employment
Enclave employment services are designed to support individuals by locating and maintaining integrated community-based group employment. If someone is interested in this service, a job developer is assigned to assist with creating the right job match. Once employment is secured, an on-site workstation specialist is there to cover day-to-day supervision issues and ensure that the work is completed to meet the needs of the employer.
Summit DD currently operates enclave employment sites in the following industries.
Manufacturing
Assembly
Car and Commercial Vehicle Cleaning
Janitorial Services
Light Commercial Maintenance
Grounds keeping/Clean-up
For additional information about enclave employment, please contact Cindy Cagno at CCagno@summitdd.org or by calling 330-634-8191.
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Information for Perspective Employers
Good people are easy to find if you know where to look...
Learn what more than 100 Akron area employers have learned.
Work with the County of Summit Developmental Disabilities Board to find good, reliable employees.
Summit County Employers can learn more about the benefits of employing people with disabilities or begin the process of hiring a person with a disability by contacting:
Carrie Roberts, County of Summit DD Board, Community Employment Program
330-634-8193
CRoberts@summitdd.org
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Job Exploration Training (J.E.T.) Program
The J.E.T. program is designed to provide real work experiences, paid or volunteer, in the community for eligible individuals who desire supported employment in the future. J.E.T. will provide job training and work skill development. Services are designed to teach and reinforce habilitation concepts related to work including responsibility, attendance, task completion, problem solving, social interaction, motor skill development, and safety.
The J.E.T. trainee must be able to safely function in the community with supervision that fades.
The J.E.T. program is a time-limited service. Every six months, the trainees will move to a new work site. A trainee must complete the program in two years or experience a total of four work sites.
J.E.T. Trainees will actively engage in career exploration. Trainees who have met their vocational training goals will be referred to job development services, as appropriate.
For additional information about the J.E.T. program, please contact Staci Nevels at SNevels@summitdd.org or by calling 330-634-8194.
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 Microenterprise/Self-Employment Services
The Microenterprise and Self-Employment Services are for you if you are either interested in starting your own business or being your own employer. The Microenterprise Advisor will assist you in developing a business plan, securing funding needed to get started, help educate you on laws entrepreneurs need to know about, and help connect you to community resources to promote and grow your business.
For additional information about the Microenterprise program, please contact Jacquie Owens at JOwens@summitdd.org or by calling 330-634-8231.
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